Jammu, April 29 -- For generations, those with flat or fallen arches have been told their feet are abnormal and will likely cause pain or injury down the line. However, a new study is challenging this long-held belief, finding little evidence to support such claims. As a health reporter for a major newspaper, I reexamined the facts around this common foot trait.

Researchers analyzed several meta-analyses on the topic, which compile the results of multiple scientific studies. Consistently, they found little to no increased risk of musculoskeletal issues for those with flat feet. The links proposed in past studies - to conditions like shin splints or knee pain - were deemed weak. Perhaps most compelling, reviews of runners found zero diffe...