What treatments are there for flat feet?

The choice of treatment depends upon the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. If you have mild symptoms and the foot is supple, then insoles that support the arch can help. This can be supplemented with physiotherapy to help stretch the Achilles tendon and strengthen some of the muscles in your legs. If you have more severe symptoms, then the foot and ankle may need to supported in a splint or removable boot.

If your symptoms continue despite trying non-surgical management, then surgery may be needed. The type of surgery is dependent upon the underlying cause and whether you have arthritis in your joints.

Benefits of flat foot surgery

The outcome of surgery is usually good but it doesn’t mean that all the people who have the surgery will be completely pain free. In most patients, the main benefits are:

• Relief or improvement of pain and disability.
• Greater independence and activity levels.