Your shoes can also be useful in helping to confirm whether you have flat feet. If you are only able to see about half of your arch, you have a normal foot with a medium arch. If you can see your entire sole, you have flat feet. Get your feet damp, then step on a brown paper shopping bag or a piece of cardboard. How to Tell If You Have Flat Feetĭetermining if you have flat feet is a simple process.

Obesity, diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis also increase a person’s risk of developing flat feet. Adult-acquired flatfoot is more common in women over the age of 40, as well as those who are pregnant.

In adults, flatfoot can be caused by posterior tibial tendon dysfunction or injuries to the middle of the foot. In most cases, a child will outgrow flexible flatfoot with no problems. Children often have what is known as flexible flatfoot, which is a condition where the arch is visible when they are sitting or standing on their tiptoes but disappears when they stand normally.

Causes of Flat Feetįlat feet are considered normal in infants and toddlers because the foot’s arch has yet to have a chance to develop. There are both conservative and surgical options available for those who do need treatment. However, if you are experiencing pain in your feet or ankles, it is important to see a podiatrist and have them assess the situation. Most people with flat feet don’t experience any problems and don’t require treatment. Flat feet, which are sometimes referred to as fallen arches, occur when there is either a very low arch in the foot or the arch is nonexistent.

What does it mean to be flat footed