Flat feet are very common, and in many cases, they are not a problem. Some people naturally have lower arches and never experience pain, discomfort or issues with movement.
However, flat feet can sometimes contribute to aching, tiredness, poor shoe wear, changes in walking patterns or discomfort through the feet, ankles, knees, hips or lower back.
The key is not just whether the arch looks flat. It is whether the feet are functioning well and whether symptoms are present.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet occur when the arch on the inside of the foot sits lower than usual or appears to collapse towards the ground when standing.
For some people, the arch may still be visible when the foot is lifted but flatten when weight is placed through the foot. For others, the arch may appear low when sitting and standing.
Flat feet can affect one foot or both feet, and they can occur in both children and adults.
Are Flat Feet Always a Problem?
No, flat feet are not always a problem.
Some people have flat feet their whole life and experience no pain at all. In children, flatter feet can also be part of normal development, especially at a younger age.
However, flat feet may need to be assessed if they are causing pain, fatigue, changes in movement or difficulty with daily activity.
It is also worth paying attention if the feet look very different from one another, if the arch appears to be changing over time or if walking becomes uncomfortable.
Signs Flat Feet May Need to Be Checked
Flat feet may benefit from a podiatry assessment if you or your child notice:
- Pain in the feet, arches or heels
- Aching after standing or walking
- Tired legs or feet
- Uneven shoe wear
- Difficulty finding comfortable shoes
- Ankles rolling inwards
- Knee, hip or lower back discomfort
- Trips, falls or clumsiness in children
- Avoiding activity due to foot or leg discomfort
- One foot appearing flatter than the other
Symptoms can be subtle at first. Some people may not describe it as pain, but instead say their feet feel tired, heavy, weak or uncomfortable by the end of the day.
Flat Feet in Children
Flat feet in children are common, particularly when they are young. Many children naturally have flatter-looking feet as their muscles, bones and walking patterns develop.
In some cases, this improves with age. In other cases, flat feet may remain but cause no issues.
However, a child’s flat feet should be checked if they are experiencing pain, tripping often, avoiding sport, complaining of tired legs or showing changes in walking.
Parents may also notice the child’s shoes wearing unevenly, their ankles rolling inwards or their feet looking very different from other children their age.
A children’s podiatry assessment can help determine whether the foot posture is part of normal development or whether extra support may be helpful.
Flat Feet in Adults
In adults, flat feet may be something a person has always had, or they may develop over time.
Adult flat feet can sometimes become more noticeable due to changes in strength, injury, footwear, work demands, pregnancy, activity levels or increased load through the feet.
Some adults may start to experience arch pain, heel pain, ankle discomfort or fatigue after standing for long periods. Others may notice their shoes no longer feel supportive or their feet appear to roll inwards more than they used to.
When flat feet become painful or start affecting movement, it is worth having them assessed.
Can Flat Feet Affect More Than the Feet?
Flat feet can sometimes influence how pressure is distributed through the body.
When the feet roll inwards or the arches collapse under load, it may change how the ankles, knees, hips and lower back move. This does not mean flat feet will always cause pain elsewhere, but for some people, foot posture can be one contributing factor.
This is why podiatrists look at more than just the arch.
A proper assessment may include checking foot posture, footwear, walking patterns, joint movement, muscle strength and areas of pressure.
What Can Help Flat Feet?
The right support depends on the person, their symptoms and how their feet are functioning.
Management may include:
- Footwear advice
- Strengthening exercises
- Stretching guidance
- Activity or load management
- Orthotic support where appropriate
- Advice for sport, school or work shoes
- Monitoring changes over time
For children, treatment is not always needed. Sometimes the best approach is reassurance, monitoring and practical footwear advice.
For adults, support may focus on reducing pain, improving comfort and helping the feet manage daily load more effectively.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
It may be time to see a podiatrist if flat feet are causing pain, fatigue, balance concerns, difficulty with shoes or changes in walking.
You should also consider an assessment if your child is complaining of sore feet or legs, avoiding physical activity, frequently tripping or showing noticeable changes in how they walk.
The earlier symptoms are assessed, the easier it can be to understand what is contributing to the issue and what support may be appropriate.
Flat Feet Assessment on the Gold Coast
At The Foot Stop, our podiatrists assess flat feet in both adults and children. We look at how the feet move, how pressure is distributed, what symptoms are present and whether footwear or additional support may help.
Flat feet are not always something to worry about, but if they are causing discomfort or affecting movement, an assessment can help provide clarity.
To book an appointment, visit our contact page.