Flat Feet: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Flat Feet?
A podiatrist (a foot doctor) or an orthopedic foot and ankle doctor (a bone and joint specialist) treats flat feet when they cause problems. Many people with flat feet need no treatment at all. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are flat feet?
Flat feet, also called fallen arches, are feet that press flat on the ground. They are common and usually nothing to worry about.
Flexible flatfoot is common in children. When a child stands, the arch of the foot disappears. When the child sits or stands on tiptoes, the arch comes back. It is a variation of a normal foot, and the muscles and joints work normally.
Adults can also develop flat feet. Progressive collapsing foot deformity, once called adult acquired flatfoot, flattens the arch.
Symptoms
Flat feet do not usually cause problems. They should not stop you from doing any activities, including sports. Some people do have symptoms, such as:
- Pain around the ankle or lower leg.
- An aching inner side of the foot.
- Shoes that wear out quickly.
- Aching pain along the bottom of the feet in teens whose flatfoot continues.
In adults with progressive collapsing foot deformity, the pain is often in the arch or along the inside of the foot and ankle. There can be swelling along the tendon, which is the cord that connects muscle to bone.
Causes and who gets it
There is often no obvious cause. It might just be the way your feet are, and flat feet sometimes run in families. Most children are born with very little arch. As they grow and walk, the soft tissues under the feet tighten and shape the arches.
Less often, flat feet have other causes. The foot bones may not have grown properly in the womb. Tissues in the feet may stretch, possibly because of an injury, getting older, or being overweight. Cerebral palsy and spina bifida can also play a part.
In adults, progressive collapsing foot deformity is most commonly believed to start with a problem in the posterior tibial tendon, a tendon that helps hold up the arch. It can be inflamed or torn from a fall or from overuse. This problem is more common in women and in people over the age of 40.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor examines the foot. For children, the doctor checks for other types of flatfoot that may need treatment, such as a flatfoot with a tight heel cord or a rigid flatfoot. A rigid flatfoot may be more serious.
For adults, the doctor looks at the foot while you stand and may test whether you can rise on your toes on one leg. X-rays taken while standing show most of the changes in the foot bones. An MRI, a scan that shows tendons, may be used if the diagnosis is in doubt.
Treatment
You do not need to do anything if flat feet cause no problems. In children, treatment is needed only if there is discomfort. The doctor may suggest heel cord stretches or shoe inserts called orthotics.
For adults with pain, a foot specialist may suggest comfortable shoes with a low heel, insoles, stretches, and painkillers. These do not change the shape of the feet, but they can help with pain and stiffness. Ask your doctor about the side effects of anti-inflammatory pain medicines, especially if you have heart, kidney, or stomach problems.
Orthotics are the most common nonsurgical treatment for adult flatfoot. If orthotics and braces do not help, surgery may help. Surgery is rarely needed, and children almost never need it. It may be considered for a teenager with ongoing pain.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if your feet are painful, stiff, weak, or numb. See one too if you often hurt your foot or ankle, have trouble walking or with balance, or did not have flat feet before. Also go if only one foot is affected, or if a child has ongoing pain.
These signs are not usually an emergency, so book a visit. If you ever have sudden, severe pain after an injury, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can examine your feet, review your history, and refer you to a podiatrist or foot and ankle specialist when needed. They can also follow your symptoms over time.
Common questions
Are flat feet normal in children?
Yes. Flexible flatfoot is a common condition in children and is a variation of a normal foot. Most children are born with very little arch, and many do not begin to develop arches until age 5 or older.
Do flat feet always cause pain?
No. Flat feet do not usually cause any problems. Some people have pain around the ankle or lower leg, or an aching arch, and these people may need treatment.
Do I need surgery for flat feet?
No, surgery is rarely needed. It might help if there is a problem with the bones, tissues, or muscles in the feet and other treatments have not worked.
Will insoles fix flat feet?
No. Insoles and stretches will not change the shape of your feet. They can help with problems such as pain or stiffness.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - Flexible Flatfoot in Children
- NHS - Flat feet
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (Flatfoot)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
