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FOOT PRINT
A foot with a normal arch does not leave much of an arch impression since the arch is
mostly off the ground. A low arch leaves more of an impression. A flat foot leaves a
nearly full arch impression because more of the collapsed arch rests on the ground.
ANKLE TURNED IN
Flat feet tend to over-pronate (roll-inward) which places a lot of stress on the tendons
and ligaments of the ankle. This in turn weakens the tendons and ligaments causing the
ankle to turn inward.
OVER-PRONATION
Pronation is normal and allows the foot to become flexible in order to adapt to the
ground and absorb shock. Over-pronation occurs when the foot and ankle excessively roll
inward. In many cases the destructive forces of over-pronation can lead to trauma of the
foot, ankle, knee, hip and lower back.
INCREASED FOOT SIZE
As the arch falls, the foot gets longer. There isn't any real growth, but the flattening
of the arch lengthens the foot. The foot can also become wider.
SHOE BREAK-DOWN & TREAD WEAR
A symptom to watch for is abnormal shoe wear. People with flat feet typically have shoes
that break down the inside wall of the heel counter and outsoles (tread) that excessively
wear down on the outside edge of the heel as well as the inside edge of the forefoot.
ANKLE ROCKING
People with flat feet tend to have tired feet & legs due to their muscles trying to
compensate for their condition. You will often see people with flat feet rocking to the
outsides of their feet and ankles while standing to relieve stress and strain.
BUNIONS
A bunion is a deformity of the big toe that is misaligned at the joint causing it to angle
outward 10 to 15 degrees. Bunions can be hereditary or can be caused by other factors like
having flat feet. In countries where shoes are not worn, bunions rarely exist.
CALLUSES (thick skin)
As the big toe loses its flexibility, it transfers pressure inward and calluses may develop
on the sole of the foot under the second toe.
HAMMER TOE
As the angle of the big toe increases inwards, it slides under the second toe, forcing the
metatarsal bone to rise up and create a hammer toe.
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