Flat Foot Specialists in Karnataka

What is Flat Foot?

Flat foot, also known as pes planus, is a condition in which the arch on the inside of the foot is flattened or absent, causing the entire sole to come into contact or nearly into contact with the ground while standing. It is very common and often present from childhood as a normal variant that resolves as the arch develops with growth, though it can also persist into adulthood or develop later in life due to injury, tendon dysfunction, or age-related changes. In many people, flat feet cause no problems at all, while in others the altered foot mechanics lead to pain, abnormal gait, and secondary problems in the ankles, knees, or lower back. Evaluation focuses on distinguishing flexible flat foot, which is generally harmless, from rigid flat foot, which may indicate an underlying structural or neurological problem requiring further assessment.

Causes of Flat Foot

Flat foot can be present from birth due to a naturally low or undeveloped arch, or it can develop later in life due to weakening or dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon, which normally supports the arch, injury to the foot or ankle, or conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis. Age-related wear and tear on the tendons and ligaments supporting the arch is a common cause of adult-acquired flat foot. Genetic factors and conditions affecting connective tissue elasticity can also predispose individuals to flexible flat feet.

Symptoms of Flat Foot

visible flattening of the foot arch while standing, foot pain or fatigue especially after standing or walking for long periods, swelling along the inside of the ankle, uneven or excessive shoe wear pattern, difficulty standing on tiptoes, pain that may extend to the ankles, knees, hips, or lower back, stiffness in one or both feet, foot that appears to turn outward while standing

Treatment & Types of Flat Foot in Karnataka

Most cases of flexible flat foot, particularly in children, require no treatment beyond monitoring, as symptoms are typically absent. When flat foot causes pain, supportive footwear with good arch support, custom orthotic inserts, and specific strengthening and stretching exercises for the foot and calf muscles are usually effective in managing symptoms. Severe, rigid, or progressively worsening flat foot, particularly related to tendon dysfunction, may require bracing or, in select cases, surgical reconstruction to restore normal foot alignment and function.

Flat foot is classified as flexible, where the arch appears when the foot is lifted off the ground but flattens with weight-bearing, and rigid, where the arch is absent regardless of weight-bearing, the latter being more likely to indicate an underlying structural or neurological problem. It is also described as congenital, present from birth, or acquired, developing later due to tendon dysfunction, injury, or age-related changes.

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