You may have never given your arches a second thought, until one day your feet ache after a short walk, your ankles feel tired by noon, or your favorite shoes suddenly stop feeling right. For many adults, flat feet are the quiet reason behind that discomfort. The good news is that flat feet are common, well understood, and often very manageable.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet, also called pes planus, describe a foot whose arch is lowered or absent so that most or all of the sole touches the floor when you stand. Many children have flat-looking feet because their arches are still developing, and most arches form during childhood. Some people never develop a pronounced arch, and others lose arch height later in life.
Not every flat foot is a problem. Some people have flat feet for their entire lives without pain. Treatment becomes worth considering when the foot causes symptoms or changes over time.
Who Is Affected?
Flat feet can affect adults of any age. Certain factors make them more likely to develop or become painful:
- Family history of low arches
- Pregnancy, which can loosen ligaments and add weight to the feet
- Excess body weight, which increases load on the arch
- Diabetes and high blood pressure, which are linked to tendon problems
- Previous foot or ankle injury, or arthritis in the foot
- Age-related wear in the tendons that support the arch
Common Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. Some adults notice only fatigue, while others have persistent pain. Signs to watch for include:
- Aching or tiredness in the arch or heel, especially after standing
- Pain on the inner ankle where the supporting tendon runs
- Swelling along the inside of the ankle
- Feet that roll inward when you walk (overpronation)
- Shin, knee, hip, or lower back pain related to changes in how you walk
- Difficulty standing on your toes or shoes wearing down unevenly
Why Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Matters
When an arch that was once normal begins to fall, it is called adult-acquired flatfoot. It is most often related to dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon, which helps hold up the arch. Medical literature describes this condition as progressive, meaning it can worsen without support or treatment. Early evaluation gives you more options, and many people can be helped with conservative care when problems are caught sooner.
Changes in foot alignment can also alter how forces travel through the ankle, knee, and hip. That is why foot discomfort sometimes shows up higher in the leg or back.
How Flat Feet Are Evaluated
A podiatrist will review your history, look at your feet while you stand and walk, and check the strength and flexibility of the arch and tendons. Imaging such as X-rays may be used to assess bone alignment, and other studies may be considered if a tendon injury is suspected. The goal is to understand whether your arch is flexible or rigid, and whether the tendon is involved, since that guides treatment.
Practical Solutions You Can Start With
Most adults with painful flat feet are first treated without surgery. Common approaches include:
- Supportive, well-fitted shoes with a firm heel counter and stable sole
- Over-the-counter or custom orthotic inserts to support the arch
- Stretching and strengthening exercises for the calf, foot, and ankle
- Activity changes and rest when the foot is flared up
- Weight management to lessen strain on the arch
- Bracing or supportive devices when a tendon is irritated
- Anti-inflammatory medication if appropriate for you
If symptoms persist despite conservative care, or if the deformity is advancing, surgical options may be discussed. These are tailored to the individual foot and are typically considered only after other measures have been tried.
When to Get Professional Help
Do not simply push through foot pain. See a podiatrist if your arch is changing, your ankle is swollen, or pain limits your daily activities. At Ascend Foot & Ankle Center in Lafayette, CO, Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM can evaluate your feet and talk through options that fit your life. Call (303) 537-4714 to ask about an appointment.