Flat feet develop when the arch of the foot does not form properly, and they are very common in children. Without timely intervention, they can lead to low back and knee pain, postural disorders, scoliosis and delayed physical development.
1A simple check at home
If there is an arch (curve) under your foot when you are lying down, you can be sure that you do not have true flat feet. In this case, we are talking about a condition linked to pelvic deformity and muscle weakness.
2Patterns we see in the patients who come to us
- Flat feet are not diagnosed before the age of 2–5, because at that age the arch of the foot is still forming
- Of the patients who come to us believing they have flat feet, 60% turn out to have hip dysplasia or pelvic dysfunction
- Birth trauma can cause valgus deformity
- Digestive system problems play an important role in flat feet
3Flat feet create a chain reaction
Flat feet are not just a foot problem; they are a disturbance of the body’s overall balance. Weakening of the arch of the foot creates a chain reaction that extends to knee, low back and neck pain.
We look not at where the pain is, but at where it comes from.
— Dr. Elfana Suleymanova, Center Director · Internist and osteopathic physician
Related conditions
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Sources and further reading
- Baby development — NHS (Böyük Britaniya)
- NHS Start for Life — guide for ages 0–5 — NHS (Böyük Britaniya)