Flat feet in adults
Flat feet are where the inner arch of the foot is flattened so the sole rests on the ground. They are common and often cause no problems, but can sometimes cause foot, ankle or leg pain. Read more about flat feet in adults →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the orthopaedics wait (not specific to flat feet in adults), updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
orthopaedics waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust | Reading | 5 weeks |
| Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust | Bath and North East Somerset | 12 weeks |
| Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Liverpool | 13 weeks |
| George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust | Nuneaton and Bedworth | 13 weeks |
| South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust | Warwick | 14 weeks |
| University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust | Birmingham | 15 weeks |
| South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Middlesbrough | 15 weeks |
| University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Camden | 16 weeks |
About flat feet in adults
Flat feet (sometimes called fallen arches) are where the inner arch of the foot is low or flat, so more of the sole touches the ground when you stand. They are very common and in most people cause no trouble at all. Sometimes they lead to aching or pain in the foot, ankle or lower leg, especially after standing or walking a lot, or the arch may flatten over time in adulthood.
How it is treated
Flat feet that do not cause problems need no treatment. When they ache, the first steps are supportive, wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel and good arch support, insoles, and stretches or exercises for the foot and calf. If pain carries on despite this, a specialist can look for an underlying cause and, rarely, consider an operation when there is a structural problem that other treatments have not helped.
After treatment
Supportive shoes, insoles and exercises settle the symptoms for most people. Surgery is rarely needed and is only considered when simpler measures have not worked and there is a clear structural problem.
Sources: NHS: Flat feet. Last updated October 2026.
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.