Flatfoot Flatfoot Flatfoot is a common disorder in which the arches of the foot are inadequately supported, causing a downward collapse of the bony structure of the foot. Normally, the bones of the foot form three arches to raise the sole. Support is provided by strong ligaments in the sole and by the muscles, especially those of the big toe. Flatfoot occurs when the larger, inner arch of the bone collapses. The sole of the foot may then contact the floor along its entire width.
All children have flat feet for a short time after they start walking.
If the arch appears when a person with flatfoot stands on tiptoe, it is an indication that the foot is still supple enough to form a normal arch with corrective treatment. Flatfoot may produce no symptoms, or it may cause pain or a susceptibility to fatigue in the feet. Occasionally, flatfoot may be associated with muscular disorders or paralysis. It also occurs sometimes in children who have been treated for congenital clubfoot. For an adult, there is no medical need to correct flat feet unless they disturb the patient.