Are Flat Feet a Health Concern?

One of the most common foot problems we see at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic is a condition called flat feet (pes planus), which affects up to 37% of Americans to some degree.

Maybe you’ve heard of it, or perhaps you’ve looked down and noticed your arches seem a little low. But is it actually a problem? The answer is: It depends. Some people with flat feet never have any pain or issues. Others struggle with discomfort, fatigue, and knee or back problems.

In this blog, we break down what flat feet are, when they become a health concern, and what you can do to keep your feet healthy and strong.

What are flat feet?

When you stand, your foot should have a natural arch that curves upward. This arch helps absorb shock and gives your foot flexibility. If the arch is very low or touches the ground, you have fallen arches or flat feet.

Some people have flexible flat feet. When they take the weight off their feet, they do have a slight arch, but it disappears when they stand. Other people have rigid flatfoot, as it’s called, so they have no arch even when there’s no weight on their feet.

Some people are born with flat feet (congenital), while others develop them over time (acquired). Common causes include the following:

• Genetics — flat feet tend to run in families
• An ankle or foot injury, which could lead to fallen arches
• Tendons (especially the posterior tibial tendon) can weaken with age
• Obesity — extra weight places additional stress on your feet
• Joint inflammation from arthritis, which can damage foot structure

Pregnancy can temporarily flatten arches due to hormonal changes and added weight.

Many people with flat feet live their entire lives without any pain or complications. You probably don’t need to worry if your feet feel fine and don’t limit your activities.

But for some, flat feet can cause pain and lead to other problems. That’s when it becomes a health concern.

Signs that flat feet might be affecting your health

If you have flat feet, watch for these symptoms:

• Tired, achy feet after standing or walking
• Foot pain (particularly arch or heel pain)
• Swelling along the inside of your ankle
• Knee, hip, or back pain that seems linked to how you walk
• Shoes that wear out unevenly
• Balance issues or trouble standing on tiptoe

If you notice any of these, it’s worth getting checked by Joseph Hall, DPM, or Leigh Hall, BSN, RN, CFCS. We can look at your gait (how you walk), examine your feet, and figure out what’s going on.

If your flat feet are causing pain or changing how you move, ignoring the problem can lead to:

• Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
• Tendonitis
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Early joint wear-and-tear and osteoarthritis
• Pain that spreads to your knees, hips, or lower back

That’s why seeing us for a foot evaluation is a good idea, especially if the pain keeps returning or affects your daily life.

Treating flat feet

At Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic, our goal is to reduce pain and improve foot function without rushing into surgery. We start with the most conservative options first:

Custom orthotics

Custom orthotics are special shoe inserts designed just for your feet. They help support your arch and improve alignment. Over-the-counter insoles can help, too, but custom ones work better if you have significant symptoms.

Supportive footwear

Wearing the right shoes makes a big difference. Look for shoes that have arch support, a firm sole, and a snug heel.

Physical therapy

Short foot exercises strengthen muscles and tendons that support your arch. Stretching your calves and Achilles tendon can also help reduce pain.

Weight management

If extra weight puts strain on your feet, even a small amount of weight loss can help reduce discomfort.

Medication or ice

Anti-inflammatory medication or ice packs can offer relief if you have swelling or pain.

If these treatments don’t help and your pain is severe, we may talk about surgical options. Surgery is usually the last resort, and we only consider it when other methods don’t work.

Your feet are your foundation, so if you’re having foot pain, don’t ignore it. At Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic, we’re here to help you stay active, pain-free, and feeling confident on your feet. Whether you need advice, custom orthotics, or just a foot checkup, call our office in Mill Creek, Washington, or use the online form to request a consultation.