What is my Foot Type?

1. Flat Feet

Flat feet, also known as pes planus, is a condition where the arch of the foot is very low, or collapsed, and contacts the ground when weight bearing. When you are sitting, or not weight bearing, your foot will still appear to be flat - and this differentiates true flat feet from other foot conditions.

Usually this is a congenital condition, which means that you were born with it -- so you have your parents to thank (or blame!) However, you may also develop a flat foot later in life - this is known as adult acquired flat foot, and is usually due to weakness in your tendons and muscles that occurs as you age.

Is Having Flat Feet A Bad Thing?

Not necessarily, and the good news is that if you would like to join the army, there are no exclusions for flat feet anymore. Flat feet are only a problem if you have pain, or you feel you are unable to do the things you would like to do.

In some ways, a flat foot can be quite a stable foot - it won't move much as it is planted firmly on the ground & this can reduce your chance of foot problems. However, you are more likely to get postural issues, like lower back pain, hip pain and even knee pain. Foot problems we commonly see in people with flat feet are Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis and Tibialis Posterior Tendonitis, as well as tired, aching legs and feet.

2. High Arched Feet

High arched feet, also known as pes cavus, is a condition where the arch of the foot is very high.

Usually this is a congenital condition, which means that you were born with it -- so you have your parents to thank (or blame!)

In some people, a very high arched foot that appears to be increasing in height as you get older can be a symptom of a neurological condition called Charcot Marie Tooth Disease.

Common problems that are related to high arched feet are

• difficulty finding comfortable footwear
• increased callus build up on the plantar surface of your feet
• stress or force related injuries (stress fractures, for example)
• clawed digits
• metatarsal pain
• dorsal (top of the foot) pain and arthritis
• very tight calves
• achilles tendonitis
• heel pain
• knee pain

Is Having High Arched Feet a Bad Thing?

Not necessarily! High arched feet are only a problem if you have pain, or you feel your feet are stopping you from doing what you want to do.

A high arched foot can be rigid, but also unstable - lacking the flexibility to be able to absorb shock and normal pressures when walking.

If you are experiencing foot problems and you feel you have a high arched foot, contact us today. Our Podiatrists are experienced in treating people with high arched feet and there are many treatment options available to suit you and your lifestyle.

What's Next?

If you are experiencing foot problems and you feel you have a flat foot, contact us today. Our Podiatrists are experienced in treating people with flat feet and there are many treatment options available to suit you and your lifestyle.