Flat feet

Check if you have flat feet

• Little or no arch when you stand
• Aching in the arch, heel or ankle after standing or walking
• Shoes wearing down unevenly on the inner side

Things you can do yourself

Do

• Wear supportive shoes with a firm heel and laces or straps
• Keep active and stretch your calves regularly
• Try ready-made arch supports from a pharmacy if your feet ache

Don’t

• Wear flat, unsupportive shoes for long periods if your feet ache
• Ignore new pain that starts on one side only

Non-urgent advice: See a podiatrist if:

• your feet, ankles or knees ache regularly
• one foot has become flatter than the other
• ready-made supports haven’t helped

How we can help

We assess how your feet and legs move and recommend the right insoles, exercises and footwear for you.

Foot conditions

Related conditions

• Heel pain Pain under the heel, often worst with the first steps in the morning.
• Pain in the ball of the foot Burning or aching under the toes, known as metatarsalgia.
• Bunions A bony lump at the side of the big toe joint that can rub and ache.