Yes, flat-footed people often walk slower because the lack of arch support can lead to less efficient movement, increased fatigue, and altered gait patterns, requiring more energy to stabilize the foot and absorb shock, which slows them down and can cause pain or injury.
Symptomatic flatfoot patients walked slower with lower relative stride length. Symptomatic flatfoot patients had more knee flexion at midstance and foot off. Forefoot abduction occurred throughout stance phase in symptomatic flat feet.
Flat feet (pes planus) don't always cause symptoms for everyone. But they can change the way you walk. They can also transfer too much stress to parts of your lower body that aren't prepared to bear it.
Flat feet can influence performance in various sports. The lack of arch support can lead to inefficient movement patterns, affecting speed, agility, and endurance. Runners, for example, may experience increased fatigue due to the extra energy required to stabilize their feet.
When you have flat feet, you may find that you get tired easily, especially in your feet. You just can't go as far as your family and friends. It's not unusual to experience numbness in your feet and ankles or to develop calluses. The insides and bottoms of your feet may also swell after some time standing or walking.
In fact, if you have flat feet, you can even view it as an advantage because it might help you become a better runner or even an athlete! A person with flat feet has an arch that is less noticeable than usual when viewed from above.
Most people have no symptoms associated with flatfeet. But some people with flatfeet experience foot pain, particularly in the heel or arch area. Pain may worsen with activity. Swelling may occur along the inside of the ankle.
Increased pressure can lead to sore, achy feet, particularly after a long day. The discomfort often centers in the heel or arch area but can spread to the toes and ankles. Flat foot pain may worsen, especially if you are on your feet all day.
One key advantage of having flat feet is the ability to absorb shock effectively as a result of increased flexibility in the arch, which aids in controlling and mitigating the impact upon landing.
The main finding of the current study is the significant reduction of the lateral core endurance time in flatfeet subjects. When the MLA was collapsed, the ability to absorb impacts and the sense of balance will decrease so that stability decreased during walking or running leading to reduced endurance[33,34].
Barring the extreme versions of it, a lot of people of African descent have a very flat arch vs people of European descent. High arches are also much more likely to develop amongst people of European descent.
Flat feet are common among individuals with autism and can affect physical coordination and comfort. The relationship between flat feet and autism is complex, involving sensory processing issues and motor development delays.
Limit standing – Avoid standing for long periods of time as this can aggravate flat feet. Go low impact – Stick to low impact activities, like swimming or cycling, since high impact exercises like running can put painful pressure on the feet.
Flat feet have been associated with altered foot function, including prolonged calcaneal eversion, increased tibial internal rotation, increased forefoot abduction, reduced efficiency of gait, and reduced shock absorption5).
Veterans exhibiting pronounced bilateral pes planus (severe flat feet affecting both feet) with severe symptoms may qualify for a 50 percent VA disability rating. This rating is indicative of substantial disability and acknowledges the profound impact the condition has on the veteran's everyday life.
your feet are painful, stiff, weak or numb. you often get foot or ankle injuries. you have problems with walking or balance.
About 15 to 20 per cent of adults will have flat feet and the majority of humans with flat feet will have no problems from them. I have some great examples of people with flat feet. Cristiano Ronaldo and Usain Bolt both have the flattest feet you've ever seen and are elite athletes with no problems with their feet.
One advantage is that flat feet provide a larger surface area for contact with the ground, which can improve stability and balance in some individuals. This can be especially helpful in activities that require a solid base, such as lifting weights or standing for long periods.
How Does This Foot Condition Affect Gait? A healthy arch supports your feet, which bear the weight of your entire body when you stand or move in any way. Being flat-footed can make it harder for you to run or propel yourself faster than people with proper arches. Overall stability and balance may also decrease.
The lack of a natural arch can lead to foot pain, discomfort, and an increased risk of developing conditions like plantar fasciitis or shin splints. Flat feet may also contribute to poor posture and affect the alignment of the knees, hips, and lower back.
Here are 3 shoes to avoid: 1️⃣ Flat sneakers with no support = tired calves and sore arches 2️⃣ Nike Dunk Lows = common culprit for golfers with plantar fasciitis 3️⃣ Hermes-style sandals = no better than going barefoot, especially if you wear heels all week 👣 Your shoes should support you, not strain you!
In the majority of cases the symptoms respond to stretching exercises, orthoses (shoe inserts) and supportive footwear. If the patient does not respond to conservative treatment, then surgery might be considered.
The causes of flat feet are varied. Some inherit the condition from their parents as an isolated trait, this is particularly true for children with hypermobility or “double jointed”. Others develop flat feet as part of another genetic condition. Still others develop the condition over time.
7 Best Walking Shoes For Flat Feet in 2025
Many people with fallen arches experience no side effects or pain. However, when the connecting muscles and ligaments are strained, you may experience pain in your feet. You might also experience pain in the leg joints as a result of a flat foot.