Pes Planus (Flexible Flat Feet)

Pes planus, also known as flat feet, is a condition where a person’s arch in their feet is flat. It may affect one foot or both feet.

Flexible flat feet normally refers to the condition where the arch flattens in standing position, and when sitting / resting, their feet has normal arches. ​

• No / low arches in the feet in standing
• Pain in the inner side of the feet / sole
• Shoes wear off unevenly
• Difficulty in running / jumping for long

Causes of ​Pes Planus (Flexible Flat Feet) 

Babies’ feet look flat because their arches have yet to form. Most children develop an arch in standing between 4 to 5 years old. However, some children have low or no arch formed because of loose ligaments. The arch flattens when they stand and then reappears when they tip toe. Usually, flexible flat feet does not cause any pain or long term problems. Most adults with flexible flat feet have strong, pain free feet and are able to participate in all activities.

Complications

• Poor body alignment in standing, running , walking
• Pain in the hips, knees and ankles

• ​Orthopeadic assessment
• X-ray, in severe cases

​Treatment Options

• Shoe inserts (insoles)
• Exercises

Arch support may support the arch in the foot and but not create the arch in the child with flexible flat feet. However, it is important to consult the paediatric orthopaedic surgeon if the flat feet are:

• Stiff
• Painful
• One sided