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Flat Feet Treatment in Glen Iris

Expert podiatry for flat feet and fallen arches — in-clinic and in-home across Glen Iris.

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Suffering From Flat Feet in Glen Iris?

Flat feet, medically known as Pes Planus, is a common condition where the arches on the inside of your feet are flattened, allowing the entire sole of your foot to touch the ground when standing. While all babies are born with flat feet, arches typically develop during early childhood. For some, these arches may never fully form, or they might collapse later in life, a condition often referred to as ‘fallen arches’.

At GRIT Physio & Podiatry in Glen Iris, we understand that flat feet can manifest in various ways. It’s important to distinguish between the different types:

  • Flexible Flat Feet: This is the most common type. The arch is visible when the foot is not bearing weight (e.g., when sitting or standing on tiptoes) but disappears when standing. Often, flexible flat feet are painless.
  • Rigid Flat Feet: In this rarer form, the arch is absent even when the foot is not bearing weight. This type can be more problematic and may cause persistent pain and stiffness.
  • Congenital Flat Feet: Present from birth, this type occurs when the arches fail to develop properly due to genetic factors or certain birth defects.
  • Acquired Flat Feet (Fallen Arches): This develops in adulthood when the arches, which were once present, gradually collapse. This is often due to wear and tear, injury, or underlying medical conditions.

The arches of your feet are crucial for proper biomechanics, acting as natural shock absorbers and providing stability during movement. When these arches are compromised, it can lead to a cascade of issues throughout the body.

div analysing patients balance

Common Symptoms & Causes Of Flat Feet

  • Foot Pain: Often felt in the arch, heel, or along the inside of the foot, especially after prolonged standing or activity.
  • Ankle Pain: Discomfort or aching around the ankle, sometimes accompanied by a feeling of instability.
  • Overpronation: The inward rolling of the ankle and foot, which can be visible when standing or walking.
  • Shin Splints: Pain along the shin bone, often a result of the lower leg muscles overcompensating for altered foot mechanics.
  • Pain in the Knees, Hips, or Lower Back: The misalignment in the feet can affect the entire kinetic chain, leading to pain in higher joints.
  • Fatigue in the Feet and Legs: A general tired or heavy sensation, particularly after physical activity.
  • Stiffness in the Foot: Especially noticeable in the morning or after periods of rest.
  • Secondary Conditions: Over time, flat feet can contribute to the development of other issues such as bunions, hammertoes, repetitive strain injuries, ankle instability, and various forms of foot and ankle arthritis.

Our Flat Feet Treatment Approach

Every patient is different. We start with a thorough assessment to understand exactly what’s causing your pain — then build a personalised treatment plan around your goals, lifestyle, and timeline.

  • Comprehensive Biomechanical Assessment: Detailed gait analysis and foot pressure mapping to assess the impact of flat feet.
  • Custom Orthotic Prescription: Bespoke orthotics with medial arch support to correct foot pronation.
  • Foot & Calf Strengthening: Progressive intrinsic foot and calf strengthening to support the arch.
  • Footwear Assessment: Expert footwear advice to provide appropriate arch support and motion control.
  • Stretching Program: Targeted calf and plantar fascia stretching to reduce secondary tightness.
  • Gait Retraining: Movement retraining to reduce the impact of flat feet on the knees, hips, and back.

In-Clinic & In-Home Available

We treat patients both at our Glen Iris clinic and in the comfort of your own home — ideal for patients who find it difficult to travel.

NDIS Participants Welcome — We work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Contact us to discuss your funding options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Flat feet can be caused by a combination of genetic factors, ligamentous laxity, muscle weakness, or overuse. It can also develop over time due to age, injury, or certain medical conditions affecting the foot’s arch.
Yes, most cases of flat feet can be effectively managed and improved with conservative treatments. These include custom orthotics, targeted exercises, appropriate footwear, and manual therapy, all aimed at restoring foot function and reducing symptoms.
Custom orthotics provide crucial support to the medial arch, helping to realign the foot and ankle. This reduces excessive pronation, redistributes pressure evenly across the foot, and alleviates strain on ligaments and muscles, thereby reducing pain and improving biomechanics.
Effective exercises for flat feet often focus on strengthening the intrinsic foot muscles, calf muscles (like tibialis posterior), and improving ankle mobility. Examples include arch raises, towel scrunches, calf stretches, and single-leg balance exercises.
It is common for infants and young children to have flat feet as their arches are still developing. Most children develop an arch by age 6-8. Persistent flat feet in older children, especially if painful, should be assessed by a professional.
You should seek professional assessment if you experience pain in your feet, ankles, knees, or hips that you suspect is related to flat feet. Early intervention can prevent progression of symptoms and improve long-term outcomes.

Ready to Get Started?

Book an appointment for flat feet treatment at our Glen Iris clinic today.

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Or call us: (03) 9999 7271