Flat feet
When to seek medical advice
Consider seeing your GP if you have flat feet and your:
- feet are painful, even when wearing supportive, well-fitting shoes
- shoes wear out very quickly
- feet appear to be getting flatter
- feet are weak, numb or stiff
Your GP will examine your foot and may be able to advise you about treatments that can help. If necessary, they may be able to refer you to a podiatrist (a specialist in foot problems) or orthopaedic surgeon on the NHS to discuss possible treatments.
You can also contact a podiatrist or orthopaedic surgeon directly if you're considering private treatment. Find a podiatrist near you or find a doctor on the British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (BOFAS) website.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about flat feet (fallen arches), including why they happen, whether they're serious and how they can be treated.
Areflat feet a problem?
Flat feet are usually nothing to worry about. Many people with flat feet don't have any associated problems, so treatment isn't necessary. However, flat feet cansometimes be associated with: pain i
When to seek medical advice
Consider seeing your GP if you have flat feet and your: feet are painful, even when wearing supportive, well-fitting shoes shoes wear out very quickly feet appear to be getting flatter feet are w
What causesflat feet?
Many people simply inheritflat feet fromtheir parents. Occasionally, flat feet can be the result of: the feet bones not forming properlyin the womb loose connective tissuethroughoutthe body, such
Treatments for flat feet
Flat feet only need to be treated if you have an associated problem, such as pain, overpronation or an underlying healthcondition. Non-surgical treatments are often recommended first, although surger
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