Most young children are naturally flat-footed. Their arches haven’t had time to properly develop, and their bones are still so soft and flexible that the arch collapses under their body weight when they stand. Most grow out of this eventually, but some do not. Genetic factors play a key role.
Flat feet that are acquired later in life are more likely to be caused by external factors. A lifetime of wear and tear causes arches to sag over time, and conditions or activities such as inflammatory arthritis, diabetes, obesity, high-impact sports participation, and more can combine to destabilize and flatten the arch much faster and with more severity.
Regardless of the cause, flat feet that are causing pain for you or a family member should be evaluated by the professionals at Carolina Podiatry Group. Let our expert podiatrists help you figure out what’s wrong and chart the best possible course for treatment. You can request an appointment online or give us a call toll free at 888-569-9559.