Stiff, inflexible flat feet may be associated with other conditions and require attention. Persistent pain Call your health care provider if you experience persistent pain in your feet. Also have a child checked out if he or she complains of pain in the foot or lower leg. The medical name for flat feet is pes planus. Alternative names are pes planovalgus, fallen arches, or pronation of the feet.
Pronation is a leaning inward of the ankles toward the center line.
It is common in young children. Children who pronate will leave tell-tale signs on their shoes. After they have worn the shoes long enough for the foot position to alter the shoe shape, the shoes will lean toward each other when placed side by side. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom surface of the foot and into the forefoot. Over-pronation can cause this band of tissue to be excessively stretched and inflamed.