"Flat feet" is one of the most common things people mention when they call P.O.R.C about custom insoles in Delhi. Some have had flat feet all their lives without trouble. Others notice their arches seem to have dropped in adulthood, with aching feet, tired legs or pain on the inside of the ankle.
Having flat feet is not automatically a problem. This article explains the different types, when they need attention, and how custom insoles may help.
Types of flat foot
- Flexible flat foot: the arch flattens when standing but reappears when sitting or standing on tiptoe. Very common, and often painless.
- Rigid flat foot: the arch stays flat even off-load. This can have structural causes and needs medical assessment.
- Adult-acquired flat foot (fallen arches): an arch that gradually drops in adulthood, sometimes on one side only. A common cause is weakening of the tibialis posterior tendon, which supports the arch on the inside of the ankle. Others include arthritis, injury, weight gain, pregnancy and diabetes.
Symptoms that can go with flat feet
- Aching in the arch or heel, especially after long periods of standing or walking
- Pain or swelling along the inside of the ankle
- Tired legs, shin pain, or knee discomfort
- Shoes wearing out on the inner side
- Difficulty standing on tiptoe on one leg
When to see a doctor
- An arch that has recently dropped on one side
- Pain and swelling on the inside of the ankle
- A rigid flat foot, or one that is painful in a child
- Flat feet with diabetes, numbness, or a change in foot shape
- Pain after an injury
These can need imaging, physiotherapy or other treatment. Insoles may support that care but do not replace it.
How we assess flat feet at P.O.R.C
At our Safdarjung Enclave clinic:
- History and examination: arch flexibility, heel position from behind, tiptoe test, ankle and calf flexibility.
- Footscan: a Materialise Footscan records pressure while standing and walking. Flat-footed walking often shows broad midfoot contact and a centre-of-pressure line that drifts toward the inside of the foot. A foot scan is not a diagnosis; it helps design the insole.
- Shoe check: support, fit and wear pattern.
How custom insoles support flat feet
A good flat-foot insole supports the arch without jamming a hard, high arch under the foot. With PHITS 3D-printed insoles, the design may include:
- Navicular (inner arch) support, with height matched to how flexible your foot is. In most cases less is more; too much height on a stiff foot feels like a stone in the arch.
- A deep heel cup and, where needed, a medial heel wedge to reduce inward heel roll
- Directional stiffness in the printed lattice to guide roll-off
- Higher local stiffness on the inner side to resist excessive pronation
- High side edges on a wide base for broad, very flat feet
- A comfortable EVA or PU top cover
Read more: PHITS insole modifications for common foot issues and PHITS 3D vs TPU, PVC and EVA.
Shoes and exercises matter too
- Stability shoes with a firm heel counter and a structured midfoot often suit flat feet.
- A removable insole so the custom insole can sit properly.
- Strengthening exercises for the foot and calf muscles, and calf stretches, as advised by a physiotherapist.
- Weight management where relevant reduces arch load.
Realistic expectations
Insoles support the foot and can improve comfort; they do not cure flat feet or rebuild an arch. Most people get used to new insoles over one to two weeks. We review comfort and adjust as needed.
Related reading: high arches and supination · children's growing feet · knee, hip and back pain.
Book an assessment in Delhi NCR
Footscan and PHITS custom insoles are made from our Safdarjung Enclave clinic. You can also start with a consultation at our hospital desks; please call to confirm timings.
- P.O.R.C Safdarjung Enclave: 42 Ground Floor, Street No. 1, Opp. Baba Balak Nath Mandir, Krishna Nagar, New Delhi 110029 (Monday to Saturday, 10am to 7pm)
- P.O.R.C at Apollo Hospital, Sarita Vihar
- P.O.R.C at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Pusa Road
Call 9810006111 or WhatsApp 9811706111. Serving patients in Delhi NCR since 1988.
