What is pes planus?

Pes planus, which is also known as flat feet, is a common foot type in the general population. When you have flat feet, the inner side of the sole flattens, allowing the entire sole to touch the ground.

Flat foot can be flexible or rigid. A person is said to have flexible flat foot arch if the inside of the foot collapses only when standing. In contrary, the inner foot arch of a rigid flat foot remains flattened even when the person is not standing.

Pes planus can be acquired or inherited.

Acquired flat feet can be due to aging, obesity, injury to the foot tendons or bones and certain illnesses such as diabetes and arthritis. Tarsal coalition, which is a fusion between the bones in the feet, and joint hypermobility, are causes of hereditary flat feet.