Flat Feet Treatment
in Calgary

Flat feet are common and not always a problem. When they cause pain in the arch, heel, ankles or knees, the right support can make a big difference.

  • Same week Appointment availability
  • All ages Children to adults
  • Custom Orthotics made for your foot

10k+ Satisfied Clients

Understanding the condition

When the arch sits low or collapses

Flat feet — pes planus — means the arch on the inside of the foot is low or touches the ground when standing. Most young children have flat feet, and arches usually develop as they grow. Some people never develop an arch; others lose it later in life.

Many people with flat feet have no symptoms. For others, the foot rolls inward (overpronation), straining the arch, heel and ankle and changing how the knees and hips line up. That can lead to tired, aching feet, heel pain, shin splints and other problems.

Flat Feet Treatment in Calgary at Achilles Foot Clinic

Why it happens

4 things behind flat feet

Flat feet can be inherited, or develop over time as the structures supporting the arch weaken.

  1. Genetics

    Flat feet often run in families and are present from childhood.

  2. Tendon Weakening

    The posterior tibial tendon supports the arch; if it weakens or is injured, the arch can gradually collapse.

  3. Injury & Arthritis

    Fractures, ligament injuries and arthritis can change the shape of the foot.

  4. Weight, Age & Health

    Extra weight, ageing, pregnancy, diabetes and nerve damage all increase strain on the arch.

  • 25+ Years

    Serving Calgary patients

  • 3 Podiatrists

    “Specialized foot and ankle care

Know the signs

When Flat Feet Start to Hurt

Signs include aching in the arch or heel, feet that tire quickly, swelling along the inside of the ankle, pain when standing for long periods, and shoes that wear unevenly.

Flat feet can also contribute to shin, knee, hip or lower back pain. In children, watch for pain, tripping often or avoiding activity.

  • Arch & Heel Pain
  • Tired, Aching Feet
  • Inner Ankle Swelling
  • Uneven Shoe Wear
  • Knee or Back Pain

What to Avoid

  • Flat, unsupportive shoes
  • Going barefoot on hard floors all day
  • Generic insoles for painful feet
  • Ignoring a newly flattening arch

How we treat it

Support, strength and the right shoes

Your podiatrist examines the foot standing and moving, checks flexibility and tendon strength, and assesses your gait. Treatment depends on whether the flat foot is flexible or rigid and what symptoms it causes.

Most painful flat feet are managed without surgery.

  • Footwear & exercises

    Supporting the arch naturally

    Supportive shoes and exercises that strengthen the muscles and tendons supporting the arch.

    • First visit
    • Home program
    • No downtime
  • Advanced care

    For rigid or progressive flat feet

    Bracing or reconstructive surgery may be discussed when a flat foot is rigid, painful and not helped by other care.

    • Imaging first
    • Options explained
    • Recovery plan provided

FAQs

Flat feet questions, answered

Common questions about flat feet in adults and children.

Do flat feet need treatment?

Only if they cause pain or problems. Many people with flat feet have no symptoms and need no treatment.

Will my child grow out of flat feet?

Most children develop arches by around age six to ten. See a podiatrist if your child has pain, trips often or avoids activity.

Can flat feet cause knee or back pain?

Yes. Overpronation can change how the legs line up and contribute to knee, hip and lower back pain.

Are custom orthotics better than store insoles?

Custom orthotics are made from your foot and prescribed for your mechanics, which matters most when you have pain.

Can adults develop flat feet?

Yes. Weakening of the tendon that supports the arch, injury, arthritis or weight gain can flatten the arch later in life.

Patient Experiences

Trusted by Patients Across Calgary

See how personalized podiatric care at Achilles Foot Clinic has helped patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and feel more confident with every step.

5/5

Real patients. Real experiences.

Based on verified patient reviews

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Went to two podiatrist prior to this clinic, so I was coming in very informed and able to identify my specific issue. This seemed to be helpful to the doctor and he was able to discuss more well rounded options. I'm really surprised by the poor reviews here. Front desk ladies seemed to be busy and straight to the point, I see no issue with that at a busy clinic. Had to pay the $100 fee upfront but this was told to me when the clinic called to confirm appointment, I was well informed on the cost

    Tropical Trowel 4 months ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Dr. Gatenby & his team are simply amazing. They have been very helpful and effective in treating my foot pain because of which I have been limping. Thank you!

    Milan Sengupta 3 months ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Dr. Mann is an exceptional doctor and he has been continuously empathetic and helpful with the treatment of my ankle. 10/10 recommend him for any of your foot related injury/treatments.
    However, whenever i try to call the clinic, there is lot of waiting, then they still don't pick up and take you straight to voicemail.

    Srishti Dugar 4 months ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Needed a short notice appointment for my mom, who has dementia. They were able to get us in the same day and Dr Rory was AMAZING. My mom’s toenails needed to be trimmed and she had a bit of an ingrown nail and he was able to take care of all of it. I was super grateful as I live out of province.

    Sam S 6 months ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    I had a great experience with Dr. Gurbir Mann. He saw me last minute for a fracture in my foot and I felt at ease the whole time during my appointment, he was friendly, calm and explained everything thoroughly to me. I am very grateful for how well I have been taken care of

    Emma Park 2 months ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Dr. Mann is the best! Always answers all my questions and has plenty of solutions for me to keep moving. Always very thorough, explaining every procedure and very gentle. Just the best! Thank you!

