Podiatry For Flat Feet in Sutherland

About Flat Feet

Pes planovalgus (also known as flatfoot, or fallen arch) is essentially a normal variant. It is a postural deformity in which the arch on the inside of the foot is lowered resulting in the entire sole of the foot coming into complete or near-complete contact with the ground.

The appearance of flat feet is normal and common in infants and occurs as a result of the arch being not yet fully developed. The arch progresses during infancy and early childhood as part of growing. Flat or lowered arches in children usually become higher and more defined as the child progresses through puberty.

Because young children are unlikely to suspect or identify flat feet on their own, it is a good idea for parents to assess this. As well as providing a visual inspection, parents should notice whether a child begins to walk oddly or clumsily, and to ask the child whether they are getting foot pain or fatigue during walking.

Most flat feet are flexible and completely painless. In these cases, generally there is little cause for concern, and the condition may be considered a normal human variant.

However, treatment of flat feet is indicated if there is accompanying foot or lower leg pain, or if the condition begins to affect the knees or the lower back. Our Podiatrists are more than happy to assess, and if necessary, treat your symptoms with a variety of methods which may include the use of customised Orthotic devices to provide arch support or foot exercises.