What causes flat feet?

Flat feet can be congenital (you're born with them), or develop over time due to weakened arch muscles, tendon damage, overpronation, arthritis, or injury. Age, weight, and pregnancy can contribute to arch collapse. Some people with flat feet have no symptoms, while others have significant pain.

Do flat feet need to be treated?

Not all flat feet require treatment. If you have no pain or functional limitations, treatment may not be necessary. However, if flat feet cause pain, fatigue, or contribute to other conditions, treatment options include proper footwear, arch support, stretching, strengthening exercises, and custom orthotics.

What's the best arch support for flat feet?

Options range from over-the-counter insoles and orthofeet-style shoes to custom orthotics. Most people benefit from a combination of supportive shoes and orthotics. The best choice depends on your specific needs, biomechanics, and budget. Many people benefit from trying different options to find what works.

Can you fix flat feet with exercises?

Strengthening exercises can help manage flat feet and slow progression, particularly if combined with proper footwear. Key exercises include arch strengthening, calf stretches, toe scrunches with a towel, and balance exercises. Exercises work best when combined with proper support and footwear.

3 months post surgery. My surgery and recovery was easy and

From Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

3 months post surgery. My surgery and recovery was easy and I’ve been walking pain free with some residual swelling. When I lay my foot flat on the floor, I noticed that my toe is now drifting back towards my second toe again, so I made an appointment and was told that it already turned 8° because I’m continuing to overpronate and that I’ll need better arch support. I thought the purpose of this surgery was to correct my foot and I’m

Birkenstock surgery physical therapy orthotics arch support

Comments (12)

There are shoes, a bit pricey, but with the correct arch for bunions. Calla Shoes. I still have bunions but these are the only shoes that I can wear all day teaching.

Community member

My surgery was literal called a “failed surgery” and I have so much more foot pain now than I did prior because apparently the surgeon made his cut at the wrong angle! It has also been recommended that I stop wearing sandals and only wear sneakers. I Absolutely refuse. My purpose of the surgery also was to not be limited to a certain pair of shoes and be able to do activity freely. I live in Wisconsin, so we only have hot weather a few months of the year, and those months and I I’m frequently at the pool, swimming in the lake, etc. so I’m going to continue to wear Birkenstock sandals. Adding up the cost of the “my portion”of surgery, nine months of physical therapy, and all of my work time I’ve already spent about $10,000 PLUS bought countless pair of shoes - including multiple pair of sneakers over $160 each!

Community member

I have very flat feet. My doctor told me I have a high chance of reoccurrence and I will need orthotics. I am four weeks post surgery and he told me to use a toe spacer.

Community member

I don’t think bunion surgery corrects over pronation. You could get some bespoke orthotics that help with this. If I am ever brave enough to have the surgery I will still use orthotics.

Community member

Melissa...I'm naturally flat footed and although it's been about a month for me...I read that reoccurrence can happen although the percentage is smaller. I've been doing some foot strengthening exercises and at the moment I have purchased shoes with arch support. I hope this helps a little as I can fully appreciate how frustrating this must be.

Community member

So frustrating!!!!! Did your surgeon suggest an arch support to try to remedy the situation? I’m so sorry.

Community member

1dThere are shoes, a bit pricey, but with the correct arch for bunions. Calla Shoes. I still have bunions but these are the only shoes that I can wear all day teaching.LikeReply2

Community member

23hMy surgery was literal called a “failed surgery” and I have so much more foot pain now than I did prior because apparently the surgeon made his cut at the wrong angle! It has also been recommended that I stop wearing sandals and only wear sneakers. I Absolutely refuse. My purpose of the surgery also was to not be limited to a certain pair of shoes and be able to do activity freely. I live in Wisconsin, so we only have hot weather a few months of the year, and those months and I I’m frequently at the pool, swimming in the lake, etc. so I’m going to continue to wear Birkenstock sandals. Adding up the cost of the “my portion”of surgery, nine months of physical therapy, and all of my work time I’ve already spent about $10,000 PLUS bought countless pair of shoes - including multiple pair of sneakers over $160 each! LikeReply2

Community member

21hI have very flat feet. My doctor told me I have a high chance of reoccurrence and I will need orthotics. I am four weeks post surgery and he told me to use a toe spacer.LikeReply1

Community member

21hI don’t think bunion surgery corrects over pronation. You could get some bespoke orthotics that help with this. If I am ever brave enough to have the surgery I will still use orthotics.LikeReply1

Community member

1dMelissa...I'm naturally flat footed and although it's been about a month for me...I read that reoccurrence can happen although the percentage is smaller.I've been doing some foot strengthening exercises and at the moment I have purchased shoes with arch support.I hope this helps a little as I can fully appreciate how frustrating this must be.LikeReply1

Community member

21hSo frustrating!!!!! Did your surgeon suggest an arch support to try to remedy the situation? I’m so sorry.LikeReply

Community member