    Danette Charteris 3 months ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Excellent service at the front desk.
    Convenient ways to make appointments.
    The Podiatrist is friendly, welcoming and treated our minor child with patience and respect.
    Wheelchair accessible location with above and underground parking options.
    Definitely would go back if needed.

    Kirkland Family a year ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Dr Mann was awesome! Very friendly and got me in and out in no time. Making an appointment was very easy got one just a few days after calling thank you for the amazing service Achilles!

    Tommy Salimaki a year ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    I went there because i had an ingrown toe nail and it was getting really bad and was hurting me a lot. I did not have to wait long and was able to book an appointment through call for the following day.The staff there took really good care of me and especially Dr Rory who performed the surgery for me. Throughout the surgery he reassured me that it was going to be painless and was fast which helped me to calm myself down. It indeed was quick and painless. I highly recommend going to this clinic as the staff there are really nice and things get done really quickly. I will be going back there again if I have anymore injuries/problems in the future!

    Sujan Sunuwar 2 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    I never thought I would be bringing a teen to a foot clinic but after 18 months of hell with my son's feet we were off to Achilles foot clinic this week. I was absolutely blown away by the customer service. My son was nervous and the doctor took immense care to calm him down. They took breaks. Easily put in the freezing with no pain. This was night and day to any other medical experience we have had. Highly recommend this clinic for being on time, affordable, clean, filled with loving smiling faces and ready to cater to all sorts of needs. 100% recommend. Will not go anywhere else in the future but Achilles' Foot Clinic.

    Sarah Pittard 2 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    I saw Dr. Gatenby today after stepping on a piece of glass. I don't know how this clinic could receive anything less than 5 stars. Everyone is so friendly and efficient. From the reception, to the nursing staff and especially Dr. Gatenby. The clinic is clean, well run and he was able to remove a piece of glass from my foot with no complications. Thank you!

    Megan Hudak 2 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    My son had an appointment with Dr.Gatenby and can’t say enough good things about the clinic. They were able to get us in quickly and Dr.Gatenby was one of the nicest doctors we have seen in the city. He solved my son’s issue quickly and explained the procedure to him as he worked. Would definitely recommend this clinic to anyone with foot issues.

    Kathryn Ludlow 2 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    The entire process was easy, pleasant and efficient. Booking was easy, and I visited Dr Gatenby. His manner is professional and personal. It was obvious he enjoys his profession and serving people!

    Bruce Renton 2 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    I called and was able to make an appointment very quickly to be seen by Dr. Gatenby about an infection in my cuticles. The doctor was incredibly nice and helpful, and even when he had to do a procedure on my toes and my anxiety was going crazy, he reassured me and helped me calm down and feel much better. The ladies at the office are also all incredibly nice. I couldn’t recommend this clinic enough, seriously great staff and great doctors!

    Maria Gomez 3 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    I wish I hadn’t waited so long to see Dr Rory about my ingrown toenails .
    He is the most kind caring and gentle of doctors. I have been putting up with pain and discomfort for way too long because I was nervous about having surgery to fix the problem. Dr Rory Gatenby put my fears at ease straight away and he and his team took care of me from start to finish. If I know of anyone looking for a great foot clinic team to take care of them I will highly recommend they go to see Dr Rory Gatenby. He is the best and my surgery was nothing to be worried. I can’t say enough about my whole experience

    Jacky Mcnally 3 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    So far. So great! A+ I've been to another foot clinic in the nw, this location explained my situation fully addressed my issue and set me up with a plan moving forward. I saw Dr.Purych regarding some foot pain, heel pain and corns. Solved. Thanks a bunch!

    Chad Olmstead 3 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    Definitely 5 stars for this place! First off, I had called to get an appointment and the receptionist was amazing. She had empathy for my concerns and was able to get me in the next day. We met with Dr Mann, amazing again. His bedside manner was impeccable, he was very informative and understood my concerns and eased my mind very quickly. And lastly the reception staff again were great again to deal with in person with their friendly attitudes and fast responses. I definitely enjoyed my experience at this clinic and the friendly, informative service was great to see!

    Danielle Shupenia 4 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    I will never not reccomend Archilles foot clinic. I had an incredible experience here a few years ago with Dr Mann. I waited years to deal with my ingrown toenails after watching my brother's horrible recovery at another place, but Dr. Mann was absolutely wonderful, and I regret waiting so long. My ingrowns have never come back thanks to Archilles. I send all of my friends here when they have ingrown toenails because of how much I appreciated my experience here.

    Kayla Volk 4 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    I was very impressed with Dr. Mann. He takes the time to actually explain what's going on with your feet. Very personable and professional. Finally I found someone to help me about my bunion. Highly recommend.

    Gloida Martinez 4 years ago

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    I had to shop around before I found Achilles .... because of the painful, expensive and lengthy treatment plans I was being offered by other clinics. At Achilles, I can truly report that the problem was painlessly resolved in only a few visits ... at fraction of the cost (and pain!). I received excellent treatment from Dr. Purych ... who successfully treated my long standing, stubborn plantar wart problem. I have no hesitation in providing this clinic a "five stars plus" review ... for their professionalism and focus on their patients.

    Patrick Reilly 6 years ago

Serving Calgary & Nearby Communities

Expert Foot Care Close to Home

Achilles Foot Clinic welcomes patients from Calgary and surrounding communities with personalized care for foot and ankle pain, injuries, and ongoing conditions.

Our Service Area

  • Calgary
  • Airdrie
  • Okotoks
  • Cochrane

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