Experiences with
Flat feetCheck if you have flat feet
To see if you have flat feet, check the inner sides of your feet while you're standing up.
If you have flat feet, your feet will be flat on the ground.
You do not have flat feet if the inside part of your foot is raised off the ground (this is called the arch).
- your feet are painful, stiff, weak or numb
- you often get feet or ankle injuries
- you have problems with walking or balance
- you did not have flat feet before
- it only affects 1 foot
These problems mean you might need treatment.
Treatments for flat feet
If flat feet are causing problems and you need treatment, a GP may refer you to a specialist like a podiatrist or physiotherapist.
Referral to a specialist is not available everywhere and waiting times can be long.
Your GP might be able to give you advice about paying to see a specialist privately.
A foot specialist can offer advice about:
- what shoes to wear (wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel are usually best)
- shoe insoles to support your feet
- foot stretches and exercises
- painkillers
These will not change the shape of your feet, but can help with things like pain or stiffness.
Surgery for flat feet
Surgery is rarely needed for flat feet.
It might help if there's a problem with the bones, tissues or muscles in your feet and other treatments have not worked.
Your GP may refer you to a surgeon if they think surgery might help.
Causes of flat feet
There's often no obvious cause for flat feet. It might just be the way your feet are.
Sometimes flat feet run in families.
Rarely, flat feet may be caused by:
- the bones in the feet not growing properly in the womb
- stretching of the tissues in your feet (possibly as a result of things like an injury, getting older or being overweight)
- conditions affecting the muscles, nerves or joints in the whole body like cerebral palsy and spina bifida
Treatment for flat feet is not usually needed. Wearing comfortable shoes, using insoles, and doing foot exercises may ease any pain or discomfort.
Related links
HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence
