Many people assume flat feet are strictly a childhood condition, but adult-acquired flatfoot is a real and surprisingly common issue. Even if your arches were normal in childhood, factors like tendon weakening, injury, or medical conditions can cause your arches to collapse over time.
Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options—and knowing when to consult a foot doctor in Singapore—is essential for maintaining healthy, pain-free feet.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arch of the foot flattens, causing most or all of the sole to touch the ground. While some people live with naturally flat feet without any problems, adult-acquired flatfoot can lead to pain, swelling, and mobility challenges. Over time, untreated flat feet may contribute to secondary problems such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, knee pain, or back discomfort due to altered gait and posture.
People often notice their arches flatten gradually, which may start as minor discomfort during long walks or after standing for prolonged periods. Left unaddressed, these issues can significantly affect daily activities, including exercising, running errands, or even standing at work.
How Adult Flat Feet Develop
Adults can develop flat feet gradually. One of the most common causes is posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD). This tendon runs along the inner ankle and supports the arch. If it becomes inflamed, stretched, or weakened, the arch may slowly collapse. This can happen due to age-related degeneration, injury, or overuse.
Other contributing factors include:
- Arthritis: Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis weaken joints and ligaments, leading to a gradual loss of arch height. Swelling and stiffness may make walking painful, often prompting patients to adjust their gait, which can worsen foot alignment.
- Obesity: Carrying extra weight puts constant stress on the arches. Even everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs can accelerate arch collapse. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of adult flatfoot.
- Diabetes and Health Conditions: Certain medical conditions can weaken tendons, compromise circulation, and make tissues more prone to injury, increasing the likelihood of flat feet developing in adulthood.
- Trauma: An ankle sprain, fracture, or severe injury can damage the tendons and ligaments that support the arch. Recovery from these injuries without proper rehabilitation may leave the foot vulnerable to flattening over time.
Recognising Symptoms
Adult-acquired flatfoot often develops slowly, and early signs may be subtle. Patients might notice:
- Pain along the inner side of the foot or ankle, which may worsen with prolonged activity or standing
- Swelling around the arch or inside of the ankle
- Difficulty standing on tiptoe or climbing stairs
- Shoes wearing unevenly or feeling unstable
- A noticeable flattening of the arch over time
Sometimes, the discomfort is mild initially, and many people try to “walk it off.” However, ignoring these early symptoms can lead to worsening pain and secondary complications, including stress on the knees, hips, and lower back.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Visiting a professional clinic for feet in Singapore ensures proper evaluation. A foot doctor may conduct:
- Physical Examination: Assessing arch height, ankle flexibility, and gait patterns to identify imbalances or weakness.
- Imaging: X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound may be used to check for tendon damage, joint degeneration, or ligament issues.
- Functional Assessment: Observing how your feet move during walking, standing, or tiptoe exercises can help identify subtle changes that aren’t obvious to the patient.
Early detection allows for conservative management and can prevent severe deformity. Many patients benefit from diagnosis before pain becomes chronic.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on severity, underlying causes, and individual lifestyle needs:
- Custom Orthotics: Insoles that support the arch can relieve pain, redistribute weight evenly, and restore proper foot alignment.
- Supportive Footwear: Shoes with firm arch support insoles reduce strain on the foot and prevent worsening of the condition.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises targeting the posterior tibial tendon and surrounding muscles help strengthen the arch, improve stability, and maintain flexibility. Examples include calf raises, towel curls, and arch lifts.
- Medication: Anti-inflammatory medication can help reduce pain and swelling, especially during flare-ups.
Prevention and Home Care
While not all adult flatfoot cases can be prevented, adopting certain habits can reduce the risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight to limit stress on foot structures
- Wear shoes that provide firm arch support and cushioning. Avoid high heels or completely flat shoes for long periods
- Incorporate foot and ankle strengthening exercises, such as toe curls, calf raises, and arch lifts. Performing these exercises several times a week helps maintain tendon strength
- Avoid repetitive high-impact activities without proper support, especially running on hard surfaces
- Seek early evaluation from a foot doctor in Singapore if you notice discomfort, swelling, or changes in your arch. Early intervention prevents long-term problems
Living with Flat Feet
With proper management, most people with adult-acquired flatfoot can lead active, pain-free lives. Simple lifestyle adjustments, supportive footwear, and early treatment can prevent complications and maintain mobility. Long-term care may also include periodic check-ins with a foot specialist to monitor changes and adjust treatment plans.
Conclusion
Adult-acquired flatfoot is more common than many realise, but it is manageable with early detection and proper care. Ignoring symptoms can lead to pain, gait changes, and secondary musculoskeletal problems.
At Feet First Podiatry Clinic, our experienced podiatrists provide personalised evaluation, treatment, and long-term care for flat feet and other foot conditions. Schedule a consultation today to keep your feet healthy, comfortable, and supported for years to come.