Clinically, it is referred to as ‘ pes planus’. This is the loss of the medial longitudinal arch (the inside edge) of the foot. It can be seen at birth or acquired. It can also be fixed or flexible. In isolation, it does not tend to cause a problem but can affect the way your foot works. For acquired causes, there is usually, a lack of function of the tibialis posterior or tibialis anterior muscles.
Physiotherapy aims at identifying the contributing factors such as tightness of the calves, bony abnormalities of the foot, knock- knees, hip muscle weakness etc.
Orthotics may also be prescribed to control dynamic balance during walking and running.