Causes
Many people who have a flat foot were born with a mobile flat foot. Although the foot may remain mobile it can become more rigid with increasing age.
People with severely pronated feet are predisposed to straining the Tibialis posterior tendon on the inside of the ankle as it tries to resist this movement. With time, the tendon can stretch, tear or rupture allowing the flat foot to worsen. Injury/trauma to the rear foot can result in an abnormal position or arthritis and cause a flat foot.
There are some medical conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis) which can predispose to inflammation of the tendon or arthritis of the major joints of the rear foot which can result in a flat foot.
Diagnosis
Clinical examination and a detailed history allow diagnosis. X-rays help to evaluate the extent of the deformity and any arthritis within the joint. Specialist scans help to evaluate the tendons and joints. A detailed gait analysis by a Firefly podiatrist can help to diagnose the factors contributing to the flat foot.
Symptoms?
- Low / flat arch
- Pain / discomfort in the foot, leg or back
- Associated deformities (e.g. bunions, arthritis)
- Difficulty in shoes
- Difficulty in walking
- Stiffness in the foot
- Corn / callous formation
What can Firefly do to help?
At Firefly we can advise a number of options to relieve your symptoms. This can include advice on: 
- proper footwear
- exercises to maintain muscle flexibility
- application of pads over any prominent deformities
- consider prescribing orthotics
- custom made foot orthotics
- consider a period of immobilisation
- advise on surgery
Will orthotics cure the problem?
In many cases, the conservative treatments are sufficient to resolve the symptoms and prevent tendon damage. However, they will not correct the foot position and there will always be the risk of further problems, especially in more severe cases.