Flat Feet: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective and Treatment Options

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Flat feet are a common condition that can affect both children and adults. While modern medicine focuses on foot structure and biomechanics, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) looks at flat feet from a whole-body perspective, considering not only the feet but also overall balance, muscle strength, and internal organ function.

This article explains how TCM understands flat feet and how Chinese medicine can help manage symptoms, improve function, and support long-term foot health.

How Does TCM Understand Flat Feet?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is no specific disease name called “flat feet.” Instead, flat feet are classified under conditions related to tendon injury and joint or bone misalignment. TCM does not view flat feet as only a local foot problem, but as part of a wider imbalance in the body.

Root Deficiency with Surface Symptoms

TCM describes the underlying mechanism of flat feet as “root deficiency with surface excess.”

Root Deficiency (Underlying Causes)

Flat feet are commonly related to weakness in three organ systems:

• Kidney deficiencyIn TCM, the Kidney governs the bones. When Kidney energy is weak, bones may lack strength and proper support, leading to a collapsed foot arch.

• Liver blood deficiencyThe Liver governs the tendons and ligaments. When Liver blood is insufficient, the plantar fascia and ligaments become weak and less able to maintain the natural arch of the foot.

• Spleen qi deficiencyThe Spleen supports muscles and the limbs. Weak Spleen function can result in poor muscle strength in the feet and lower legs, reducing arch support.

  
  

Surface Symptoms (Secondary Problems)

As the arch collapses, abnormal foot mechanics develop. Over time, this can lead to:

• Poor circulation of blood and energy, causing pain, aching, or stiffness

• Accumulation of dampness in the feet, leading to fatigue, heaviness, or mild swelling

  
  

Congenital and Acquired Factors

Flat feet can be influenced by both inborn and lifestyle factors:

Congenital Factors

• Genetic tendency

• Delayed or weakened development during childhood

  
  

Acquired Factors

• Standing or walking too early in infancy

• Long periods of standing or heavy physical work

• Wearing unsupportive or poorly fitted shoes

• Chronic illness, postpartum weakness, or long-term fatigue

  
  

How Flat Feet Affect the Whole Body

In TCM, the feet are considered the foundation of the body. Changes in foot alignment do not only affect the feet and ankles — they can also influence the knees, hips, pelvis, and even the spine.

Many people with flat feet experience:

• Knee pain

• Hip tightness

• Lower back pain

• Poor posture or uneven walking patterns

  
  

This is why TCM treatment often focuses on restoring overall balance, not just the foot arch itself.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Flat Feet

TCM treatment focuses on combining internal regulation with external therapy, aiming to reduce pain, improve strength, and support healthy movement.

1. External Treatments (Symptom Relief and Structural Support)

Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage) and Manual Therapy

• Releases tight plantar fascia and calf muscles

• Improves joint mobility in the foot, ankle, knee, and hip

• Helps restore healthy movement patterns throughout the body

Acupuncture

• Local points in the foot and ankle to relieve pain and stiffness

• Distal points to strengthen the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney systems

• Improves circulation, muscle function, and recovery

Herbal Foot Soaks

• Warm herbal baths help reduce pain, fatigue, and tension

• Improve blood circulation and relax soft tissues

Orthotics and Foot Exercises

• Arch supports or orthotic insoles provide external support

• Simple exercises such as toe-gripping, heel raises, and arch activation help strengthen foot muscles

  
  

2. Internal Herbal Treatment (Addressing the Root Cause)

Herbal medicine is prescribed based on individual assessment, commonly addressing patterns such as:

• Liver and Kidney deficiency – weakness, soreness, poor endurance

• Qi and blood deficiency – muscle weakness, fatigue

• Blood stasis – fixed or chronic pain

• Cold and damp accumulation – heaviness, pain worsened by cold

Herbal formulas aim to strengthen tendons and bones, improve circulation, and support long-term recovery.

Therapeutic Exercises and Self-Care

Active rehabilitation is an important part of TCM treatment. Commonly recommended practices include:

• Baduanjin exercises, especially movements that strengthen the legs and feet

• Tai Chi, which improves balance, coordination, and foot strength

• Standing meditation (Zhan Zhuang) to improve posture and weight distribution

  
  

What Results Can You Expect?

• Reduced foot pain and fatigue

• Improved stability and walking comfort

• Better posture and movement patterns

• Slower progression of flat feet

Flat feet are a chronic condition, and improvement takes time. Consistent treatment and regular exercises are key to long-term results.

When to Seek Further Assessment

A formal diagnosis by an orthopaedic or rehabilitation specialist is recommended to determine:

• Flexible or rigid flat feet

• Severity of the condition

• Presence of complications (such as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction)

TCM works best in combination with modern rehabilitation, especially orthotic support.

Final Thoughts

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic and personalised approach to managing flat feet. By treating both the symptoms and the underlying causes, TCM can help relieve pain, improve function, and support overall musculoskeletal health.

If you or your child suffer from flat feet or foot-related pain, a professional TCM assessment can help identify the root causes and create an individualised treatment plan.