Flat Feet &
Overpronation Treatment.

Flat feet can be genetic (you were born with them or they developed in childhood), acquired through injury, overuse, ageing, pregnancy, weight gain, or conditions like posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Some people have flexible flat feet (arches appear when non-weightbearing) while others have rigid flat feet (no arch present at all). A biomechanical assessment determines the type and cause.

Not always — some people with flat feet have no pain or problems at all. However, flat feet often cause overpronation which can lead to plantar fasciitis, heel pain, knee pain, hip pain, Achilles tendinopathy, shin splints, bunions and general lower limb fatigue. If you have symptoms, treatment is recommended. Even if you're currently pain-free, addressing biomechanics can prevent future issues.

Yes, absolutely. Flat feet cause overpronation (excessive inward rolling), which creates internal rotation of the shin bone and affects how the kneecap tracks. This leads to abnormal stress on the knee joint and can cause patellofemoral pain, ITB syndrome, or general knee overload. Treating flat feet with orthotics and gait retraining often resolves knee pain.

Yes. Flat feet alter lower limb alignment, which affects pelvic tilt and spinal posture. This can lead to compensatory patterns that cause lower back pain, hip pain or postural issues. Correcting foot mechanics with orthotics and strengthening can reduce back pain significantly.

Orthotics don't permanently change your foot structure, but they can significantly improve foot function, reduce pain and prevent long-term complications. Custom orthotics support the arch, control overpronation and realign the lower limb. When combined with strengthening exercises, orthotics provide excellent long-term symptom relief and improved performance.

It depends on severity and your goals. Mild flat feet with minor symptoms may respond well to good-quality off-the-shelf arch support insoles. Moderate to severe overpronation, complex biomechanics, sport-specific needs, or cases not responding to off-the-shelf products usually require custom 3D-printed orthotics for optimal control and comfort. Your podiatrist will recommend the most appropriate option.

In children, flat feet may improve naturally with growth and development. In adults, flexible flat feet can be improved with strengthening exercises and orthotics, but rigid flat feet (bony structural issues) cannot be permanently corrected without surgery. Most adults don't need surgery — effective symptom management with orthotics, strengthening and gait retraining works extremely well.

Yes — strengthening the foot intrinsic muscles, tibialis posterior and ankle stabilisers can improve arch function and reduce overpronation, especially in flexible flat feet. Exercises alone may not fully correct severe flat feet, but they are a critical part of long-term management and work best when combined with orthotics and appropriate footwear.

Flat feet lack the natural shock-absorbing and spring mechanism of a healthy arch. This means muscles, tendons and ligaments have to work harder to support your body weight, leading to fatigue, strain and pain. Common pain sites include the arch, heel (plantar fasciitis), inside of the ankle (tibialis posterior tendinopathy) and forefoot.

Yes, absolutely. Many elite athletes have flat feet. The key is managing biomechanics properly with the right footwear, orthotics if needed, and a good strength and conditioning programme. We help runners, footballers, gym-goers and athletes of all levels optimise their flat feet for performance and injury prevention.

Our clinic is in Arnold, Nottingham. We see patients from across Nottinghamshire including Gedling, Carlton, Mapperley, Woodthorpe, Ravenshead, Hucknall, Daybrook, Bestwood, Calverton, Lambley, Burton Joyce, West Bridgford, Beeston, Bingham, Radcliffe-on-Trent, Mansfield, Newark, Retford, Worksop and surrounding areas.

We are recognised as one of the leading podiatry clinics in the UK for biomechanics and flat feet treatment. Our podiatrists combine advanced gait analysis, podoscope assessment, functional testing and evidence-based orthotic prescription to diagnose the root cause of pain and improve long-term foot function. We treat flat feet every single day — from children to elite athletes, office workers to manual labourers — and our patients consistently tell us we helped them when other treatments failed.