Flat Feet
Understanding Flat Feet — What It Means and What You Can Do About It
Do you notice that your arches collapse when you stand, or that your shoes wear out unevenly? Perhaps you feel your feet get tired quickly after a long walk or run. You might be one of many Australians with flat feet, a common but often misunderstood condition that can affect performance, comfort, and long-term joint health.
At Enhance Podiatry, we see motivated individuals every day who want to move better, feel better, and live active, pain-free lives. Understanding your flat feet and how to manage them properly is the first step towards doing just that.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet, or pes planus, occur when the arch of the foot lowers or collapses during standing and walking. In some people, this is a lifelong structural feature they’ve had since childhood. In others, it develops gradually due to muscle weakness, ligament laxity, injury, or changes related to age and activity.
There are two main types:
Flexible flat feet: The arch appears when sitting or on tiptoes, but disappears when weight-bearing.
Rigid flat feet: The arch is absent at all times, often due to structural or congenital factors.
While not all flat feet cause pain, changes in alignment can affect how your entire body moves. This can affect your ankles, knees, hips, and even your lower back.
Common Symptoms and Impacts
People with flat feet may experience:
Foot fatigue or aching, particularly after long periods of standing or exercise
Pain through the arch, heel, or inside of the ankle
Tightness in the calves or Achilles tendon
Poor shock absorption during running or walking
Uneven shoe wear
Secondary pain in the knees or lower back from altered biomechanics
Even if your feet don’t currently hurt, over time, these imbalances can contribute to overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, or shin splints; especially in those who lead active lifestyles.
What Causes Flat Feet?
Flat feet can result from a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors:
Family history of low arches
Joint hypermobility or ligament laxity
Prolonged standing or high-impact sports
Poor footwear lacking adequate support
Weight changes or pregnancy
Foot or ankle injury
Degenerative conditions such as arthritis
Understanding the underlying cause is key because the best treatment is tailored to you.
How We Assess Flat Feet at Enhance Podiatry
At Enhance Podiatry, we take a comprehensive, evidence based approach to understanding how your feet function. Your assessment may include:
Detailed gait analysis and functional movement screening
Footwear review
Strength and flexibility testing)
Digital imaging or ultrasound if required
We don’t just look at your feet in isolation. We assess how they interact with your entire body during movement. This helps us create a plan that’s realistic, sustainable, and tailored to your lifestyle goals.
Treatment and Management Options
The goal isn’t to “fix” flat feet — it’s to help you move efficiently, comfortably, and confidently. Depending on your assessment, treatment may include:
Custom foot orthotics: Designed to optimise alignment, improve load distribution, and support your arch during activity.
Footwear advice: Recommending shoes that suit your arch type, activity level, and gait mechanics.
Targeted strengthening and mobility exercises: Focused on improving intrinsic foot strength, calf flexibility, and overall lower limb stability.
Manual therapy or taping techniques: To reduce discomfort and improve function during recovery.
Load management strategies: Gradual return to activity programs for runners, gym-goers, or those on their feet all day.
With consistent care, most people experience noticeable improvements in comfort, endurance, and performance; often within weeks.
Can Flat Feet Be Improved?
Yes, especially when you take action early. While we can’t change your genetics or bone structure, we can improve the way your feet function. Many of our patients are surprised to find that targeted exercises, better footwear, and custom orthotics not only relieve pain but help them move more efficiently and confidently than ever before.
The key is consistency. Your feet adapt best when you give them the right support, strength, and movement patterns over time.
Take the First Step
If you’ve been putting up with tired, achy feet or avoiding exercise because of discomfort, now is the perfect time to act. Flat feet don’t have to hold you back.
With the right guidance and care, you can restore balance, strength, and confidence in every step.
At Enhance Podiatry, we’re here to help you move well and stay active for life.
📞 Book an appointment today and let’s get you back on your feet — stronger, more stable, and pain-free.