Does Flat Feet Affect Your Height?

No definitive answer exists regarding whether flat feet, also known as fallen arches or pes planus, directly reduce your height. However, flat feet can influence your posture and overall body alignment, which might give the perception of being slightly shorter.

Flat Feet and Posture

Flat feet can affect how a person stands and walks. This can result in a slouched posture, which, in turn, might make an individual appear to be slightly shorter.

Key Points:

Flat feet can lead to changes in standing and walking posture. This altered posture can give the impression of being shorter. Discomfort or pain from flat feet can also worsen posture.

Scientific Insights

Acquired flat feet, those that develop over time, are not conclusively linked to a change in height. Depending on the individual, some might see a reduction in height, while others may not experience any significant changes.

Some people with flat feet may have the condition due to genetics, while others may develop it due to injuries or other health issues.

Some studies, such as those cited by Anatomy Rolls Wilson, have indicated that genetics play a significant role in determining foot arches and, by extension, height.

Unverified Claims and Expert Opinions

Some individuals claim that flat feet marginally reduce height, but there is no concrete evidence to support this. For instance, while the height measurement remains unchanged, carrying oneself with poor posture can make one appear shorter to others.

According to CJ Nr, having flat feet does not physically shorten a person's height. The heel and toes being in contact with the ground determine the base of height, while the underside of the arch does not influence this due to it not being in contact with the ground.

Scientific Consensus

In technical terms, flat feet do not significantly impact a person's height. The relationship between foot arch height and body height is minimal, as the height is primarily determined by the bony base of the body.

Key Points:

The under-arch does not determine the actual height because it is not in contact with the ground. Flat feet might cause pronation, or inward rolling of the heel, but the difference in height is negligible. A flattened arch may reduce height by less than 1 cm or 1/2 inch.

Impact on Posture and Flexibility

Some types of flat feet are flexible and can be improved through orthotic therapy. An improvement in this condition might enhance overall posture and, therefore, height.

Flexible flat feet can often be addressed through customized foot orthotics, which support the arch and promote better alignment and posture. By addressing these issues, one can potentially see an improvement in their overall height perception.

Key Points:

Flexible flat feet can be managed through orthotic therapy. Improvement in posture can lead to a slight increase in height perception. Orthotics can support the arch and enhance overall body alignment.

In conclusion, while flat feet may affect posture and give the impression of being slightly shorter, they do not definitively impact actual height. Maintaining good posture and addressing any discomfort or pain associated with flat feet can help optimize one's overall body alignment and height perception.