Flat feet
Flat feet and overpronation are common foot types where the arch rolls in or flattens, which can place extra strain on the feet, legs and knees. At Aligna Podiatry we assess your lower limb biomechanics to understand how your feet move, then use custom orthotics, targeted strengthening and joint mobilisation/cupping therapy where needed to reduce pain and support you for the long term.
What does it mean if I have flat feet?
Flat feet are when the arch on the inside of your foot is low or flattens out when you stand. Overpronation is when the foot rolls inward too far as you walk or run. The two often go together.
For many people flat feet cause no problems at all. But for others, the extra rolling and flattening places strain through the ankles, shins, knees and even the hips. Over time this can lead to pain, fatigue or recurring injuries.
Some people are born with flat feet, while others develop them over time through changes in the muscles, tendons or ligaments that support the arch.
How it can show up:
- Aching or tired feet, especially after standing or walking
- Pain in the arch or heel
- Ankles that roll inward
- Shoes that wear down unevenly on the inner edge
- Knee, shin or lower leg pain linked to the way you move
If flat feet or overpronation are causing pain or leading to repeated injuries, it is worth getting them assessed rather than pushing through.
Signs, symptoms & when to see a podiatrist
Common signs:
- A low or collapsed arch when standing
- Feet or legs that ache after activity
- Ankles that roll inward when you walk or run
- Uneven wear on the inner edge of your shoes
- Recurring foot, shin or knee pain
See a podiatrist if:
- Your feet or legs ache regularly after standing or walking
- You keep getting injuries in the same area
- You notice your arch flattening or ankles rolling in
- Your children complain of sore feet or legs, or trip often
- Over the counter insoles are not helping
Flat feet are not always a problem, but if they are causing pain or driving repeated injuries, a podiatrist can assess how you move and help correct it. Getting it looked at early means smaller problems are less likely to turn into bigger ones.
How we treat flat feet at Aligna
We start by understanding how your feet and lower limbs move, then build a plan to support you and settle any pain.
1. We assess your lower limb biomechanics
We look at how your feet, ankles and legs work together as you stand, walk and move. This tells us whether your flat feet or overpronation are placing strain higher up the chain and driving your symptoms.
2. We support and correct how you move
Where it is needed, we use custom orthotics to support the arch, control the inward roll and take strain off the areas that are sore. This helps your feet and legs work more efficiently and reduces the load that causes pain.
3. We settle pain and build strength
If flat feet or overpronation have led to a painful injury, we use high-power laser therapy to reduce pain and stimulate healing, then targeted strengthening to build support through the foot and lower limb for the long term.
Our aim is to support how you move, settle any pain and prevent injuries.
Recovery and rehab
What to expect
Flat feet and overpronation are a foot type rather than an injury, so the focus is on managing how you move rather than a set recovery time. Many people feel more comfortable within a few weeks of the right support, while strength requires building over alonger term.
Why ongoing support matters
Simply resting does not change how your feet load. Lasting improvement comes from supporting the arch, strengthening the muscles that control your foot and correcting the way your lower limbs move.
How we help you stay comfortable
- Custom orthotics to support the arch and control overpronation
- Strengthening through the foot, calf and lower limb
- Advice on supportive footwear
- Guidance on load and activity to prevent injuries that may ensue
With the right support most people move more comfortably and are far less likely to develop the injuries that flat feet and overpronation can cause.
Summary
Our goal is simple: to support how you move, settle any pain and keep you active and comfortable on your feet.
- At Aligna Podiatry we don’t just look at the arch. We assess your lower limb biomechanics to understand how your feet, legs and knees work together and address the root cause of any pain rather than just the symptom.
- Your treatment plan is built around you, combining custom orthotics and targeted strengthening with high-power laser therapy where it is needed to settle pain and support you for the long term.
Whether your flat feet cause the odd ache or have led to recurring injuries, we’re here to help you move well, stay active and get the most out of every step.
Book your appointment in Balwyn North
Struggling with chronic heel pain, tendon pain or another stubborn injury? Our experienced team at Aligna Podiatry in Balwyn North takes a holistic, whole-body approach to treating the foot, ankle and knee. We combine high-power laser therap, shockwave therapy with hands-on care, cupping and rehab to reduce pain and restore alignment and movement. Contact our Balwyn North clinic today to book an assessment and find out which treatment is right for you.
This page was prepared and reviewed by our podiatrists Dr Emilia Arif Stephen (POD0002562365) and Dr Justine Jose (POD0002903648). It is general information only and does not replace an individual assessment.
Please book an appointment for a thorough assessment. Last reviewed:
October 2026.