One of the most common questions we hear at the clinic has to do with feet — specifically, “Can I fix my flat feet?” or “I overpronate, so there's nothing I can do about that, right?”
Structure vs. mechanics
A normal foot has an arch, held up by a combination of bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and other tissue. Like any other part of the body, there's a structural component to your feet — how high or low your arch sits is partly determined by how your feet are built, and some people are genetically predisposed to lower arches.
But there's also a mechanical component, and that's the part you can influence. The same way someone prone to rounded shoulders isn't destined to have permanently bad posture — because flexibility, strength, and posture work can improve it — the mechanics of your foot and ankle can be addressed even if the underlying structure stays the same.
So, can flat feet actually improve?
Yes. The next question is usually how. The answer starts with having a physical therapist perform a thorough assessment to figure out what's actually contributing to the issue. In most cases, there are mechanical factors that can be addressed with the right advice, treatment, and exercise.
Why this question matters so much
Flat feet, or overpronation, come up so often because they're frequently the root cause of much more than foot pain. Poor control through the lower body from overpronating can add stress to muscles, joints, and even nerves further up the chain — contributing to knee pain and back pain as well.
When to see a physical therapist
If flat feet or overpronation seem to be behind your foot, knee, or back pain, an evaluation can help identify exactly what's contributing to it and what can be done. Our physical therapists at Empower Physical Therapy & Wellness assess foot and ankle mechanics for patients across Chino Hills, Chino, and Pomona.
