Flat feet
Flat feet means the arches are low or touch the ground when standing. Some people naturally have low arches in both feet and never develop symptoms. Children’s feet can also look flat while the arch develops, usually up to the age of nine or 10. Assessment is more important when one foot becomes flatter, the shape changes over a few months or pain develops after previously having normal arches.
Are flat feet normal?
Flat feet means the arches are low or touch the ground when standing. Some people naturally have low arches in both feet and never develop symptoms. Children’s feet can also look flat while the arch develops, usually up to the age of nine or 10. Assessment is more important when one foot becomes flatter, the shape changes over a few months or pain develops after previously having normal arches.
What causes it?
There may be more than one reason why this develops. Possible causes or contributing factors include:
- A problem with the tendon that supports the arch
- Arthritis in the middle or back of the foot
- Tarsal coalition, where some bones in the foot are joined
- A previous injury
- A naturally low arch
What are the symptoms?
Everyone experiences symptoms differently, but you may notice:
- Pain when walking or running, particularly along the inside of the foot and ankle
- Swelling on the inside of the ankle
- Tingling or numbness on the inside or sole of the foot
- The arch becoming lower
- The shape of the foot changing
How is it diagnosed?
Your consultant will examine both feet and assess whether the arch is flexible or stiff. X-rays can show the overall shape of the foot and identify arthritis. An MRI scan may be used to assess the tendon supporting the arch.
We’ll explain any tests clearly and talk you through the results, so you understand what they mean for you.
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on whether the foot is flexible or stiff, what is causing the arch to flatten and how much the symptoms affect you. Together, we’ll build a plan around your needs, your recovery and the activities that matter most to you.
- Supportive insoles
- A physiotherapy programme
- Footwear advice
- Specially made shoes for a stiff or painful foot
- Changes to activities that aggravate symptoms
Your consultant will help you understand which options may be right for you and when your progress should be reviewed.
Recovery goals after treatment for flat feet
Early recovery
Reduce pain and swelling Support the arch Maintain comfortable movement
As your symptoms improve
Improve strength and walking Build tolerance to everyday activity Use insoles or supportive footwear effectively
Returning to full activity
Return to suitable exercise Maintain the improved foot position Continue strength and support where needed
Working with professionals and teams
Our consultants support professional athletes, sports teams and active individuals with the assessment and treatment of meniscus injuries. Working closely with physiotherapists, strength and conditioning specialists and the wider care team, they develop personalised treatment plans that support a safe return to sport or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or goals.
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Our specialists
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William Street EC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon Clinic
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic London
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore Street W1U 2SB
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon Clinic
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT Scan
- Imaging guided injections
- Physiotherapy
- MAKO Robotic Joint Replacement
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1H 6EQ
- 020 3195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple Road SW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
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