Condition
Flat feet: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to flat feet — when they matter, and how symptoms are managed.
- Ankle & Foot
Quick answer
Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet are low or flatten when standing. Many people with flat feet have no problems at all; when symptoms occur, strengthening, supportive footwear and sometimes orthotics help.
Key facts
- Flat feet are very common and often cause no symptoms.
- They only need treatment if they cause pain or problems.
- Strengthening and supportive footwear help symptomatic cases.
What are flat feet?
Flat feet are feet with low or absent arches, so more of the sole contacts the ground when standing.
They can be flexible (arch appears when not weight-bearing) or rigid. Flat feet are common and, in many people, are simply a normal foot shape that causes no problems.
Do flat feet cause problems?
Often no — but when symptomatic, flat feet can contribute to foot, ankle, knee or lower-leg discomfort, especially with prolonged standing or activity.
- Aching in the arch or foot
- Fatigue in the feet, ankles or lower legs
- Pain with prolonged standing or activity
- Uneven shoe wear
How are flat feet treated?
Flat feet are only treated if they cause symptoms, using foot and lower-limb strengthening, supportive footwear, and orthotics where indicated.
Strengthening the foot and hip muscles and choosing supportive footwear helps many symptomatic cases. Orthotics may be useful for some people. Painless flat feet generally need no treatment.
At Postura Wellness, care for symptomatic flat feet is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
A foot arch that collapses newly in adulthood, or a rigid, painful flat foot, should be assessed, as it can indicate a tendon or structural problem.
Get a clear plan for your flat feet
Book an assessment at either branch and get a tailored plan.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified clinician about your individual condition.
Sources
- Injuries and Wounds — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Sports Injuries — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Bone Diseases — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Bones, Joints and Muscles — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Muscle and Bone Diseases — NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Joint Disorders — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine