Flat feet (also known as over-pronation, Pes planovalgus, Fallen
             arches, or Pronation of feet) can effect one or both feet and is a common
             biomechanical problem that occurs in the walking process when a person's arch
             collapses upon weight bearing. This motion can cause extreme stress or
             inflammation on the plantar fascia, potentially causing severe discomfort and
             At birth, all feet look flat because an arch hasn't yet formed and
             don't form until the age of 2 or 3. Most flat feet are caused during your youth
             because of the loose joint connections and the baby fat between the foot bones.
             These conditions make the arch fall when standing up. This is why you sometimes
             hear flat feet called "fallen arches."
             Some of the symptoms of flat feet include the absence of the longitudinal
             arch of the foot when standing or lifting the toe; Pain in the foot region; and the heel
             tilts away from the midline of the body more than usual. This is called over-
             pronation and can be directly associated with flat feet because the framework of
             the foot begins to collapse, causing the foot to flatten and adding stress to other
             parts of the foot. Even though complications of fallen arches consist mainly of pain,
             over-pronation often leads to Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs, Metatarsalgia, Post-tib
             Other causes consist of obesity, pregnancy or repetitive pounding on a hard
             surface which can weaken the arch causing it to fall. Usually people with flat feet do
             not feel pain at first, and some never suffer from any discomfort at all. However,
             when symptoms develop and become painful, walking becomes a difficult task and
             causes increased strain on the feet and calves. Sometimes, pain in the lower back
             can accumulate do to the stress from the arches.
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