Flat Feet

Flat feet or fallen arches involve the collapse or absence of the foot’s natural arch, leading to potential pain, fatigue, and posture issues. Causes range from genetics and aging to injury and obesity. Symptoms may include arch pain, swelling, and overpronation.

What are Flat Feet?

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, is a condition in which the arches of the feet are lower than normal or completely flattened. This can result in the entire sole of the foot coming into complete or near-complete contact with the ground when standing. Flat feet are common and can occur when the arches do not develop during childhood, or they can flatten as a result of aging or injury.

Foot Assessment - Elite Foot Care Sunshine Coast

Causes of Flat Feet

Flat feet can develop due to various factors, including:

  • Genetics: A family history of flat feet can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
  • Injury: Trauma to the foot or ankle can lead to flattened arches.
  • Aging: Wear and tear over time can lead to loss of arch height.
  • Obesity: Excess weight can put additional strain on the arches.
  • Medical Conditions: Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension can contribute to flat feet.

Symptoms of Flat Feet

While some individuals with flat feet experience no symptoms, others may experience:

  • Pain: Typically in the arch or heel area, which can extend to the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.
  • Foot Fatigue: Tiredness or discomfort in the feet, especially after prolonged standing or activity.
  • Swelling: Particularly along the inside of the ankle.
  • Overpronation: Rolling inward of the ankles, which can affect gait and posture.

 

Complications associated with flat feet can include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, and other musculoskeletal issues.

Diagnosis

Flat feet can often be diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of medical history. Additional diagnostic tools may include:

    • Imaging: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to assess bone structure and soft tissue condition.
    • Gait Analysis: Observing walking patterns to identify biomechanical issues.

Treatment for Flat Feet

Treatment for flat feet varies based on the severity of symptoms and underlying causes. Options include:

  1. Custom Orthotic: Custom orthotics can provide relief and improve foot function.
  2. Supportive Footwear: Shoes designed with good arch support and heel cushioning.
  3. Exercise Prescription: Exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance overall foot function.
  4. Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management and activity modification to reduce stress on the feet.

 

Read more about our Sunshine Coast treatments for flat feet:

Sunshine Coast Custom Orthotics

Custom Orthotics

A custom orthotic supports and aligns your lower limb putting the muscles and joints it in a position of congruence. Elite Foot Care has a state of the art custom orthotics manufacturing lab on the Sunshine Coast. This allows us to have complete control over the manufacturing process, resulting in

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Running and Gate Assessments at Elite Foot Care

Gait and Running Assessments

Walking and running will be assessed with video analysis giving us the most accurate information to evaluate the patients upper body functions through to their lower limbs. The presenting injury/symptom will be assessed upon relevant medical history, conditions, occupational hazards and physical activities. Once a thorough medical screening has been

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Footwear Assessment

Footwear Assessments

Elite Foot Care have access to a broad range of footwear designed for all walks of life at our Woombye and Sippy Downs locations! As part of our podiatry service, our podiatrists are able to provide you with the suitable, recommended footwear options from our own footwear store. Alternatively we

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Foot and Ankle Strapping - Elite Foot Care

Strapping

Foot and ankle strapping is a therapeutic technique used by podiatrists to stabilise affected areas, prevent exacerbation of injuries, and promote healing. By using high-quality, non-elastic, or elastic tape, strapping can provide temporary relief and support for various foot and ankle conditions.

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Footwear Modification - Elite Foot Care

Footwear Modifications

Footwear modifications involve making specific adjustments to shoes to enhance their fit, comfort, functionality, and support. These modifications can address a range of foot and lower limb issues, helping to prevent pain and injury while promoting optimal foot health.

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Exercise Prescription - Elite Foot Care

Exercise Prescription

Exercise prescription using the VALD Performance Assessment system involves tailoring rehabilitation programs based on detailed biomechanical analysis. This approach allows for the design of progressive rehab programs aimed at addressing specific patient needs, optimising recovery, and enhancing overall performance.

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Jay Lewis Podiatrist - Elite Foot Care
Jarrod McGuinness Podiatrist - Elite Foot Care
Dean Taylor - Elite Foot Care
Daniel Neil - Elite Foot Care
Ajay Mahadev - Elite Foot Care Podiatrist
Josh Taylor - Elite Foot Care Podiatrist
Gabrielle Riach - Elite Foot Care

Our Therapists

Our team of Podiatrists have decades of experience treating all hip, knee, leg, ankle, foot and heel pain as well as a range of skin and nail conditions including ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections and more.

They share a passion for helping the community stay strong and active, helping them achieve their ultimate health outcomes. 

Their experience combined with the best treatment technologies available, allow us to achieve the best outcomes for our community.

Benefits of a personalised treatment plan

Reduced Pain

Using the worlds best treatment technology and methods, we can accelerate your recovery to achieve your ultimate health outcome sooner.

Increased Strength

With a prescribed exercise rehab program, your surrounding muscles will strengthen and take the load off your affected tissue. The result is lasting pain relief.

Become More Active

Working with your Podiatrist to complete your personalised treatment plan, you'll be able to do more of the things you love with friends and family.

How it works

1. Schedule an Appointment

Book online or call one of our friendly reception staff on 07 5328 3588 to find a time that suits you.

2. We Handle the Details

Our experienced Podiatrists will diagnose, create a custom treatment plan and treat in the very first session.

3. Be More Active With Less Pain

Spend more time with your family and friends being active and doing the things you love.

What you'll get...

Experienced Podiatrists

Our Podiatrists have decades of experience treating an array of conditions.

Comprehensive Consultations

Our Podiatrists will leave no stone unturned in finding the root cause of your issue.

Personalised Treatment Plans

Our Podiatrists will create a truly custom treatment plan to achieve your ideal outcomes.

Communication

Our Podiatrists will clearly explain your condition, providing insight into its nature and treatment options.

Best Treatment Technology

We utilise state-of-the-art treatment technologies including: Shockwave Therapy, 3D Laser Scanners, Lunula Fungal Nail Laser to provide our patients with the best possible care. 

On-site Manufacturing

Our on-site orthotics manufacturing lab allows us to do same or next day orthotic dispenses.

Begin your journey to a pain free future.

Woombye Podiatrists

4/40 Wilson Avenue, Woombye, 4559

Sippy Downs Podiatrists

15 Fairfax Street, Sippy Downs, 4556
(level 2 in Fairfax Village building)