Flat Feet & Over-Pronation Treatment in Glendale, AZ
Flat feet — also called fallen arches or pes planus — are among the most common foot conditions we treat at Sole Foot & Ankle Specialists. When the arches of your feet collapse, it changes the mechanics of every step you take, placing excess stress on your feet, ankles, knees, and lower back. Whether you were born with flat feet or developed them over time, our board-certified podiatrists offer comprehensive evaluation and effective treatment to restore your comfort and function.
What Are Flat Feet?
The foot’s arch acts as a natural shock absorber, distributing body weight and providing the flexibility needed for walking, running, and jumping. Flat feet occur when this arch collapses — either partially or completely — so that the entire sole of the foot contacts the ground when standing. This collapse also causes the feet to roll inward (over-pronation), which can affect alignment throughout the entire lower extremity and contribute to a chain of musculoskeletal problems.
There are two main types of flat feet:
- Flexible flat feet: The arch is present when the foot is off the ground but disappears when standing. This is the most common type and often develops during childhood.
- Rigid flat feet: The arch is absent regardless of weight-bearing status, typically caused by bone abnormalities, injury, or conditions like arthritis.
Symptoms of Flat Feet and Over-Pronation
Many people with flat feet experience no pain, but when symptoms do arise, they can range from mild discomfort to significant functional impairment. Common symptoms include:
- Foot fatigue or aching, particularly after standing or walking for extended periods
- Pain along the inside of the foot, heel, or arch
- Swelling along the inner ankle (associated with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction)
- Shoes wearing down unevenly — particularly on the inner sole
- Knee pain, shin splints, or lower back pain related to altered gait mechanics
- Difficulty standing on tiptoes
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon
What Causes Flat Feet?
Flat feet can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired (developing over time). Common causes include:
- Genetic predisposition or inherited foot structure
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) — a common cause of adult-acquired flat feet where the tendon supporting the arch weakens or tears
- Foot or ankle injury or trauma
- Obesity or pregnancy, which increase mechanical load on the arches
- Aging, which weakens the tendons and ligaments supporting the arch
- Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Neurological or muscular conditions that affect muscle tone and foot mechanics
Flat Feet Treatment Options in Glendale, AZ
Treatment for flat feet depends on whether they are causing symptoms and the underlying mechanism of arch collapse. Our podiatrists at Sole Foot & Ankle Specialists individualize every treatment plan. Options include:
- Custom orthotics: Prescription orthotic inserts are the cornerstone of conservative flat foot management — they support the arch, control pronation, and redistribute pressure to relieve pain throughout the foot, ankle, and knee
- Supportive footwear: Motion-control or stability shoes designed to limit excess pronation and provide medial arch support
- Physical therapy: Stretching exercises targeting the calf, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia, combined with strengthening exercises for the intrinsic foot muscles
- Bracing: For moderate to severe over-pronation or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) may be recommended
- Anti-inflammatory treatment: Medication or injections to manage pain associated with tendinitis or bursitis related to flat feet
- Surgical intervention: For severe or rigid flat feet that do not respond to conservative care, surgical options including tendon repair, joint realignment, or fusion procedures may be recommended — see our Foot Surgery page
Flat feet are also closely associated with other conditions we treat, including plantar fasciitis, bunions, ankle instability, and Achilles tendonitis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flat Feet & Over-Pronation
Are flat feet always painful?
No. Many people with flat feet never experience pain and function normally throughout their lives. However, flat feet that cause over-pronation, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, or compensatory stress on other joints often do lead to pain — in the feet, ankles, knees, or lower back. The presence or absence of symptoms — not just the appearance of the arch — determines whether and how aggressively to treat flat feet.
Can flat feet be corrected without surgery?
Yes, for the vast majority of patients. Conservative treatment with custom orthotics, supportive footwear, and physical therapy effectively manages symptoms and prevents progression in most cases of flexible flat feet. Surgery is considered only for rigid flat feet, severe deformity, or cases where conservative care has failed to provide adequate relief after an appropriate treatment period.
Do children with flat feet need treatment?
Not necessarily. Most young children have flat feet because the arch doesn’t fully develop until around age 6 to 8. If your child’s flat feet are not causing pain, do not interfere with activity, and are improving over time, treatment may not be needed. However, children with persistent flat feet that cause pain, affect their gait, or show signs of rigid flat foot deformity should be evaluated by a podiatrist for early intervention.
What is over-pronation, and how is it different from flat feet?
Flat feet refer to a reduced or absent arch. Over-pronation describes the excessive inward rolling of the foot during walking or running that typically accompanies flat feet. While they often occur together, it is possible to over-pronate with a normal arch. Both conditions alter gait mechanics and can lead to foot, ankle, knee, and hip pain. Custom orthotics address both effectively.
Can flat feet cause problems beyond the feet?
Yes. The foot is the foundation of the kinetic chain. When the arch collapses and the foot over-pronates, the lower leg rotates inward, affecting alignment at the knee, hip, and lower back. Many patients with flat feet develop shin splints, knee pain (patellofemoral syndrome), IT band syndrome, hip bursitis, or chronic lower back pain that is directly linked to their foot mechanics. Custom orthotics and gait correction can address these upstream effects.
How do I know if I need custom orthotics or store-bought arch supports?
Over-the-counter arch supports provide generic, one-size-fits-most support that may help mild cases but cannot replicate the precision of custom orthotics. Custom orthotics are individually cast to the contours of your specific foot and prescribed based on your gait analysis, biomechanics, and clinical needs. For patients with significant flat feet, over-pronation, or related pain, custom orthotics deliver substantially better outcomes than store-bought alternatives.
Is flat foot surgery effective?
For appropriately selected patients, flat foot surgery can provide significant and lasting improvement. The specific procedure depends on the cause and severity of the deformity and may involve tendon repair, bone realignment osteotomy, or joint fusion. Our podiatric surgeons discuss all surgical options thoroughly and always recommend conservative approaches first. Success rates for flat foot surgery are high when patients are carefully selected and rehabilitation is followed diligently.