Arch height is a major characteristic of a wide range of foot shape variants. Low arch height results in flat feet, or pes planus. A flat foot is not usually abnormal in itself, but it can predispose an individual to many musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. Therefore, it is used by non-specialists as an umbrella term to describe any foot problem which features a low arch. This is why just using a generic arch support often does not resolve an individual’s foot pain, even if he/she has flat feet. “Flat feet” is not a medical diagnosis by itself.
As podiatrists, we will conduct a full biomechanical and gait analysis in order to make a comprehensive diagnosis of a patient’s present and future conditions. Addressing the low foot arch is the first step to identifying the cause and providing suitable therapy options.
Flat feet are a very common condition in Singapore. This is due to the genetic demographics of the region where this type of condition may be hereditary, acquired or due to ligamentous laxity. The artificial surfaces we walk upon every day expose our feet to greater wear and tear or degeneration.
The foot is the foundation of the whole body. Fallen arches put the feet out of alignment. Consequently, greater stress is placed on other joints in the body to help compensate. This is often the cause of soft tissue pathology; the two most common ones are Achilles tendonitis (tendon overuse injury) or Plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the fascia). Flat feet may also contribute to chronic pain in the knees, hips, or lower back if left untreated.
Common Causes and Risk Factors for Flat Feet
Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, can occur for a variety of reasons. In many cases, the condition is inherited. However, flat feet may also develop over time due to:
- Genetics – Some individuals are born with naturally low or absent arches
- Injury – Damage that can weaken arch-supporting structures
- Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) – A common cause of adult-acquired flatfoot where the tendon becomes inflamed or torn
- Rheumatoid arthritis – Joint inflammation can lead to structural changes in the feet
- Obesity – Excess weight places added strain on the arches
- Pregnancy – Hormonal shifts and increased weight may temporarily affect arch contour and support
- Ageing – Natural wear on tendons and joints over time can cause arches to collapse
- Weak or flexible flat feet – Arches that flatten when standing, even if a visible arch is present when sitting
Understanding these causes and risk factors is key to managing flat feet and maintaining comfort during standing or walking.
Managing Flat Feet at East Coast Podiatry
Managing flat feet depends on the severity of symptoms and how they affect your daily life. While not all cases require medical attention, individuals with discomfort or reduced mobility may benefit from targeted care. Our podiatry approaches include:
Prescription Foot Orthotic for Support
Customising insoles for flat feet is a common conservative management. These customised foot orthoses are prescription-only medical devices tailored for individual patient needs to address specific pathology. The podiatrist will decide on the materials, densities and designs depending on the medical requirements and lifestyle choices of the patient. Due to advancements in technology and manufacturing, specific custom insoles for flat feet can also be fitted into pumps, court shoes, and even specialised footwear like soccer boots or hockey shoes.
For diabetic patients, total contact orthoses are tailored with the aim of offloading pressure and providing cushioning movement to minimise any abrasion or irritation against the skin. This serves to prevent foot ulceration that often develops in areas of high pressure.
Ankle Foot Orthotics for Alignment
Ankle Foot Orthotics (AFO) is a highly specialised device that can accommodate almost all foot and ankle deformities to get patients back to a more normal walking gait. This device is a contoured, balanced orthotics that is articulated to the lower leg uprights; making it ideally suited to stabilise rotational forces at the midtarsal, subtalar and talocrural joints. Prescription of the device adds further enhancement or restriction of motion in sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes. It can be rigid, semi-rigid, or dynamic. They are customised with a full mould of the foot and ankle that is taken before the device is made and prescribed. The base of the AFO incorporates a full custom orthotic which then extends up the leg. It is designed to take into consideration a patient’s static and dynamic biomechanics while being easy and comfortable to wear due to its lightweight low-profile design.
Flat Feet: Scanning and Assessment with Our Podiatrist
At East Coast Podiatry Singapore, we utilise advanced computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) processes that provide an accuracy of up to +/- 0.4mm. To ensure that the 3D image of the foot is captured perfectly, the patient will undergo three different types of 3D scans; which are heavily reliant on the podiatrist’s skill and training to capture the foot at maximum precision.
This approach is used for both adult and paediatric patients, particularly in complex cases where early intervention can help guide development and alignment.
The results will be combined with the information derived from the musculoskeletal and biomechanical assessment done by the podiatrist. This is necessary for the prescription and precise manufacturing of orthotic devices that are designed specifically to correct flat foot condition.
Leading the Way in Podiatry Care
Preventing Ankle Sprains
Whether you’re active or just on your feet often, prevention helps avoid re-injury:
- Warm up before exercise or physical activity
- Strengthen ankle and lower limb muscles
- Practise balance and proprioceptive exercises
- Choose footwear with good support
- Be cautious on uneven surfaces
- Address recurring issues early
Get Relief from Ankle Pain at East Coast Podiatry
Achilles tendon rupture
Peroneal tendon injuries
Arthritis
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
Gout
Tarsal tunnel syndrome (nerve compression)
Fracture
It is advised by ankle specialists and podiatrists to address your ankle pain and sprains promptly. Failure to do so can lead to irreversible deformities of the foot and ankle, and even cause disabilities that negatively affect your quality of life.
To prevent this, see a podiatrist if you have experienced multiple ankle sprains, or frequent ankle instability and weakness.
