Flat feet are common, and many people have them with no symptoms at all and need nothing done. They matter when they cause pain, aching or fatigue, or when they contribute to problems further up in the ankle, knee or lower back. When that happens, they are worth assessing properly.
How we assess flat feet
We take a history, examine the foot, and look at how you stand, load and walk. That tells us whether your flat feet are causing your symptoms and what is realistic to do about them. Adult-acquired flat foot, where an arch drops over time, is assessed with particular care, as catching it early keeps the simpler options open.
How we treat flat feet
For most people the aim is to settle the symptoms rather than change the shape of the foot:
- Custom orthotics to reconfigure the relationship between foot and ground
- Footwear advice that works with the foot rather than against it
- A targeted strengthening and loading programme where it helps
When more is needed
Where a flat foot is painful and progressive and does not respond to conservative care, surgery is one option. It is a considered decision made only after a full assessment, and where it is the right step it is carried out by surgical colleagues who have worked with the practice for decades.
Call 01306 883 332 or book an appointment to have your flat feet assessed.
Frequently asked questions.
Are flat feet a problem?
Often not. They matter when they cause pain, aching or fatigue, or contribute to problems elsewhere in the ankle, knee or lower back. If they do, they are worth assessing.
Do I need orthotics for flat feet?
Not everyone does. They help when flat feet are causing symptoms, by reconfiguring the relationship between foot and ground. An assessment shows whether they will help you.
Our team
Care from named, HCPC-registered specialists.
Every patient is looked after by a named clinician who sees them through from the first assessment to treatment and follow-up, so nothing gets lost between appointments. Get to know the team who will be looking after your feet.
Meet the team →
INTERACTIVE APPOINTMENT GUIDE
Find the right appointment
We'll guide you to the most appropriate clinician in around two minutes using our interactive foot guide.
Your foot
Drag to turn · click to pin
Explore your foot
Select an area of the foot
Rotate the model and choose the area that's troubling you. We'll show the conditions we most often see there and how we treat them.
Drag to rotate the model
Or let it auto-rotate to preview
Click a highlighted area to explore
OTHER SERVICES