Flatfoot, also known as fallen arches or adult acquired flatfoot deformity, occurs when the arch of the foot collapses. It can cause pain, swelling along the inside of the ankle, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods. Over time the deformity may worsen, so early evaluation helps determine whether conservative care is enough or minimally invasive correction is needed.
Conservative treatments can provide relief in early stages, while advanced flatfoot often requires surgical correction to restore alignment and prevent progression.
Conservative care
Minimally invasive correction
Learn more about minimally invasive flatfoot correction.
Common causes and risk factors include:
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
The most common cause of adult flatfoot.
Injury
A ligament or tendon injury, or a fracture.
Arthritis
Inflammatory or degenerative arthritis of the foot joints.
Excess body weight
Increases strain on the arch.
Diabetes
Linked to tendon problems and, rarely, Charcot changes.
Flexible flatfoot from childhood
Can become symptomatic in adulthood.
Adult acquired flatfoot deformity is a collapse of the arch that develops in adulthood, most often from weakening of the posterior tibial tendon, which supports the arch.
Symptoms include pain and swelling along the inside of the ankle, arch pain, fatigue with standing or walking, and, in later stages, pain on the outside of the ankle.
Yes. What starts as mild arch collapse can lead to significant deformity, arthritis, and tendon damage if untreated, which is why early evaluation matters.
In early stages, custom orthotics, supportive footwear, bracing, and physical therapy can provide relief. Advanced flatfoot often requires surgical correction.
Benefits may include smaller incisions and reduced scarring, less pain and swelling, a lower risk of wound complications, and a smoother return to daily activity than open surgery.
Depending on the cause, correction may include minimally invasive osteotomy to realign bones, tendon repair or transfer, fusion of key joints, and Achilles lengthening when tightness contributes.
After surgery, patients typically use supportive footwear or bracing and may benefit from physical therapy to restore strength and mobility.
Flexible flatfoot is common in children and usually painless. It is typically observed unless it causes symptoms. Call (321) 499-4646 to schedule an evaluation.
Compared with traditional flatfoot surgery, which involved large incisions and long recovery periods, minimally invasive correction may offer:
Because minimally invasive techniques minimize soft-tissue disruption, many patients experience less discomfort and a smoother recovery.
After surgery
Protect the correction
Supportive footwear or bracing as the bones and tendons heal.
Rehabilitation
Restore strength
Physical therapy restores strength and mobility.
Long term
Better alignment
Improved foot alignment, reduced pain, and greater ability to take part in daily and recreational activities.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for a consultation with a licensed physician.
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