Flat Foot Treatment
Assessment and correction for flat foot conditions.
Flat foot occurs when the arch of the foot is reduced or absent, causing the entire sole to make more contact with the ground than usual. It can be present from childhood without ever causing problems, or it can develop or worsen in adulthood, sometimes leading to pain and altered walking mechanics that benefit from treatment.
Types
Flexible Flat Foot
The arch is visible when the foot is not bearing weight but flattens on standing - the most common and usually painless form.
Rigid Flat Foot
The arch remains flat even without weight-bearing, sometimes indicating an underlying structural cause.
Adult-Acquired Flat Foot
Flat foot developing later in life, often related to tendon dysfunction supporting the arch.
Flat Foot with Tendon Dysfunction
A specific pattern where the tibialis posterior tendon, a key arch support, becomes weakened or damaged.
Common Causes
Flat foot can be present from birth as a variant of normal foot structure, or can develop later in life due to changes in the tendons and ligaments that support the arch.
- Congenital flexible flat foot - a common, usually harmless variation present from childhood.
- Tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction - a key cause of flat foot developing in adulthood.
- Ageing - ligaments and tendons naturally lose some supportive strength over time.
- Obesity - additional body weight places extra strain on the structures supporting the arch.
- Injury or arthritis affecting the joints and tendons of the foot.
- Certain neuromuscular conditions affecting foot structure.
Signs and Symptoms
- A visibly flattened arch, either constantly or only when standing
- Foot or ankle pain, particularly after long periods of standing or walking
- Swelling along the inner ankle in cases involving tendon dysfunction
- Fatigue in the feet or legs with activity
- Changes in walking pattern or difficulty with certain footwear
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on clinical examination of the foot both at rest and while standing, sometimes supported by X-rays or an MRI when tendon dysfunction or another structural cause is suspected, particularly for adult-acquired flat foot.
Treatment Approach
Flexible flat foot in children and adults without pain generally needs no treatment beyond reassurance. Painful or progressive flat foot is managed with supportive footwear, orthotic inserts, and physiotherapy targeting the supporting muscles and tendons. More significant tendon dysfunction or rigid flat foot occasionally needs surgical correction if non-surgical measures do not provide adequate relief. Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna assesses whether flat foot is a harmless variant or a source of genuine symptoms needing active treatment.
Please note: This page is for general information only and does not replace a proper medical evaluation. Every case is different, and the underlying cause of your symptoms may not match what is described here. Please do not use this page to self-diagnose - consult Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna or another qualified orthopaedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis specific to you.
Last reviewed: August 2026