Does flat feet cause foot pain?

When the arch lowers during weight-bearing, the foot may roll inward and alter how force travels through the ankle, heel and leg. Muscles and tendons can work harder, and pain may appear after standing, walking or running. The location and timing matter: pain under the heel, along the inside ankle or across the forefoot may point to different structures. A physical assessment helps separate these causes.

Wear shoes with enough room and support, and temporarily reduce the activity that provokes symptoms. Gradual calf, ankle and foot strengthening can improve load tolerance when prescribed for your needs. A physiotherapist may review walking mechanics and discuss an insole. Change one factor at a time so you can tell what improves or worsens the pain.

Seek an appointment if foot pain persists, repeatedly returns or limits work, exercise or sleep. Prompt assessment is needed for inability to bear weight, significant swelling after injury, warmth and redness, new numbness, skin colour change or rapidly increasing pain.

Which structure is causing my foot pain? Does my foot posture change my walking pattern? Would strengthening, physiotherapy or an insole be useful? How quickly should I return to normal activity?