Flat feet
Flat feet also called pes planus, fallen arches or pronation of feet, is the condition in humans in which arch of the foot collapses and comes in contact with the ground or, as the case in some individuals, the arch never develops.
Flat feet is normal and common in all people at birth. The arch develops due to a continuous increase of muscular tension, which outmatches an increasing body weight. Training of the feet, especially by foot gymnastics and going barefoot on varying soil materials, facilitate the formation of proper arches. This should occur during childhood, with normal developed arches occurring for most people around the age of 12 years.
There is no cause for alarm if a mature individual has flat feet during standing in a relaxed manner. Usually the arch appears when the person stands on his or her toes. Healthy feet should be flexible and muscular training of the feet can improve moderate flat feet as they mostly occur.
Flat feet may be treated if there is associated foot pain, or if they are serious enough to strain the knees or the back. Treatment may include using arch supports, foot gymnastics or other kinds of physical exercise as recommended by physicians.
External link
Also: Inglish name of the german folk music-group De Plattfööt ( Founded 1979 ) from the County Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with the two singer-songwriters and guitar-players Peter Wilke and Klaus Lass.