Flat feet
Overview
Flat feet, or "fallen arches", are where your feet press flat on the ground. They're common and usually nothing to worry about.
Symptoms
To see if you have flat feet, check the inner sides of your feet while you're standing up.
Causes
Most children have flat feet when they're young. They usually develop arches on the inner sides of their feet between 3 and 10 years of age. Flat feet: do not usually cause any problemsshould not stop you doing any activities, including sportsare rarely a sign of anything serious But sometimes, you may have pain around your ankle or lower leg, or the inner side (fallen arch) of your foot may ache. Your shoes may also wear out quickly. You do not need to do anything if you or your child have flat feet and they're not causing any problems. There's often no obvious cause for flat feet. It might just be the way your feet are. Sometimes flat feet run in families. Rarely, flat feet may be caused by: the bones in the feet not growing properly in the wombstretching of the tissues in your feet (possibly as a result of things like an injury, getting older or being overweight)conditions affecting the muscles, nerves or joints in the whole body likecerebral palsyandspina bifida
Treatment
If flat feet are causing problems and you need treatment, a GP may refer you to a specialist like a podiatrist or physiotherapist. Referral to a specialist is not available everywhere and waiting times can be long. Your GP might be able to give you advice about paying to see a specialist privately. A foot specialist can offer advice about: what shoes to wear (wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel are usually best)shoe insoles to support your feetfoot stretches and exercisespainkillers These will not change the shape of your feet but can help with things like pain or stiffness.