Flat Feet (Fallen Arches) Treatment

Flat feet, fallen arches or tired, aching feet?

Flat feet are extremely common and, for many people, cause no problems at all.

However, if you're experiencing aching feet, heel pain, reduced walking endurance or changes in the way you move, our experienced podiatrists can help identify why your symptoms have developed and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your lifestyle and goals.

Book your Biomechanical Assessment today.

How do I know if I have flat feet?

Not everyone with flat feet experiences symptoms.

However, some people notice:

• Tired or aching feet

• Heel pain

• Arch pain

• Ankle discomfort

• Leg fatigue

• Knee discomfort

• Reduced walking endurance

• Difficulty standing for long periods

• Reduced confidence during exercise

• Feet that appear flatter than they used to

Symptoms often become more noticeable after prolonged standing, walking or activity.

What are flat feet?

Flat feet, sometimes called fallen arches, occur when the arch on the inside of the foot is lower than expected or reduces over time.

The arch plays an important role in:

• Shock absorption

• Weight distribution

• Stability

• Movement efficiency

• Adapting to uneven surfaces

When the arch is lower, the foot may roll inwards more during walking. This is known as pronation.

Some pronation is completely normal and helps the foot function efficiently.

Problems may develop when excessive pronation contributes to increased strain on the feet, ankles or lower limbs.

Importantly, flat feet are not automatically a problem.

At Callen Olive, we treat people—not foot shapes.

What causes flat feet?

Flat feet can develop for several different reasons.

Some people are born with naturally lower arches, whilst others develop flatter feet later in life.

Common causes include:

• Genetics

• Natural foot structure

• Age-related changes

• Weight changes

• Previous injuries

• Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)

• Changes to ligaments and supporting structures

Often, several factors contribute together rather than one single cause.

How we treat flat feet

Treatment recommendations are based on your symptoms, activity levels and how your feet function—not simply the height of your arches.

Following a comprehensive assessment, we'll consider:

• Your symptoms

• Foot posture

• Walking pattern

• Joint mobility

• Footwear

• Activity levels

• Lifestyle

• Your treatment goals

Your personalised treatment plan may include:

• Footwear advice

• Strengthening and rehabilitation

• Custom Foot Orthotics

• Activity modification

• Ongoing monitoring

Biomechanical Assessment

Understanding how your feet function is often the most important part of treatment.

Your assessment may include:

• Medical history

• Foot posture evaluation

• Biomechanical assessment

• OptoGait gait analysis

• Joint mobility testing

• Footwear review

• Activity assessment

This allows us to identify whether your foot posture is contributing to your symptoms and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Strengthening and rehabilitation

Targeted exercises may help improve lower limb strength, support foot function and enhance movement efficiency.

Where appropriate, we'll advise exercises that complement your treatment plan.

Custom Foot Orthotics

For some people, custom foot orthotics help improve comfort by supporting foot function and reducing excessive strain on affected structures.

Orthotics are recommended when clinically appropriate—not simply because someone has flat feet.

Pricing

Every treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment so we can understand how your feet function and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Treatment	Price
New Patient Biomechanical Assessment	£180
Principal Podiatrist Biomechanical Assessment	£225

If you're unsure which appointment is most suitable, our Patient Care Team will be happy to help.

Book your appointment

Whether you're experiencing aching feet, reduced mobility or simply want to understand your foot posture better, we're here to help.

Book your Biomechanical Assessment today and take the first step towards moving with comfort, confidence and ease.

Why Patients Choose Callen Olive

Your feet deserve more than treatment.

At Callen Olive, we believe exceptional podiatry is about far more than relieving pain.

It's about understanding how your feet affect your comfort, confidence and the way you move through life.

Every person who walks through our doors has different goals, which is why every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs, lifestyle and ambitions.

Because no two people — or feet — are the same.

Expert Care. Personally Delivered.

We combine specialist clinical expertise, advanced technology and genuinely personalised care to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

From your first appointment, you'll understand what's causing your symptoms, the treatment options available and how we'll support you every step of the way.

Why Patients Choose Callen Olive

• Specialist podiatry team
• Personalised treatment plans
• Advanced technology
• Evidence-based care
• Award-winning patient experience
• Trusted by thousands of patients every year

More Than A Podiatry Appointment

Exceptional care isn't just about clinical expertise.

It's about feeling listened to, understood and supported from the moment you arrive until long after your treatment has finished.

Because that's what great care should feel like.

We Care.

It's more than our promise.

It's how we listen, how we explain, how we treat and how we support every patient who places their trust in us.

Because helping you move with comfort, confidence and ease is why Callen Olive exists.

Healthy Feet. Healthy Body. Healthy Mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are flat feet always a problem?

No. Many people have flat feet and never experience pain or limitations.

Treatment is based on symptoms and function rather than foot shape alone.

Can flat feet cause foot pain?

Yes. For some people, flat feet may contribute to increased strain, tired feet or pain. Others remain completely symptom free.

Can flat feet cause knee or back pain?

Not always.

However, changes in movement patterns may sometimes contribute to symptoms affecting other areas of the body.

Do I need orthotics if I have flat feet?

Not necessarily.

Many people with flat feet do not require orthotics.

Recommendations should always be based on your symptoms, function and lifestyle.

Can adults develop flat feet?

Yes.

Changes to tendons, ligaments and joints can sometimes lead to adult-acquired flat feet.

Can I still exercise if I have flat feet?

Absolutely.

Many people with flat feet continue to enjoy running, walking, golf, Pilates and other activities.

The goal is usually to improve comfort rather than change your foot posture.

Further information

Flat feet don't always need treating

One of the biggest misconceptions is that everyone with flat feet needs treatment.

This simply isn't true.

Many people have naturally lower arches and experience no pain or functional limitations.

At Callen Olive, we focus on:

• Symptoms

• Function

• Mobility

• Activity levels

• Individual goals

rather than arch height alone.

Can flat feet develop in adulthood?

Yes.

Many people are surprised to notice their arches becoming flatter later in life.

This may occur because of changes within tendons, ligaments or joints, particularly when the posterior tibial tendon becomes weakened.

This is known as adult-acquired flat foot.

How can flat feet affect the rest of the body?

Your feet provide the foundation for movement.

Changes in foot posture may influence loading through the:

• Ankles

• Knees

• Hips

• Lower back

This doesn't mean flat feet automatically cause pain elsewhere, but understanding movement patterns often helps explain recurring symptoms.

Flat feet and sport

Many people with flat feet successfully participate in:

• Running

• Walking

• Golf

• Pilates

• Yoga

• Racquet sports

The goal is not necessarily to change your foot posture.

The goal is to optimise comfort, efficiency and movement.

When should you seek professional advice?

We recommend arranging an assessment if:

• Your feet become increasingly painful

• Your arches appear to be collapsing

• Walking becomes uncomfortable

• You develop ankle pain

• Symptoms affect your activity levels

• You're unsure whether your flat feet are contributing to your symptoms

Early assessment often helps identify the cause of discomfort and guide the most appropriate treatment.

Related conditions

• Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Heel Pain

• Achilles Tendinopathy

• Foot & Ankle Arthritis

Related treatments

• Biomechanical Assessment

• OptoGait Gait Analysis

• Custom Foot Orthotics

• Shockwave Therapy