Flat feet, also referred to as fallen arches, are more common than many people realize—and for some, they’re simply a normal foot type. For others, the condition often contributes to aching arches, heel pain, ankle fatigue, or even knee and back discomfort over time. So scheduling a thorough examination with Neville Foot & Ankle Centers provides you with a skilled podiatrist's determination of whether you or your child's flat feet are flexible or related to an underlying condition, identification of contributing risk factors such as overpronation or tendon strain, and recommendations for treatments that improve support and function.
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What Causes Flat Feet in Infants, Kids, and Adults?
Flat feet can look similar from one person to the next, but the reasons behind them—and whether they’re a normal part of development or a sign of something more—often depend on age. Understanding the most common causes at each life stage can help you know what’s typical, what may require monitoring, and when it’s worth seeking a professional evaluation from our physicians.
Infants
Flat feet are quite common in infants and toddlers because the longitudinal arch hasn’t developed yet. At this stage, a “flat” appearance is typically normal and related to natural foot development—not an injury or structural problem.
Young Children
As children grow, arches usually begin to form, and many feet remain flexible—meaning an arch may appear when the child stands on their toes. Flat feet in this age group can still be normal, but stiffness, inflexibility, or pain may indicate an underlying issue that should be evaluated. Flat feet may also be associated with pronation—the ankles rolling inward—which can contribute to foot, ankle, or lower leg pain.
Adults
While fallen arches may be present from birth, many of our patients develop them over time due to injury, tendon problems, or certain health conditions. Common causes include stretched or torn tendons, inflammation or damage to the posterior tibial tendon (which supports the arch), broken or dislocated bones, rheumatoid arthritis, and nerve-related issues. A painful, progressive form—often called posterior tibial tendonitis—can worsen if untreated and may lead to chronic pain and disability, especially in people predisposed due to flat feet or an abnormal tendon attachment in the midfoot.
Can You Test Yourself For Flat Feet?
Well, sort of! Follow these three steps:
- Get your feet wet.
- Stand on a flat surface where your footprint appears, such as a concrete walkway.
- Step away and look at the prints. If you see complete imprints of the bottom of your feet on the surface, you're likely to have flat feet.
But now what?
Treating Flat Feet at Neville Foot & Ankle Centers
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, ice, physical therapy, supportive taping and bracing, or orthotic devices are common non-invasive treatments for painful, progressive fallen arches. But remember: these methods might not fully address the nature of your condition. So, our team might also recommend custom orthotic devices to help prevent reinjury. In more severe cases of fallen arches, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair damaged tendons or realign midfoot bones to restore normal function.
From custom orthotics and targeted exercises to footwear guidance and advanced diagnostics, our skilled podiatric care helps keep you comfortable, active, and protected from worsening symptoms.
