Flat feet (fallen arches)

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}; function onError(error) {}</script> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> initialiseSocialShare('socialshare-node-desktop-mode', "https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/flat-feet"); </script> </span> </div> <div id="readspeaker_button1" class="rs_skip rsbtn rs_preserve"> <a rel="nofollow" class="rsbtn_play" accesskey="L" title="Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker" href="//app-oc.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=8207&lang=en_au&readid=mainContentArticleText&url=https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/flat-feet"> <span class="rsbtn_left rsimg rspart"><span class="rsbtn_text"><span>Listen</span></span></span> <span class="rsbtn_right rsimg rsplay rspart"></span> </a> </div> </header> <div class="main_content-body-text"><div class="cont_layout-standout" style="border-radius: 5px;"> <h2 id="key-facts">Key facts</h2> <ul> <li>Flat feet have lower arches than normal and appear flat against the ground.</li> <li>Flat feet can cause pain in your heel, foot arch, leg, or other parts of your body.</li> <li>Flat feet can develop with age, as wear and tear on the feet causes the arch to drop.</li> <li>Treatment can include orthotics, stretches, losing weight and wearing more supportive shoes.</li> </ul> </div> <nav class="cont_nav-index-table__double-col"> <h2>On this page</h2> <ul> <li><a href="#what">What are flat feet?</a></li> <li><a href="#symptoms">What are the symptoms of flat feet?</a></li> <li><a href="#causes">What causes flat feet?</a></li> <li><a href="#doctor">When should I see my doctor?</a></li> <li><a href="#diagnosed">How are flat feet diagnosed?</a></li> <li><a href="#treatment">How are flat feet treated?</a></li> <li><a href="#prevented">Can flat feet be prevented?</a></li> <li><a href="#complications">Complications of flat feet</a></li> <li><a href="#resources">Resources and support</a></li> <li><a href="#searchGeneralResults">Related information on Australian websites</a></li> </ul> </nav> <h2 id="what">What are flat feet?</h2> <p>Flat feet is the term used when the arch of your foot is lower than normal. This condition is also known as fallen arches.</p> <p>The foot usually has an arch shape:</p> <ul> <li>The middle part of the inside aspect of the foot is off the ground.</li> <li>The heel and ball of the foot touch the ground.</li> </ul> <p>However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes the arch doesn't develop properly or it might flatten towards the ground.</p> <p>Flat feet are normal in babies and young children.</p> <p>It is good to know whether you have flat feet. This can help you avoid problems and remain active throughout your life.</p> <h2 id="symptoms">What are the symptoms of flat feet?</h2> <p>Flat feet don’t always cause symptoms. Sometimes they cause pain in other parts of your body, including your:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/heel-pain">heel</a></li> <li><a href="/plantar-fasciitis">arch</a><li> <li>leg</li> </ul> <p>This is because flat feet change how your feet and legs align. They also change how they work together when you are moving.</p> <p>You may also experience other signs, such as: </p> <ul> <li>uneven shoe wear</li> <li>tripping or falling often, especially for children</li> <li>stiffness or swelling in your feet</li> </ul> <h2 id="causes">What causes flat feet?</h2> <p>Flat feet can be caused by the arches in the feet not developing properly during childhood. </p> <p><a href="https://www.podiatry.org.au/foot-health-resources/kids/childrens-feet218" target="_blank">Children’s feet</a> develop at different speeds. All babies and most toddlers seem to have flat feet due to baby fat that hides the developing arch. The arch in small children can usually be seen when they stand on their toes.</p> <p>Most children develop a more visible arch by around the age of 10 years. Some children might never develop an arch, which is perfectly normal and may never cause a problem.</p> <p>Flat feet can also develop with age, as wear and tear on your feet causes the arch to drop.</p> <p>Some specific conditions can also cause flat feet, including <a href="/ehlers-danlos-syndrome">Ehlers-Danlos syndrome</a>, <a href="/cerebral-palsy">cerebral palsy</a> and <a href="/muscular-dystrophy">muscular dystrophy</a>.</p> <p>Factors that increase the risk of flat feet include: </p> <ul> <li>being male</li> <li><a href="/rheumatoid-arthritis">rheumatoid arthritis</a></li> <li><a href="/diabetes">diabetes</a></li> <li><a href="/obesity">obesity</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="doctor">When should I see my doctor?</h2> <p>If you or your child have flat feet, see a doctor if you: </p> <ul> <li>have pain</li> <li>have limited activity</li> <li>have only one foot affected</li> </ul> <h2 id="diagnosed">How are flat feet diagnosed?</h2> <p>If you have any concerns about your feet, see your doctor or contact a <a href="/podiatrist">podiatrist</a>.</p> <p>If you have flat feet, the arch of your foot touches the ground. This can be seen in your footprint.