Flat feet, also know as pes planus, can lead to a marked increase in forces through the foot and lower leg, leading to pain and long-term damage.

During the contact phase of the walking cycle, the arch is designed to flatten out slightly to allow for shock absorption. This motion is know as pronation and a certain amount is normal. The arch should then return to its initial position to allow the foot and leg to function, in what is known as the neutral position. This neutral position is where the joints line up and forces are evenly distributed.

In some individuals the foot excessively flattens out. This excess motion, or excess pronation, leads to the arch collapsing, the front of the foot moving to the outside and the heel tilting. Once this condition starts it places excess (and often damaging) forces through the foot and lower leg.

As mentioned the body is designed to function in a neutral position and, when the flat feet condition is present, the joints can function at their end range of motion, leading to the jamming of these joints, resulting in damage, pain and eventually even arthritis.

As the body attempts to control this excess motion, it will employ muscles to help stop the excess motion. This can then lead to fatigue and ultimately damage to these muscles.

Additional foot problems – Some of the conditions that flat feet can lead to are:

• plantar fasciitis
• arch pain
• bunions
• shin splints
• arthritis
• neuromas
• knee pain.

Once this excess motion is controlled, symptoms are relieved and degeneration can be prevented. At Bio Podiaty we offer a variety of options to control this excess motion, including:

• strengthening and stretching to improve muscle imbalances
• injections to reverse pain and inflammation
• orthotics.

Video treadmill gait analysis is carried out to visualise the exact type and degree of deviation, then a biomechanical assessment is undertaken to see where the structural deviations may be that are leading to compensation that in turn leads to the excess pronation.

If orthotics are required, they will be designed to be comfortable, slim enough to fit in shoes and work.

In severe rigid flat feet cases that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be an option. If there is potential for surgical intervention to help, a referral can be issued.