The concave surface over our medial foot is called foot arch. It composes of muscle, ligaments and bones. It provides support to our body weight, maintains balance and offers shock absorption during walking.
Flat foot refers to lowering or flattening of foot arch. More severe wear and tear could be noticed over the medial aspect at the bottom of shoes in patients with flat foot. Patient would experience fatigue over medial foot after exercise. There may be associated pain over calves, knee, hip or lumbar spine. Flat foot may worsen plantar fasciitis.
Regular exercise to strengthen foot muscle could prevent development of flat foot, e.g. tip toe stand, grasping towel with toes. Appropriate insole with arch support is also helpful.
* Please consult doctor for further details.