MD Podiatrist Discusses Flat Feet

Most people don’t spend too much time thinking about the arch of their foot — how high it is, how low it is — that is, until foot or ankle pain becomes a problem. “When you’re born, you have flat feet,” said Dan Michaels, DPM, adding that children tend to develop an arch between the ages of 7 and 10. “You can have a flat foot and live a long and happy life without any issues,” Dr. Michaels explained.

That said, certain issues can be signs of health problems in folks with flat feet. “Because of your flat foot, it kind of alters your mechanics — the way you walk — so you’re more prone to arthritis, for example, in your knees and your hips,” she said. So, the pain may not be limited to your foot and ankle. “Everywhere down the line, everything’s connected,” Dr. Michaels said. “Orthotics are pretty mainstay for flat feet because they have an arch support,” said Dr. Michaels, which helps alleviate the tendon that supports your arch and helps put your foot in the correct alignment so you don’t end up with arthritis or gait abnormalities.