How effective is physiotherapy for flat feet?

Flat feet can be flexible or more rigid, and some people have no symptoms. When discomfort occurs, it may involve the arch, heel, ankle, shin, knee or hip during standing and walking. A physiotherapist checks foot movement, calf flexibility, balance, footwear and the strength of the foot and leg.

Treatment may include calf and foot mobility, exercises for the small foot muscles, strengthening around the ankle and hip, balance practice and advice on gradually increasing activity. Supports or orthotics may be considered separately when they fit the assessment. Exercises can improve control and load tolerance without reshaping every arch.

Perform the exercises with the foot aligned as shown, and progress slowly from supported balance to more demanding tasks if advised. Choose footwear that feels stable for your activities and avoid sudden increases in running, walking or standing time. Record where symptoms appear and whether they are worse later that day or the next morning.

Read more about [Flat Feet](/conditions/flat-feet/) and [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/).

Arrange assessment if pain is new, one-sided, rapidly worsening, associated with swelling, or making you limp. Seek prompt care after an injury or if the foot becomes numb, unusually weak, cold or discoloured. A rigid painful foot or a sudden change in arch shape also deserves clinical examination.

Ask whether your flat feet are flexible or rigid, which muscles need strengthening, whether footwear or an insert could help, and how to return safely to walking, work or sport.