Flat Feet Assessment & Treatment
Low arches, aching feet or discomfort when walking? We assess your symptoms and foot function to help you understand the cause and find the right support.
What are flat feet?
Flat feet, also called fallen arches or pes planus, describe a low or absent inner arch when standing. Some people naturally have low arches throughout their lives.
Flat feet do not automatically need treatment. Many people have low arches without pain. Assessment is most useful when symptoms, walking difficulties or a change in foot shape develop.
When should you seek an assessment?
- Persistent foot or ankle pain
- Stiffness, weakness or numbness
- Difficulty walking or balancing
- Repeated foot or ankle injuries
- A newly flattened arch, particularly in one foot
- A changing foot shape with pain or swelling
Understanding the type of flat foot
The appearance of your arch is only one part of the picture. Symptoms, flexibility and changes over time all matter.
Longstanding low arches
Your natural foot shape may be comfortable and function well. A low arch alone is not a reason to prescribe insoles.
Painful or changing arches
The tibialis posterior tendon and supporting ligaments help maintain the arch. Problems affecting them can contribute to progressive flattening and pain.
Stiff or restricted feet
A painful, stiff foot needs assessment to understand the structures involved and whether further investigation would help.
We look beyond the arch
Your assessment considers how your feet move, the activities you want to do and the symptoms affecting you.
- Your history
When symptoms began, any changes in foot shape and the demands of work, walking or sport. - Physical examination
Foot and ankle movement, strength, flexibility and the areas producing symptoms. - Walking assessment
Gait analysis and pressure mapping where appropriate to explore foot function during movement. - A clear plan
We explain our findings and discuss suitable treatment, review or onward referral.
Support tailored to you
The aim is to improve comfort and function. Recommendations depend on your symptoms and assessment findings.
- Footwear advice
- Strengthening exercises
- Activity guidance
- Insoles or orthotics
- Bracing where appropriate
- Referral or imaging
Insoles may help support the foot and manage symptoms, but do not usually permanently change its shape.
Flat feet FAQs
Do all flat feet need treatment?
No. Comfortable flat feet that do not limit your activities generally do not need treatment.
Can I run or play sport with flat feet?
Flat feet alone should not prevent sport. If pain is limiting you, an assessment can help identify suitable next steps.
Will insoles rebuild my arch?
Insoles can provide support and help manage symptoms, but they do not usually permanently reshape your arch.
What if only one arch has become flatter?
A new change in one foot should be assessed, particularly with swelling, pain around the inside of the ankle or difficulty pushing up onto your toes.
Will I need surgery?
Many early cases of progressive arch collapse can be managed without surgery. Significant or worsening problems may require specialist review.
What should I bring?
Bring your usual work, walking or sports footwear and any existing insoles. Shorts or trousers that roll up make examining your lower legs easier.
Move forward with more comfortable feet
Book an assessment at Dunford Health in Whitchurch to understand your symptoms and discuss a personalised plan.
Flat Feet Assessment & Treatment
Low arches, aching feet or discomfort when walking? We assess your symptoms and foot function to help you understand the cause and find the right support.
What are flat feet?
Flat feet, also called fallen arches or pes planus, describe a low or absent inner arch when standing. Some people naturally have low arches throughout their lives.
Flat feet do not automatically need treatment. Many people have low arches without pain. Assessment is most useful when symptoms, walking difficulties or a change in foot shape develop.
When should you seek an assessment?
- Persistent foot or ankle pain
- Stiffness, weakness or numbness
- Difficulty walking or balancing
- Repeated foot or ankle injuries
- A newly flattened arch, particularly in one foot
- A changing foot shape with pain or swelling
Understanding the type of flat foot
The appearance of your arch is only one part of the picture. Symptoms, flexibility and changes over time all matter.
Longstanding low arches
Your natural foot shape may be comfortable and function well. A low arch alone is not a reason to prescribe insoles.
Painful or changing arches
The tibialis posterior tendon and supporting ligaments help maintain the arch. Problems affecting them can contribute to progressive flattening and pain.
Stiff or restricted feet
A painful, stiff foot needs assessment to understand the structures involved and whether further investigation would help.
We look beyond the arch
Your assessment considers how your feet move, the activities you want to do and the symptoms affecting you.
- Your history
When symptoms began, any changes in foot shape and the demands of work, walking or sport. - Physical examination
Foot and ankle movement, strength, flexibility and the areas producing symptoms. - Walking assessment
Gait analysis and pressure mapping where appropriate to explore foot function during movement. - A clear plan
We explain our findings and discuss suitable treatment, review or onward referral.
Support tailored to you
The aim is to improve comfort and function. Recommendations depend on your symptoms and assessment findings.
- Footwear advice
- Strengthening exercises
- Activity guidance
- Insoles or orthotics
- Bracing where appropriate
- Referral or imaging
Insoles may help support the foot and manage symptoms, but do not usually permanently change its shape.
Flat feet FAQs
Do all flat feet need treatment?
No. Comfortable flat feet that do not limit your activities generally do not need treatment.
Can I run or play sport with flat feet?
Flat feet alone should not prevent sport. If pain is limiting you, an assessment can help identify suitable next steps.
Will insoles rebuild my arch?
Insoles can provide support and help manage symptoms, but they do not usually permanently reshape your arch.
What if only one arch has become flatter?
A new change in one foot should be assessed, particularly with swelling, pain around the inside of the ankle or difficulty pushing up onto your toes.
Will I need surgery?
Many early cases of progressive arch collapse can be managed without surgery. Significant or worsening problems may require specialist review.
What should I bring?
Bring your usual work, walking or sports footwear and any existing insoles. Shorts or trousers that roll up make examining your lower legs easier.
Move forward with more comfortable feet
Book an assessment at Dunford Health in Whitchurch to understand your symptoms and discuss a personalised plan.