FLAT FEET
Low or collapsed arches causing tired, aching feet and legs?
Flat feet (pes planus) occur when the arches on the inside of the feet are low or make complete contact with the ground. While many flat feet are painless, symptomatic flat feet can lead to strain and fatigue. Our podiatrists evaluate your arch function and provide tailored support
COMMON SYMPTOMS
Does any of this sound familiar?
Flat feet can present with symptoms in the feet, ankles, shins, or knees:
- Aches or cramping along the inside arch or bottom of the foot
- Feet and lower legs that feel heavy, tired, or fatigued after standing
- Ankles that visibly roll inward (overpronation) when bearing weight
- Uneven wear on the inner edges of your shoe soles
- Pain along the tendon behind the inside ankle bone (tibialis posterior)
- Difficulty standing on tiptoes on one foot
Not all flat feet require treatment — only those that cause pain or fatigue.
Where support is needed, prescription orthotics restore efficient foot alignment.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
What causes flat feet?
Flat feet can be flexible (inherited from childhood) or acquired later in life:
Inherited foot architecture
Naturally loose ligaments and bone geometry that allow the arch to lower under body weight.
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
Gradual weakening or stretching of the main tendon that holds up the medial foot arch.
Tarsal coalition
Abnormal joining of bones in the foot that causes a rigid flat foot from adolescence.
Weight & repetitive strain
Prolonged standing, weight changes, or repetitive high impact accelerating arch collapse.
WHEN TO SEEK ASSESSMENT
When should you consider getting flat feet checked?
Consider arranging an assessment if:
- Your arches or ankles ache after standing or walking
- You notice one arch has collapsed more than the other (asymmetry)
- You experience swelling or tenderness behind the inside ankle bone
- You find it hard to stand on tiptoe on the affected foot
- You want custom orthotics to support your foot alignment
YOUR APPOINTMENT
What happens when you come to see us?
We check whether the arch is flexible or rigid and evaluate tendon strength
We examine
Your podiatrist checks your arch height sitting, standing, and during the heel-raise test.
We assess tendon function
We evaluate the strength and integrity of the tibialis posterior tendon.
We analyse gait
A biomechanical walking analysis checks the degree and timing of pronation.
We plan
You receive recommendations for custom orthotics, footwear stability, and strengthening.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment depends on what we find
Treatment focuses on supporting the arch and offloading fatigued muscles:
Not every treatment is appropriate for every patient. Your podiatrist will discuss suitable options after assessment.
- Prescription custom orthotics with medial arch support
- Biomechanical assessment & 3D foot scanning
- Tibialis posterior strengthening exercises
- Motion-control or structured stability footwear advice
- Class 4 laser therapy where tendon inflammation is present
We're here for you
Tired of Living With Pain? We Can Help
STEP 1 OF 2
Request a callback
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Patient Reviews
What our patients say about their care
Real feedback from individuals who have trusted our clinical team with their mobility and foot health.
FAQ
Flat feet FAQs
READY TO GET STARTED?
Ready for comfortable, well-supported arches?
Book online at a time that suits you, or request a callback if you're unsure which appointment is right for you.