Because they result in greater pressure on the feet and joints, there is a risk of developing other issues if appropriate footwear or preventative precautions are not adopted. While not always a problem in and of themselves, flat feet can play a part in related foot, ankle and knee problems. A person’s posture and gait may be affected as the body attempts to compensate for this stress. When this happens, the impact of a person’s weight hitting the ground passes through other joints in the body such as the knees, hips and back, even as far up as the temporomandibular joint that connects the jaw to the temporal bones of the skull. While flat feet may not cause foot pain in everyone, the condition can contribute to related pain in the upper and lower body as the shock of impact that comes with walking or running is not properly absorbed by the feet. This is a widespread feature of foot structure resulting from genetics, tissue damage or the ageing process. People with flat feet lack support from their arches – either partially or completely. Stretching of the plantar fascia can also cause the associated condition known as heel spur, where calcium deposits build up under the heel bone leading to inflammation and pain. It also occurs in people who stand or walk for long periods of the day. Plantar fasciitis is common amongst athletes – particularly runners and ballet dancers.

A person is then said to be suffering from plantar fasciitis. Over time this causes inflammation and irritation.

When put under excessive stress – for example by flat feet, inadequate footwear or irregular walking patterns – small tears develop in the tissue. Normally the plantar fascia can deal with the demands of daily use, protected by the foot’s arch. The plantar fascia is a thick, flexible band of elastic fibrous tissue that covers the bottom of the foot.

Walking flat footed