FLAT FEET
Reduced or absent arches during standing or movement
Reduced or absent arches during standing or movement
Foot Structure Overview
Understanding Flat Feet
Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse or do not fully form, allowing the soles of the feet to make increased contact with the ground. This can affect how weight is distributed through the feet and how the lower body absorbs impact during movement.
While some individuals have flat feet without symptoms, others may experience discomfort, fatigue, or pain that worsens with activity. Flat feet may be present from childhood or develop later in life due to injury, overuse, or changes in tendon strength.
Foot Structure Overview
Understanding Flat Feet
Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse or do not fully form, allowing the soles of the feet to make increased contact with the ground. This can affect how weight is distributed through the feet and how the lower body absorbs impact during movement.
While some individuals have flat feet without symptoms, others may experience discomfort, fatigue, or pain that worsens with activity. Flat feet may be present from childhood or develop later in life due to injury, overuse, or changes in tendon strength.
Foot Structure Overview
Understanding Flat Feet
Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse or do not fully form, allowing the soles of the feet to make increased contact with the ground. This can affect how weight is distributed through the feet and how the lower body absorbs impact during movement.
While some individuals have flat feet without symptoms, others may experience discomfort, fatigue, or pain that worsens with activity. Flat feet may be present from childhood or develop later in life due to injury, overuse, or changes in tendon strength.
How Flat Feet Can Affect Everyday Movement
Flat feet can alter how the body absorbs impact and distributes weight during standing and walking. While some individuals remain symptom-free, others may experience discomfort that interferes with daily activity, particularly without proper support.
Effects may include:
- Foot fatigue or aching after prolonged standing or activity
- Discomfort extending into the ankles or lower legs
- Changes in gait or movement patterns over time
- Added stress on the knees, hips, or lower back
- Changes in gait or movement patterns over time
- Added stress on the knees, hips, or lower back
- Foot fatigue or aching after prolonged standing or activity
- Discomfort extending into the ankles or lower legs
- Changes in gait or movement patterns over time
- Added stress on the knees, hips, or lower back
Without appropriate support or evaluation, these effects may gradually worsen and lead to ongoing discomfort or reduced mobility.
Flat Feet at a Glance
20–30%
Estimated percentage of adults with flat feet or fallen arches.
100%
Infants are born without a visible arch, which typically develops during early childhood.
2x
Increased likelihood of foot fatigue with prolonged standing or walking.
Up to 50%
Altered alignment affecting the ankles, knees, hips, or lower back.
20–30%
Estimated percentage of adults with flat feet or fallen arches.
100%
Infants are born without a visible arch, which typically develops during early childhood.
2x
Increased likelihood of foot fatigue with prolonged standing or walking.
Up to 50%
Altered alignment affecting the ankles, knees, hips, or lower back.
20–30%
Estimated percentage of adults with flat feet or fallen arches.
100%
Infants are born without a visible arch, which typically develops during early childhood.
2x
Increased likelihood of foot fatigue with prolonged standing or walking.
Up to 50%
Altered alignment affecting the ankles, knees, hips, or lower back.
SUPPORT & ALIGNMENT FOCUS
IMPROVING MOVEMENT EFFICIENCY
Flat feet can affect how the body absorbs impact and maintains balance during everyday movement. Addressing this condition involves optimizing support through the foot while reducing excessive strain placed on surrounding joints and soft tissue.
Evaluation focuses on foot posture, movement patterns, and how weight is transferred during standing and walking. By identifying how reduced arch height is influencing overall mechanics, recommendations can be tailored to improve stability and efficiency rather than simply addressing discomfort.
Options may emphasize redistributing pressure, enhancing structural support, and improving motion control. For individuals with persistent symptoms, additional interventions may be considered. The goal is to promote better movement, increased comfort, and improved long-term function.
Available treatment options include:
Conservative Care:
- Arch-supporting inserts designed to improve foot positioning
- Footwear recommendations to promote balance and cushioning
- Mobility and strengthening exercises to enhance control
- Adjustments to activity levels to limit overuse
Surgical Solutions:
- Procedures addressing tendon dysfunction
- Structural correction when necessary
- Surgical intervention for severe or progressive cases
Recommendations are determined by foot structure, symptom impact, and functional demands, with the aim of improving mobility and overall comfort.
SUPPORT & ALIGNMENT FOCUS
IMPROVING MOVEMENT EFFICIENCY
Flat feet can affect how the body absorbs impact and maintains balance during everyday movement. Addressing this condition involves optimizing support through the foot while reducing excessive strain placed on surrounding joints and soft tissue.
Evaluation focuses on foot posture, movement patterns, and how weight is transferred during standing and walking. By identifying how reduced arch height is influencing overall mechanics, recommendations can be tailored to improve stability and efficiency rather than simply addressing discomfort.
Options may emphasize redistributing pressure, enhancing structural support, and improving motion control. For individuals with persistent symptoms, additional interventions may be considered. The goal is to promote better movement, increased comfort, and improved long-term function.
Available treatment options include:
Conservative Care:
- Arch-supporting inserts designed to improve foot positioning
- Footwear recommendations to promote balance and cushioning
- Mobility and strengthening exercises to enhance control
- Adjustments to activity levels to limit overuse
Surgical Solutions:
- Procedures addressing tendon dysfunction
- Structural correction when necessary
- Surgical intervention for severe or progressive cases
Recommendations are determined by foot structure, symptom impact, and functional demands, with the aim of improving mobility and overall comfort.
SUPPORT & ALIGNMENT FOCUS
IMPROVING MOVEMENT EFFICIENCY
Flat feet can affect how the body absorbs impact and maintains balance during everyday movement. Addressing this condition involves optimizing support through the foot while reducing excessive strain placed on surrounding joints and soft tissue.
Evaluation focuses on foot posture, movement patterns, and how weight is transferred during standing and walking. By identifying how reduced arch height is influencing overall mechanics, recommendations can be tailored to improve stability and efficiency rather than simply addressing discomfort.
Options may emphasize redistributing pressure, enhancing structural support, and improving motion control. For individuals with persistent symptoms, additional interventions may be considered. The goal is to promote better movement, increased comfort, and improved long-term function.
Available treatment options include:
Conservative Care:
- Arch-supporting inserts designed to improve foot positioning
- Footwear recommendations to promote balance and cushioning
- Mobility and strengthening exercises to enhance control
- Adjustments to activity levels to limit overuse
Surgical Solutions:
- Procedures addressing tendon dysfunction
- Structural correction when necessary
- Surgical intervention for severe or progressive cases
Recommendations are determined by foot structure, symptom impact, and functional demands, with the aim of improving mobility and overall comfort.