Flat feet (also called fallen arches) occur when the arch on the inside of the foot is lower than usual or has collapsed. This can cause the entire sole of the foot to touch the ground when standing. While some people never experience issues, flat foot pain is a common problem that many people develop, with symptoms impacting their daily activities.
Luckily, you don’t have to live with this pain. Our team of podiatry clinicians provide a variety of foot and ankle care solutions, tailored to your needs.
Why Flat Feet Can Cause Pain
When the arch collapses, the foot may roll inwards (pronation). This can place extra strain on muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the foot and ankle. Over time, this may also affect the knees, hips, or lower back. Pain can be felt in:
- The arch or heel of the foot
- The inside of the ankle
- The shin or calf muscles
- Occasionally, the lower back or hips due to altered walking patterns
What are the Common Causes of Flat Feet?
Flat feet can develop in childhood and remain into adulthood, with painful symptoms often appearing later in life. Contributing factors include:
- Family history of flat feet
- Injury or weakness of the posterior tibial tendon (a key tendon that supports the arch)
- Arthritis or degeneration in the foot joints
- Obesity or sudden weight gain
- Prolonged standing or high-impact activity
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your pain. At Southwest Foot and Ankle Centre, we provide a range of evidence-based options to treat flat foot pain, including:
- Footwear advice – Supportive, activity-specific shoes
- Orthotic devices – Custom-made or prefabricated supports to support the arch and reduce strain
- Rehabilitation/strengthening exercises – To improve foot and ankle muscle function
- Activity modification – Reducing high-impact activities and replacing them with low-impact options such as cycling or swimming
- Medication or injections – To manage inflammation in some cases
- Surgery – Rarely required, but may be considered for severe or progressive flat feet that don’t respond to the above treatment
When to Seek Help
If you or your child are experiencing persistent foot pain, difficulty walking, or notice your feet “rolling in” more over time, it’s important to seek professional advice. Early foot and ankle pain management can often prevent worsening symptoms and improve comfort and mobility.
At Southwest Foot and Ankle Centre, our team of expert podiatrists is here to help with the impact of flat foot pain, as well as other common foot and ankle issues. To book an appointment, call us at 08 9791 1319, or complete our contact form.
