Important: This article is general information, not medical advice. Virtual care is not appropriate for every concern. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
What flat feet can mean
MyHealth Alberta describes flatfoot, also called pes planus, as a lowered or flattened lengthwise foot arch. One or both feet can be affected, and many children have flat feet until the arch develops as they grow.
Many people with flat feet have few or no problems. A public article cannot determine whether a particular foot or leg discomfort is related to arch shape or another cause.
Notice activity and comfort context
Official Alberta information notes that discomfort can be associated with standing, walking, running, jumping, changes in activity, a minor injury, weight changes, or poorly fitted footwear. These are possible contexts, not a diagnosis.
For a conversation with a professional, note whether the concern affects one or both feet, when it started, whether it changes with activity, and whether there was a change in footwear, work, or activity demands.
Keep individual context with a professional
MyHealth Alberta lists several possible contributors to flatfoot, including inherited traits, injury, and some health conditions. That list does not establish which explanation applies to any individual.
This page does not recommend shoes, inserts, exercises, medicines, tests, or treatment. An appropriate professional can consider the full history and decide what information is useful next.
Use a request only for a non-emergency concern
For people physically in Alberta with active AHCIP, an AlbertaMD request starts clinic review for a non-emergency concern. It is not a live wait, confirmed appointment, or guarantee of a callback, diagnosis, treatment, prescription, test, referral, or outcome.
For a possible immediate, life-threatening emergency, call 911. This article does not assess the urgency of individual foot or leg symptoms.
Common patient questions.
Ready to start? For an eligible non-emergency concern, start your visit form when you are ready; the clinic reviews each request. Call 911 for an emergency or seek prompt professional assessment when a concern cannot wait.
Do flat feet always cause pain?
No. MyHealth Alberta says many people have few or no problems. This article cannot determine the cause of an individual concern.
What is useful to note before a care conversation?
A timeline, whether one or both feet are affected, activity or footwear context, changes over time, and relevant health context can support a clearer discussion.
Does this page recommend inserts or exercises?
No. It provides general Alberta public information only and does not choose a product, exercise, medicine, test, or treatment.
Can flat feet affect one or both feet?
Yes. MyHealth Alberta describes flatfoot as affecting one foot or both feet, and notes that many people have few or no problems. This does not determine the cause of individual symptoms.
Continue with related Alberta guides.
These patient guides add context on virtual care, care navigation, and next-step preparation.
Learn more from Alberta resources.
These public resources offer additional context on virtual-care preparation, safety, and professional standards.
Ready to see a doctor?
Start your visit now.
For non-emergency health concerns only. After a completed form during 8 AM–10 PM Mountain Time, a doctor usually calls within 60 minutes. This is not a live wait, confirmed appointment, or guaranteed callback; the clinic reviews each request before confirming an appropriate next step.