One in ten people suffers from flat feet. That’s 30% of the population! This condition is fairly common yet, most people don’t realize they have it. While you may not realize you have flat feet, it’s important to know what flat feet are and how to take care of them.

What are flat feet?

Flat feet and fallen arches are used interchangeably to refer to a condition in which there is no arch of the foot. The arch is formed by tendons in the foot that stretch from the heel to the base of the toes, or metatarsals. Together, these tendons work to form an arch, noticeable as a slight rise in the inner midsole of the foot.

What causes flat feet?

· Diabetes

· Obesity

· Pregnancy

· Nerve conditions

· Foot abnormalities present since birth

· Broken or dislocated bones in the foot

· Stretched or torn tendons

· Medical conditions such as arthritis

· Sudden weight gain

What are the symptoms of flat feet?

Most cases of flat feet or fallen arches are not painful and need no form of treatment. However, common symptoms include pain in your feet, pain in your feet that persists after long bouts of physical activity or standing up, achy feet, or arch pain when standing on the tips of your toes.

Read more about flat feet on our blog!