What Is Flatfoot?

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Flatfoot goes by many names. You may have heard it called the following:

  • Pes Planus 

  • Pronated foot

  • Flat feet

  • Fallen arches 

  • Collapsed arches

All these names refer to a deformity of the foot where the entire sole of the foot touches the ground while standing. This occurs when the inside arches of the foot are flattened, often developed in childhood when the arches don’t form correctly (or at all). 

Although painless, flatfoot can cause additional problems in the foot and ankle later in life.

Causes and Symptoms of Collapsed Arches

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Foot arches start forming in infancy and progressively develop as you age and grow. Sometimes, these arches never develop. In these cases, flat feet are typically caused by:

  • Ligament laxity in the foot

  • Achilles tendon tightness

  • Heredity issues

Sometimes children can have what’s known as “flexible flatfoot,” meaning an arch is visible when they are standing on tiptoes or sitting but disappears when they stand. 

Flatfoot can also develop later in life. In adults, flatfoot is commonly caused by issues related to:

  • Arthritis

  • Obesity

  • Calf or Achilles tendon tightness

  • Damage to the hindfoot joints

  • Pregnancy

  • Injury to the foot tendons

  • Foot fractures

  • Overuse and strain

In the majority of cases, flatfoot is a painless condition. However, painful symptoms can occur - especially if your condition is impacting the alignment of your ankle and legs. Symptoms of flatfoot can include:

  • Swelling in the arches and surrounding soft tissue

  • Chronic fatigue of the foot, arch, or leg

  • Pain in the heel, foot, ankle, lower back, hip, and knee

  • Ankles rolling inwards

  • Chronic shin splints

Flatfoot can also lead to other issues such as bunions, hammertoe, and plantar fasciitis. When these issues begin to occur frequently and impact your quality of life, it’s time to make an appointment with an orthopaedic physician who specializes in the foot and ankle. 

Do I Need Surgery for Flatfoot? 

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If your fallen arches cause pain, it’s time to seek treatment. After diagnosing your condition, Dr. Elton and his team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery will always recommend nonsurgical treatment whenever possible. 

For both children and adults, conservative treatment for flatfoot includes:

  • Custom made shoe inserts

  • Bracing

  • Supportive or custom footwear

  • Daily at-home stretching exercises

  • Physical therapy

  • Anti-inflammatory medications

The majority of people with flat feet can find relief without surgical intervention. In fact, surgery is rarely done to just correct fallen arches. Surgery is only needed in cases where your flat feet are leading to or causing additional orthopaedic issues, such as:

  • Arthritis

  • Bunions

  • Bone spurs

  • Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

  • Impacted function of the foot or ankle joints

  • Inability to walk without pain, even after conservative treatment

If Dr. Elton recommends flat foot surgery, the procedure is considered low-risk. Generally, flatfoot reconstruction focuses on repairing the foot’s tendon, ligaments, and joints so they can support the arch. The goal of flatfoot reconstruction is to provide a permanent solution to flat feet, restoring your mobility so you can live pain-free. 

Contact Team Elton About Your Flat Foot Pain Today

If your collapsing arches are causing you pain, contact Dr. Elton today! Together, he and his team will diagnose the severity of your condition and recommend a treatment plan that gets you back to doing the activities you love.

Schedule your appointment today by calling (970) 476-7220 or request a consultation through our online platform!

Foot ConditionsRachael ProtasVail Summit Orthopaedics & NeurosurgeryFoot, Flat Foot