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Flat feet

Also called: Flat feet, fallen arches, pes planus

Feet with little or no arch when standing. It's common and often painless, but can cause foot, ankle, or leg aches.

TypeFoot shape
CommonYes
TreatmentSupportive shoes, inserts

Overview

Flexible flat feet have an arch when sitting. Rigid flat feet don't.

Flat feet can develop in adults from a weakened tendon.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Flat feet or fallen arches

Less common

  • Foot or ankle aches

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todaySudden foot pain after a pop.
See a doctor soonPain, or one foot getting flatter.

Causes

Genes, tendon weakness, injury, and aging.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Obesity
  • Diabetes

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional looks at your feet.

Questions you may be asked

  • Pain

The exam

Watching you stand and walk.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • X-ray: If painful or rigid.

Treatment

Pain-free flat feet need no treatment.

Self-care

  • Wear supportive shoes
  • Try arch-support inserts
  • Stretch your calves

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Pain relievers
Aches

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Physical therapy or surgery for painful cases.

Prevention

To ease symptoms:

  • Supportive shoes

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a podiatrist (foot doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Children: Flat feet are normal until about age 6.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Usually manageable.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Flat feet

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.