What are the consequences of having flat feet?

Although having flat feet is not among the more serious health problems, they still cause serious problems for children who suffer from them, as well as their parents, gym teachers and doctors involved with their health care.

Careless posture
When the arch does not develop correctly, the distribution of weight also changes. The normal balance of the body will shift because our entire system is trying to adapt to the change. This change will lead to a hunched back, a protruding abdomen and a concaved chest.

Weak, fragile physical condition
In a third of the cases, the lack of physical activity causes other bodily muscles of the child to be underdeveloped.

Spinal disorders
Flat feet can eventually lead to serious spinal disorders.

Joint problems
Flat feet cause the ankles, knees, and hip joints to be put under increased strain. The direction of joint movement changes drastically and can lead to wear and tear more rapidly. The weak joint can lead to frequent sprains, pain, and even fractures.

Morbid obesity
This disorder makes each step painful and causes a host of other problems, causing many obese children to avoid and dislike exercising altogether. Instead, people with flat feet tend to find pleasure in eating; hence, they gain even more weight. Oftentimes, weight gain during years of development will become nearly permanent.

Bad digestion
Flat feet shift the body's balance and cause the gastrointestinal tract to move which in turn leads to bad digestion and frequent constipation.

Disorders of the foot:
Big toe: Sinking of the arch leads to the augmentation and deformity of the big toe, which leads to a painful condition that may even need surgery.
Hammertoe: The second toe becomes deformed in order to fit in the shoe properly.
Calluses: People with flat feet are predisposed to use only certain parts of their sole when walking to avoid pain, which leads to the development of painful calluses.