A condition, usually affecting both feet, in which the arch is absent and the sole rests flat on the ground. The arches form gradually as supportive ligaments and muscles in the soles develop and are not usually fully formed until about age 6. In some people, the ligaments are lax or the muscles are weak and the feet remain flat. Less commonly, the arches do not form because of a hereditary defect in bone structure. Flatfeet can be acquired in adult life because of fallen arches, sometimes as the result of a rapid increase in weight. Weakening of the supporting muscles and ligaments may occur in neurological or muscular diseases such as poliomyelitis. In most cases, flat-feet are painless and require no treatment, although in some cases the feet may ache on walking or standing. Arch supports can be worn in the shoes for comfort.
Flat-feet |
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