Flat Feet Treatment and Arch Support in Whitby, Ontario

If you live in Whitby, Ontario, and are experiencing foot, ankle, knee, or back discomfort that you suspect is linked to low or flattened arches, Whitby Physio Centre is here to assist you. Flat feet, also known as pes planus, are a common condition where the arch on the inside of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to touch the ground when standing. While this is normal in infants, if it persists or develops in adulthood, it can alter your body’s mechanics, leading to pain and movement issues.

We provide thorough assessments and physical rehabilitation programs to address the symptoms and underlying causes of flat feet. Our approach focuses on strengthening the supportive structures of the foot and leg, improving alignment, and restoring proper movement patterns.

What are Flat Feet and Why Do They Matter?

Flat feet occur when the natural arch of the foot is lowered or absent. The foot arch is a vital structure that acts as a shock absorber for your body and helps propel you forward when you walk or run. When this arch collapses, it can cause the ankle to roll inward—a motion called overpronation—which can misalign the bones and joints all the way up the leg to the knee, hip, and lower back.

People generally observe two main types:

• Flexible Flat Feet: You can see the arch when the foot lifts off the ground, but it vanishes once the body places weight on it. This is the most common type and often doesn’t cause pain.
• Rigid Flat Feet: The arch is absent even when the foot is not bearing weight. This type can be more likely to cause movement restrictions and discomfort.

Symptoms Associated with Low Arches

Although many people with flat feet have no issues, for others, the altered biomechanics can lead to a variety of symptoms, particularly after standing or physical activity.

• Pain or aching in the foot arch, heel (often mistaken for plantar fasciitis), or ankle.
• Tired or heavy feeling in the feet and legs after short periods of walking or standing.
• Swelling along the inside of the ankle.
• Pain in the knee, hip, or lower back due to chain-reaction misalignment caused by the foot rolling inward.
• Difficulty with certain physical activities, like running or jumping.
• Unusual wearing patterns on the soles of your shoes.

Suppose you are experiencing any of these issues in Whitby. In that case, our team can perform a comprehensive assessment to determine whether your flat feet are contributing to your discomfort.

How Physical Rehabilitation Helps Flat Feet

At Whitby Physio Centre, our physical rehabilitation programs help address the effects of flat feet and enhance your daily function. Treatment is not solely about ‘creating’ an arch but about ensuring your foot and entire lower limb move efficiently and without unnecessary strain.

Our Steps to Manage Flat Feet:

• Movement and Posture Assessment: We start with a detailed analysis of your foot posture, walking pattern (gait), and overall body alignment to identify how your flat feet may be affecting joints higher up your body.
• Custom Exercise Programs: Your care provider creates an exercise plan that strengthens the muscles supporting your foot arch (including the posterior tibialis tendon) and improves flexibility in your calf muscles and Achilles tendon, which are often tight and contribute to arch collapse. We also include exercises to strengthen the hip and core muscles, which play a crucial role in controlling leg and foot motion.
• Manual Therapy: The clinician may use hands-on techniques to gently mobilize stiff foot and ankle joints and release tension in tight muscles that restrict movement or contribute to the flattening.
• Footwear and Support Advice: We provide advice on selecting supportive footwear and discuss the potential need for arch supports, such as custom orthotics. We can guide you on how these devices can help manage the foot’s position during walking and standing.

Our goal is to reduce strain, promote improved joint mechanics, and support you in maintaining a more active and comfortable lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can flat feet cause problems outside of my feet?

Yes, the foot’s structure is the foundation for the rest of your body. When the arch collapses, it can cause your lower leg to rotate inward, placing stress on the knees, hips, and lower back. Pain in these areas is a common secondary symptom.

Do I need custom orthotics if I have flat feet?

Not everyone with flat feet requires orthotics. For those who experience pain or significant movement issues, a custom-made orthotic can provide mechanical support to control the inward rolling of the foot, thereby reducing strain on the entire lower kinetic chain. We assess your specific needs and can recommend whether orthotics are an appropriate part of your overall management plan.

What kind of exercises are involved in physical rehabilitation for this condition?

A typical program includes exercises to improve intrinsic foot muscle strength (the small muscles inside your foot), calf and Achilles tendon stretching, balance and stability training, and hip/gluteal strengthening to improve leg and knee control during walking and running.

Is it too late to treat flat feet that developed in adulthood?

It is never too late to begin a program to manage the symptoms and improve function. For acquired flat feet (fallen arches), physical rehabilitation and appropriate support can significantly help reduce pain, improve stability, and slow further arch collapse by strengthening the surrounding muscles and improving alignment.

How long does it take to see results?

Each person experiences different response times, as the condition’s severity and the consistency with which they follow the exercise program influence the pace of change. Many people report feeling more stable and seeing a reduction in pain within a few weeks of starting their structured program and using supportive footwear/orthotics.

Book Your Appointment at Whitby Physio Centre

Take the first step toward addressing your foot and lower limb discomfort. Our skilled team in Whitby, Ontario, is committed to providing a thorough evaluation and creating a strategy that supports your functional goals.

Call Whitby Physio Centre today at (289) 277-5001 or click the button below to arrange your initial assessment.

We look forward to partnering with you on your path to better foot health and movement.