New drug treatment for flat feet could be developed thanks to the findings of a study.
A team led by the researchers from the University of East Anglia looked at the painful condition affecting a growing number of middle-aged women.
Adult acquired flat foot is often undiagnosed, but results from the stretching of a tendon near the ankle bone. This tendon, the tibialis posterior tendon, gives stability to the arch of the foot.
The condition appears to be most common in women over 40.
It is unknown what causes flat feet, but many believe wearing high heels or standing or walking for long periods may contribute. Obesity, raised blood pressure and diabetes are all factors known to increase the risk of developing the condition.
The study showed that, among people with flat feet, the structure of the tibialis posterior tendon had changed and there was increased activity of enzymes that can weaken the tendon. This then causes the arch of the foot to drop.
The change in the activity of enzymes could help to develop a drug that targets the specific enzymes and suppress the activity.
But the finding isn’t just important for people suffering from flat foot, people with other painful tendon conditions, such as Achilles tendonitis, may also benefit from targeted medicine.
Researchers involved in the study believe more work is needed to identify which enzymes should be targeted and discover if people are genetically predisposed to suffer from flat feet or other conditions affecting the tendons.
The research was funded by Arthritis Research UK and Cambridge Arthritis Research Endeavour as well as other bodies.