Flat Feet vs. Normal Arches: When Should You Worry?
Everyone’s feet are a little different – some people have high arches, some have average arches, and others have what we call “flat feet.” Most of the time, flat feet aren’t a problem at all. But in certain situations, they can lead to pain, injuries, or other issues that might need professional care.
So, how do you know if your flat feet are something to keep an eye on, or something that needs attention?
What Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet (also called “fallen arches”) simply means the arch of the foot is lower to the ground than usual. Some people are born with them, and in others the arch lowers over time due to age, injury, or medical conditions.
When standing, if your whole foot touches the floor with little or no curve along the inside of the foot, you likely have flat feet.
Flat Feet vs. Normal Arches
- Normal Arches: Provide natural shock absorption, help distribute weight evenly, and give the foot stability when walking or running.
- Flat Feet: Can still be strong and functional, but sometimes place extra strain on the ankles, knees, hips, or lower back.
It’s important to remember: plenty of people with flat feet never experience pain or problems.
When Should You Worry?
Flat feet are usually not a cause for concern, but you may want to see a podiatrist if you notice:
- Ongoing foot or heel pain, especially after activity.
- Swelling or stiffness around the ankle.
- Shoes wearing down unevenly (especially on the inside edge).
- Pain in the knees, hips, or lower back that might be linked to foot posture.
- One foot suddenly becoming flat, or arches “falling” over time.
These signs may suggest your feet aren’t absorbing impact as well as they should, or that your flat feet are affecting your body’s alignment.
What Can Help?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity, but common options include:
- Supportive footwear or custom orthotics
- Strengthening and stretching exercises for the feet and legs
- Activity modification or training adjustments for athletes
- In rare cases, surgery may be considered
FAQs
Are flat feet bad?
Not necessarily. Many people with flat feet never experience pain or problems. Issues only arise if flat feet affect your posture, cause discomfort, or lead to strain in other joints.
Can flat feet cause knee or back pain?
Yes. Flat feet can sometimes alter the way you walk, which may place extra stress on your knees, hips, or lower back.
Do flat feet need special shoes?
Not always. Supportive footwear can help if you experience pain or fatigue, but many people with flat feet are comfortable in regular shoes. A podiatrist can recommend what’s best for your feet.
Can flat feet be fixed?
Flat feet in adults usually can’t be “reversed,” but treatments like orthotics, exercises, and footwear changes can greatly reduce symptoms and improve function.
Should kids with flat feet see a podiatrist?
Children often have flexible flat feet that improve as they grow. If your child has pain, trips often, or their arches don’t develop with age, a podiatrist check is a good idea.
The Bottom Line
Flat feet aren’t automatically a problem – many people live their whole lives with them without any pain. But if you’re noticing discomfort, changes in your foot shape, or issues higher up in the body, it’s worth booking an assessment. A podiatrist can help determine whether your flat feet need support, or if they’re simply part of your natural foot shape.
Book an appointment with our team today and take the first step toward healthier, pain-free feet.
Josh Condon (Podiatrist)