Réhabital
Flat Feet and Fallen Arches
Having flat feet is not a problem in itself — many people have them and never hurt. Treatment matters when the fallen arch comes with pain in the foot, knee, hip or low back.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
The arch is maintained by bone, ligaments, the plantar fascia and active muscles, notably tibialis posterior and the foot intrinsics. A flat foot can be flexible — the arch appears when rising onto the toes — or rigid. Flexible flat foot is the most common and responds very well to strengthening. The issue is therefore not the resting shape but the foot's ability to control pronation during walking and running. Poor control transmits excessive internal rotation to the tibia and femur, which explains the associated knee and hip pain.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Tibialis posterior weakness
This muscle actively supports the arch; its weakness is a major cause of adult acquired flatfoot.
Ligament laxity
Constitutional hypermobility reduces passive arch support.
Weight gain and overload
Increased load exceeds the foot’s supporting capacity.
Permanently supportive footwear
A foot that is never challenged loses intrinsic muscle strength.
Our Treatment Approach
We first determine whether the flat foot is flexible or rigid, then test tibialis posterior strength (single-leg heel raise) and pronation control during gait. The program emphasises progressive strengthening: heel raises building to single leg, short foot exercises, and gluteus medius work to control lower limb rotation. Osteopathy mobilises the midfoot, ankle and first ray when restrictions limit function. Orthotics are used selectively — as temporary support while strength builds — rather than as an automatic permanent solution. We also adapt footwear to your activities.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A 60 minute initial session with gait analysis. Foot strengthening requires consistency: measurable gains appear over eight to twelve weeks.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Do heel raises, progressing to single leg.
- Practise the short foot exercise a few minutes daily.
- Walk barefoot at home if pain allows.
- Strengthen glutes to control limb rotation.
- Increase running distance gradually.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
Painful flexible flatfoot responds very well to rehabilitation. Rigid flatfoot or tibialis posterior rupture requires more sustained management, sometimes with permanent orthotics.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Come in if the fallen arch is painful or progresses rapidly on one side in adulthood, which can signal tibialis posterior dysfunction.
Why Réhabital Clinic
We build foot strength first rather than defaulting to orthotics, producing a more independent and durable result.
Recommended Services for This Condition
Our Core Treatments in Côte Saint-Luc
Related Conditions
Why Choose Réhabital?
Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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