Flat Feet: A Problem, or Not? When to Act

Flat feet means the normal arch on the inner part of the foot is low or entirely absent. In most people it isn't a "disease" and causes no complaint at all. The real question isn't "do I have flat feet" — it's "is my flat foot leading to a problem."

Two types of flat feet

Flexible flat feet. The most common kind. The arch disappears when the foot bears weight but reappears when standing on the toes. It's normal in most children and can improve with age; if there's no pain, treatment usually isn't needed.

Rigid flat feet. The arch doesn't form in any position. It's rarer and can have an underlying structural cause; it needs assessment.

Extra consideration for athletes

In runners and jumping sports, flat feet can change the load distribution on the ankle and knee; that's why foot structure is also part of the assessment in athletes with recurring ankle sprains or runner's knee.

When should you take it seriously?

• Recurring pain in the foot, heel or calf
• Quick fatigue with prolonged walking and standing
• The ankle rolling inward, shoes wearing down on the inner side
• A chain of complaints reaching up to the knee and hip
• Flattening that develops later and increases in one foot

If there's no complaint, flat feet alone isn't something that needs "correcting."

What helps?

• Exercises that strengthen the foot and calf muscles — training the muscles that support the arch.
• Suitable footwear and, when needed, personalised insoles (orthotics) — especially if there's pain, they balance the load.
• Gait and posture adjustments; the upper links of the chain (knee, hip) are also assessed.

Insoles alone aren't a solution; staying permanently dependent on support without strengthening the muscles doesn't help in the long run.

What's done in physiotherapy?

Foot structure, flexibility and gait are examined; whether the complaint genuinely comes from flat feet or another cause is distinguished. The programme includes strengthening, an insole recommendation if needed, and activity adjustment.

Frequently asked questions

Does flat foot affect sports performance?

Usually not in a symptom-free case; if there's pain or a chain complaint, it can indirectly limit performance.

My child has flat feet — can they play sport?

Yes for most children — sport isn't restricted if there's no pain or noticeable loss of function.

Fzt. Bilal Kara first tells apart the source of foot complaints; runs a programme in person that strengthens the muscles supporting the foot and is completed with insoles when needed. You can find more detail on flat feet here or book an appointment.