</p> <p>This is one way that your doctor might diagnose flat feet. They might also measure your feet and ask you about any symptoms you may have. This will help them rule out other conditions.</p> <a href="/australian-health-services" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_hospital"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>FIND A HEALTH SERVICE</strong> — The <strong class="cont_underline">Service Finder</strong> can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.</p> </a> <h2 id="treatment">How are flat feet treated?</h2> <p>If you have flat feet that aren't causing you pain or concern, you don’t need treatment.</p> <p>However, if you have symptoms, treatment might include:</p> <ul> <li>orthotics (special inserts for your shoes)</li> <li><a href="/physiotherapy">physiotherapy</a></li> <li><a href="/weight-loss-and-dieting">losing weight</a></li> <li>wearing more supportive shoes</li> </ul> <p>Orthotics are sometimes known as arch supports. They can help to manage pain or injury that may come with having flat feet.</p> <p>In some people, surgery might be considered.</p> <h3>What should I think about when buying shoes?</h3> <p>It's important to wear shoes that fit. When buying shoes:</p> <ul> <li>have someone measure your foot’s length and width</li> <li>check that the shoe matches the natural shape of your foot</li> <li>allow 1cm of room between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe</li> <li>keep the heel height under 2.5cm</li> <li>ensure your shoes suit the activity you’ll be doing in them.</li> </ul> <h2 id="prevented">Can flat feet be prevented?</h2> <p>Flat feet and other feet problems can be prevented by using footwear that fits well. Orthotics are also used to prevent flat feet. However, this lacks evidence.</p> <h2 id="complications">Complications of flat feet</h2> <p>Untreated flat feet can lead to problems with your:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/ankle-pain">ankles</a></li> <li>knees</li> <li>hips</li> <li>lumbar (lower back)</li> </ul> <p>Treatment can help prevent these complications.</p> <h2 id="resources">Resources and support</h2> <p>If you need to know more about flat feet, and to get advice on what to do next, you can call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse. Someone is available 24 hours, 7 days a week (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).</p></div> <footer class="main_content-article-text-footer"> <div> <h4>Source<span>s</span>:</h4> <span> <a href="https://www.health.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank" title="Victorian Paediatric Orthopaedic Network">Victorian Paediatric Orthopaedic Network</a> <em>(Flat feet in children - pdf)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank" title="Sydney Children's Hospitals Network">Sydney Children's Hospitals Network</a> <em>(Flat feet - pdf)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14401754" target="_blank" title="Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health">Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health</a> <em>(Mitigating clinician and community concerns about children's flatfeet, intoeing gait, knock knees or bow legs)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www1.racgp.org.au/" target="_blank" title="RACGP">RACGP</a> <em>(A guide to the management of paediatric pes planus)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au" target="_blank" title="SA Health">SA Health</a> <em>(Flat Feet (Pes Planus))<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/" target="_blank" title="Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research">Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research</a> <em>(Flat Foot in a Random Population and its Impact on Quality of Life and Functionality)<span></span></em> </span> </div> </footer> <p>Learn more here about the <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-our-content">development and quality assurance of healthdirect content</a>.</p> <p>Last reviewed: August 2023</p> <div class="main_content-back-to-top"><a href="#backToTop"><i class="dor-icon_caret-up"></i><br><span class="tablet-up__inline">Back To </span>Top</a></a></div> </main>  <section class="main_content-links print-hidden"> <section class="related-concept-section"> <h2>Search our site for</h2> <ul> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Foot" title="Search results for:Foot">Foot</a> </li> </ul> </section> </section>  <section class="main_content-search"> <header> <h2>Need more information?</h2> <p>These trusted information partners have more on this topic.</p> </header> <div class="main_content-general-text"> <div> <div class="main_content-search-results-partners"> <nav class="dor-tabs__2 veyron-search-tabs" role="tablist"> <label class="dor-tabs_item" role="tab" aria-controls="searchGeneralResults" aria-selected="true"> <input type="radio" checked name="tab"> <div class="dor-tabs_item-btn veyron-search-tab-btn">General search results</div> </label> <label class="dor-tabs_item" role="tab" aria-controls="searchProfessionalResults" aria-selected="false"> <input type="radio" name="tab"> <div class="dor-tabs_item-btn veyron-search-tab-btn">Results for medical professionals</div> </label> </nav> <section id="searchGeneralResults" data-total-records="2"> <p>Top results</p> <a href="https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/flat-feet-in-children" data-partner-url="PBB" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|a0814bac-44c8-4ad1-983f-c5e2da457d4c"> <h3>Flat feet in children</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Most toddlers are flat footed because the arch in their foot develops as your child grows. Find out more about the causes and treatment of flat feet.