Flatfoot is characterized by a decrease in the internal arch of the foot and heels’ internal deviation, being quite common in children. It can be observed when there is a large support area having practically all the foot’s sole in contact with the floor. This type of foot is usually related to pronation in walking resulting in more located strains in the feet inner areas.

Flat feet in children

Flat feet are very common in children as the foot develops during childhood. It tends to become normal from the first decade of life forward; around the nine months of age, when the child starts his/her first steps, the foot appears flat but it results of the amount of adipose tissue (fat tissue) on the sole of the foot, being considered as normal.

From the age of two, if the child presents characteristics of a flat foot, it is essential a biomechanical examination and evaluation of the foot in order to make a correct diagnosis and to understand if there is the need to apply some kind of treatment. Symptoms are usually classified as pain in the inner arch of the foot, pain in the heel and ankle that is intensified when running or walking.

Flat feet in adults

Regarding the flat foot in an adult, it can be described as a decrease in the internal arch of the foot as a result of malfunction or weakness of the posterior tibialis tendon. The tendon of the posterior tibial muscle is responsible for supporting the internal arch of the foot, as well as providing foot’s stability while walking or during sports. Diseases such as diabetes, overweight and hypertension actively contribute to this situation.

Correction of flat feet:

For effective correction, a biomechanical and postural assessment is recommended. It includes joint assessment, muscle assessment, static and dynamic observation of walking, angle measurement, and computerized static and dynamic podometry examination. With this assessment there is the possibility of adapting specific insoles to correct the decrease of the inner arch and the position of the heel.