Flat Feet/Fallen Arches

Flat Feet/Fallen Arches

Cavovarus Feet

Flat feet are hereditary and are caused by a muscle imbalance. Feet with relaxed arches may bring on such problems as hammertoes and bunions; arch, foot, and leg fatigue; calf pain; and an overly tight heel cord (which makes the foot even flatter).


There is an important relationship between the structure of the feet and how our lower legs work. Our feet support our body and help more evenly distribute our weight. Without the arches, the feet are not absorbing shock like they could.

Flat Foot / Fallen Arches in Children

Flat feet are common in infants because the developing arch is usually covered up by that adorable baby fat. To help form arches, it’s important to let your child go barefoot because it trains the feet and helps proper arches develop.

A child’s arches develop around the age of four. Since it would be difficult for a child to know whether or not they have flat foot, it’s important for parents to check regularly and make sure their children have properly fitted shoes and encourage barefoot exploration.

If your child is experiencing foot pain or becomes more clumsy than usual, s/he may have flat foot. Children complaining of calf or knee pain may actually have a related foot ailment. Please contact our office and let us give your child a thorough examination to rule out any foot related issues.

Important information: Closed toed shoes inhibit growth. While a necessity, it’s also important that you and your child wear sandals and go barefoot to help the foot naturally develop arches the way they were intended.

Flat Feet / Fallen Arches in Adults

Flat feet can develop over time due to risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. It’s also part of the normal aging process and most common in women over 40. Flat feet also occur during pregnancy from time-to-time due to increased elasticity.
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