What is flat feet/overpronation?
Most people have a gap under the arch of their foot when they are in a standing position. The arch, the inner part of the foot is slightly raised off the ground. People with flat feet or fallen arches either have no arch, or it is very low.
The feet of people with flat feet may roll over to the inner side when they are standing or walking, and the feet may point outwards as a result.
A significant number of people with fallen arches (flat feet) experience no pain and have no problems. Some, however, may experience pain in their feet, especially when the connecting ligaments and muscles are strained. The leg joints may also be affected, resulting in pain. If the ankles turn inwards because of flat feet, the most likely affected areas will be the feet, ankles and knees.
Some people have flat feet because of a developmental fault during childhood, while others may find that the problem develops as they age, or after a pregnancy.
What are the signs and symptoms of flat feet or fallen arches?
A symptom is something the patient feels and reports, while a sign is something other people, including the doctor, may detect. An example of a symptom may be a pain in the ankle, while a sign may be a swelling.
Symptoms may vary and generally depend on the severity of the condition. Some have an uneven distribution of body weight and find that the heel of their shoes wears out more rapidly and more on one side than the other. The most common signs or symptoms of flat feet are:
- The ankle (inner side), there may also be swelling
- the foot in general
- the arch of the foot
- the calf
- the knee
- the hip
- the back
- the general lower leg area
People with flat feet may also experience stiffness in one or both feet. One or both feet may be flat on the ground (either no arch or very slight arch). Shoes may wear unevenly.