Flat feet
This is also known as: pes planus/pes planovalgus/pes valgus. It is a common foot condition and can be recognised by a sagging longitudinal arch of the foot. In addition, the heel bone is often tilted inwards. There are two types of flat feet: rigid and flexible. A rigid flat foot is congenital, whilst a flexible flat foot is caused by flexible ligaments in the foot, which allow it to collapse.
What is a flat foot?
A flat foot is also known as: pes planus/pes planovalgus/pes valgus. It is a common foot condition and can be recognised by a sagging longitudinal arch of the foot. In addition, the heel bone is often tilted inwards. There are two types of flat feet: rigid and flexible. A rigid flat foot is congenital, whilst a flexible flat foot results from flexible ligaments in the foot, which allow it to collapse.
Symptoms can occur in a wide variety of places on the foot, but particularly on the inside and underside of the foot. Pain and fatigue may also occur after walking or standing for long periods.
Insoles for flat feet
The treatment consists of a corrective podiatric insole. In children, there are also foot muscle-strengthening exercises given.
The result
The expected outcome is that the flat foot will remain, but the symptoms will be alleviated. In children, whether permanent correction is necessary depends on the severity of the condition.
