How to Know If You Have Flat Feet

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of your feet collapse, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. While some people experience no issues, others may have discomfort, pain, or difficulty finding proper footwear. If you’re unsure whether you have flat feet, here are a few simple ways to check.

1. The Wet Foot Test (Easy At-Home Test)

This is one of the simplest ways to determine if you have flat feet:

What you’ll need:

• A shallow pan of water

• A piece of cardboard or paper

Steps:

1. Wet the bottom of your foot.

2. Step onto the cardboard or paper.

3. Step off and examine your footprint.

Results:

• Normal arch: The middle part of your footprint is about half-filled, showing a distinct arch.

• Flat foot: Your footprint shows the entire sole, with little to no curve in the arch area.

• High arch: Only the ball and heel of your foot appear, with very little in between.

2. Look at Your Feet While Standing

• Stand barefoot and look at the inside of your feet.

• If your entire foot touches the ground without a visible arch, you likely have flat feet.

3. Check Your Shoe Wear Pattern

Examine the bottom of your most-worn shoes.

• Normal arches: Wear is evenly distributed.

• Flat feet: The inside edges are more worn down.

• High arches: Wear is concentrated on the outer edges.

4. Foot Pain or Discomfort

Flat feet can sometimes cause:

– Pain in the arch, heel, or ankle

– Swelling along the inside of the foot

– Tired or achy feet, especially after long periods of standing or walking

5. Consult a Professional

If you suspect you have flat feet and experience pain, it’s a good idea to see a podiatrist or physiotherapist. They can assess your foot structure and recommend proper treatments, such as:

– Supportive footwear

– Custom orthotics

– Strengthening exercises

Knowing whether you have flat feet is the first step in finding relief and improving your foot health. If you do, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are many ways to support and strengthen your feet!