What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfeet can be broadly classified into flexible and rigid in nature. The type of flatfoot is determined through clinical testing. Most flatfeet are flexible and can be treated well with orthoses and specific exercises.
Flexible and rigid flat feet
The distinction matters because it decides the treatment. A flexible flat foot has an arch that appears when the foot is off the ground or up on tiptoe and flattens under load, and it is the type that responds to orthoses and exercise. A rigid flat foot stays flat whether loaded or not. The type of flatfoot is determined through clinical testing, not by looking at a footprint.
What Causes Flat Feet?
Flat feet are usually a foot type rather than an injury. Many people have a low arch all their lives without pain, and the arch of a young child is normally flat until it develops. Where a flat foot becomes painful, it is generally because the way it loads has changed or the demand on it has increased.
- The foot type a person is born with.
- Excess pronation, where weight rolls onto the inside edge of the sole.
- A change in load, such as a new job on hard floors or an increase in training.
- An arch that flattens in adulthood, which is assessed on its own terms rather than assumed to be lifelong.
Symptoms to Look Out For
A flat foot is not in itself a problem. What brings people in is the pain that can come with it, most often further up the chain than the arch.
- Aching through the arch or the inside of the ankle after standing or walking.
- Heel pain, which is more common in people with overly flat or high-arched feet.
- Shins, knees or hips that ache after activity.
- Shoes that wear unevenly on the inside edge.
How Are Flat Feet Diagnosed?
The type of flatfoot is determined through clinical testing.
In a minority of cases, conservative care does not alleviate the symptoms that can be associated with flatfeet. When this is the case Ozan will order the appropriate x-rays to evaluate the severity of the deformity.
Conservative Treatment Options
Most flatfeet are flexible and can be treated well with orthoses and specific exercises. Orthoses are fabricated from a 3D scan at Manly Foot Clinic, so the assessment, the scan and the device all happen in the one place.
Often symptoms associated with biomechanical malalignment are treated with the use of custom foot orthotics. This device can help improve and reduce load on painful structures.
When Symptoms Persist
In a minority of cases, conservative care does not alleviate the symptoms that can be associated with flatfeet. When this is the case Ozan will order the appropriate x-rays to evaluate the severity of the deformity.
There are a number of surgical procedures available to correct and restore the alignment of the flatfoot, including minimally invasive procedures such as the HyProCure extra-articular subtalar joint implants and a multitude of other ‘traditional open’ tendon and bone re-alignment procedures. Ozan will discuss in depth with you which procedure(s) would be suitable for you, so you can make an informed decision on how to proceed.
Flat Feet in Children and Teenagers
A flat arch in a young child is normal and usually develops on its own, which is why a flat foot in a child is watched and assessed rather than treated by default. Assessment looks at whether the foot is flexible, whether it causes pain, and whether the child is avoiding activity because of it.
Our podiatrists see children of all ages, from toddlers who are learning to walk through to teenagers in competitive sport. Children’s appointments usually include a look at how they walk and run, muscle strength and flexibility testing, and footwear advice. Where it’s needed, treatment may include an exercise program or, in some cases, splinting or orthoses.
Flat Feet FAQs
Most flatfeet are flexible and can be treated well with orthoses and specific exercises. A flat foot that causes no pain and does not limit activity may need nothing more than assessment.
Flatfeet can be broadly classified into flexible and rigid in nature. The type of flatfoot is determined through clinical testing. Most flatfeet are flexible and can be treated well with orthoses and specific exercises.
In a minority of cases, conservative care does not alleviate the symptoms that can be associated with flatfeet. When this is the case Ozan will order the appropriate x-rays to evaluate the severity of the deformity.
Yes. Our podiatrists see children of all ages, from toddlers who are learning to walk through to teenagers in competitive sport. Children’s appointments usually include a look at how they walk and run, muscle strength and flexibility testing, and footwear advice. Where it’s needed, treatment may include an exercise program or, in some cases, splinting or orthoses.
No, you can book directly without a referral. If you’d like, we’ll send a short report to your GP after your appointment so your foot care stays part of your overall health record. If your appointment is through a Medicare care plan, DVA or another funded program, you will need a referral, so check with us when you book.
Serving Manly and the Northern Beaches.
Manly Foot Clinic is at Shop 3/3 Corrie Rd, North Manly, NSW 2100, and assesses and treats flat feet for patients from Manly, Dee Why, Brookvale, Freshwater and Balgowlah. The clinic is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday from 8:00am to 2:00pm.