This can lead to small and stretching of the tendon, weakening the muscle. If the inflammation continues the tendon itself becomes inflamed. This is worse on working and can give a feeling of weakness. The first sign of an abnormality in this tendon is pain in the instep which is caused by inflammation around the tendon. This muscle has two major functions holding up the arch of the foot and stabilising the foot for walking. It is more common in women aged 45 to 65. It affects over 5 million people in USA alone. However the most common cause of the adult new-onset flat foot is a disorder of a major tendon, the tibialis posterior. This will be thoroughly discussed at your consultation. However, if possible, the latest techniques in joint sparing surgery may be offered. Sometimes fusion surgery may be necessary (eg in advanced arthritis). The goal of surgical treatment is to provide the best possible function for you. Non-surgical treatment will involve orthotics and possibly physiotherapy. You will be carefully assessed for these conditions and a treatment plan developed for you. These include structural problems with the bones in the arch of the foot, arthritis, diabetes, trauma and nerve problems.

There are many causes of the pathological flatfoot. This is a service which can be provided by the team at the North West Foot and Ankle Clinic. This will normally involve the use of orthotics (custom-made scientifically based insoles). If physiological flatfeet cause symptoms then they can normally be treated without an operation. Flat feet can be split into those that are physiological (mild and a variation of normal) and those which are pathological (those that are causing symptoms, will progress and are due to a structural problem or disease process). Flat feet are common in children, usual in adolescents and can be a variant of normal for adults.

Walking flat footed