Conditions

FLAT FEET/PRONATION
Strictly speaking a flat foot is one with no arch. This is not as common as many believe. However when a podiatrist tells you that you have “flat feet” what they usually mean is that your feet over-pronate. They use the term “flat foot” as it is easier for patients to understand. Over-pronation is a much more common condition where the foot rolls inwards too far when your foot strikes the ground in walking and running. It may give the foot appearance of having a low arch as it rolls in.

If your foot over-pronates, or rolls in, too much this may lead to a foot that is not as good at doing its job of holding up the body and getting you around. Because of this, a person whose feet over-pronate too much can become tired or painful easily or cause problems further up the skeletal system, such as shin, knee, hip or back pain.

Your Podiatrist will often try to stop this over-pronation with advice on footwear, exercises and prescription orthoses (insoles). Remember that when your Podiatrist says you have flat feet its so that you can more easily understand the condition but that you really over-pronate or roll your feet when you walk.