I have flat arches (flat feet) or a
collapsed foot

Some people naturally have flat feet (shallow arches) and suffer no problems. Flat feet are a normal variety of the human foot (flexible idiopathic flatfoot), and are often inherited. Indeed, flat-footedness is usual for toddlers, with their arches developing normally at the ages of 3, 4 or older. Even if the arch stays flat, there are usually no symptoms. Some children with flat feet have aching shins or feet when walking long distances and their shoes can wear out rapidly. Arch support insoles can be helpful, although they will not improve the depth of the child's arch later in life.

Sometimes, there is a true abnormality in the structure of the foot, causing a shallow arch and symptoms. This is not necessarily serious. For example, there may be an abnormal join between some of the foot bones (tarsal coalition) causing a stiff, flat foot which becomes painful, most often in late childhood. Another condition present since birth but not causing symptoms until later is an accessory navicular bone. This extra bone is at the side of the foot where a strong tendon (tibialis posterior tendon) attaches and causes pain, often with a bony bump above a flat arch. In adults, this tendon can become over-strained, inflamed, stretched, and even torn (posterior tibial tendon dysfunction). The arch becomes even flatter and the foot begins twisting outwards. The same appearance can also occur if the midfoot joints become arthritic due to wear and tear (osteoarthritis) or inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis can also attack the tendons directly.

Many of these causes benefit from biomechanical treatment, such as exercises and using an arch support. However, should this fail, your prognosis and treatment will depend on the specific underlying cause.

 

The following list is a summary of some symptoms you may have. For full assessment and treatment of your particular problems, please contact us.

I have...

• suffered a sporting injury.

• a painful bump on the side of my big toe.

• pain and/or a lump in my heel.

• an ankle injury that's not improving.

• a weak ankle.

• ankle pain and/or stiffness.

• flat arches or a collapsed foot.

• painful toes.

• pain in the ball of my foot.

• an in-growing toenail.

• a stiff or painful big toe joint.

• pain and/or stiffness in the midfoot.

• clawed or curly toes.

• pain in my forefoot.

• pains in my shin.

• a lump on my foot.