Key takeaways
- Painless flat feet need no treatment.
- Progressive collapse or inner-ankle pain does warrant evaluation.
- Not every foot needs a high arch to function well.
The myth
For decades we assumed flat feet automatically caused pain and needed correction. Research over the last 15 years has largely dismantled that.
What the evidence actually shows
Flexible flat feet without pain need no treatment. Rigid flat feet, or flat feet with pain, warrant evaluation. Not every foot needs an arch.
When to be concerned
- Pain along the inner ankle (posterior tibial tendon).
- Progressive collapse in adulthood.
- Difficulty rising onto tiptoes.
Otherwise, you likely need supportive shoes — not a diagnosis.
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