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pregnancy, Birth & Baby" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/PBB_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/childrens-feet-and-shoes" data-partner-url="partners/better-health-channel" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|32c6d84a-0198-46d8-95de-61d68c754ba4"> <h3>Children's feet and shoes - Better Health Channel</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>A child learning to walk receives important sensory information from the soles of their feet, and shoes can make walking more difficult.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Better Health Channel website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Better Health Channel" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/bhc-rectangle-image-e99950.png"> </a> <section class="main_content-search-show-more hidden"> <button class="main_content-search-show-more-btn" title="Show more search results" rel="nofollow">Show more</button> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-show-more-loading"></i> </section> </section> <section id="searchProfessionalResults" class="hidden" data-total-records="0"> <p>Top results</p> <section class="main_content-search-show-more hidden"> <button class="main_content-search-show-more-btn" title="Show more search results" rel="nofollow">Show more</button> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-show-more-loading"></i> </section> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="partner-popup-content hidden"> <header class="dor-modal_body-header"><h2>Disclaimer</h2></header> <div class="dor-modal_body-main veyron-global-popup-body-main"> <div class="dor-modal_body-main-content"> <p>Healthdirect Australia is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.</p> </div> </div> <footer class="dor-modal_body-footer"> <a target="_blank" class="main-action main-action__link" role="button"><button class="dor-modal_body-footer-action">OK</button></a> </footer> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> HDW.partnerResults = JSON.parse('{\"localContentConfig\":{\"PBB\":{\"logo\":\"PBB_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au\/\",\"name\":\"Pregnancy, Birth & Baby\"},\"MHC\":{\"logo\":\"MHC_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.mindhealthconnect.org.au\/\",\"name\":\"mindhealthconnect\"},\"HIN\":{\"logo\":\"healthdirect_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/\",\"name\":\"healthdirect\"},\"HCW\":{\"logo\":\"healthdirect_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/about.healthdirect.gov.au\/\",\"name\":\"healthdirect\"}}}') initArticleSearchResults(JSON.parse('{\"general\":\"\/api\/search\/content\/general?wt=json&f.partner.facet.limit=-1&f.partner.facet.sort=count&rows=10&start=0&channel=HIN&q=%22flat%20feet%22%20AND%20%22children\'s%20feet%22&fq=document_channel%3A(%22HIN%22%20OR%20%22PBB%22%20OR%20%22MHC%22%20OR%20%22HCW%22)&fq=!canonical_channel%3A%22HIN%22&fq=(canonical_channel%3A%5B*%20TO%20*%5D%20OR%20content_type%3A%22hdaptn%3ApartnerContent%22)&fq=audience_en%3A(%22Consumers%22%20OR%20%22Carers%22)\",\"professional\":\"\/api\/search\/content\/keyword?wt=json&f.partner.facet.limit=-1&f.partner.facet.sort=count&rows=10&start=0&channel=HIN&q=%22flat%20feet%22%20AND%20%22children\'s%20feet%22&fq=!partner%3A%22healthdirect%22&fq=audience_en%3A%22Health%20Professionals%22\"}')); </script> </section> </div> <aside class="main_content-col-right print-hidden"> <div class="tablet-up"> <section class="related-concept-section"> <h2>Search our site for</h2> <ul> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Foot" title="Search results for:Foot">Foot</a> </li> </ul> </section> <section class="widget-sym" data-ng-show="symptom" data-semantic-links="semanticLinks" layout="sidebar"> <h2>Symptom checker</h2> <p><strong>Worried about your health?</strong></p><p>Select a symptom, answer some questions, get advice.</p> <a class="widget-sym-btn" href="/symptom-checker/tool?symptom=GNRC" title="Check symptoms">Start Your Symptom Check</a> </section> <section class="hsf-panel-node-sidebar-mode veyron-search-by-service-panel "> <form data-old-class="hsf-form" name="serviceFinderForm" novalidate=""> <fieldset class="hsf-form_services"> <legend class="sr-only">service category</legend> <h2>Find a health service</h2> <section class="dor-form_error-area veyron-hsf-panel-error-list hidden" id="hadLocationErrors"> <ul> <li>Please enter a suburb or postcode of your location and select from the list.</li> <li>Unable to find your location. 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