The shape of your arch affects how your foot takes the load of each step. Flat feet and high arches are both common, and many people have them without any trouble. When they cause pain, tired legs or uneven wear on your shoes, custom orthotics from WellCare Medical in Bradford can support the foot and spread the pressure more evenly.
Flat feet and overpronation
With a flat foot, the arch sits low or touches the ground when you stand. The foot often rolls inward as you walk, which is called overpronation. This can lead to:
- aching in the arch, heel or inner ankle
- tired, heavy legs after standing or walking
- pain at the inside of the knee, or in the shins
- shoes that wear down quickly along the inner edge
High arches and supination
With a high arch, less of the foot touches the ground, so the heel and the ball of the foot take more of the pressure. The foot tends to roll outward, which is called supination, and it absorbs less shock. This can lead to:
- pain under the heel or the ball of the foot
- ankles that roll or sprain easily
- hard skin under the heel and forefoot
- shoes that wear along the outer edge
How orthotics help
For a flat foot, an orthotic supports the arch and limits how far the foot rolls inward. For a high arch, it fills the space under the arch so pressure is shared across the whole foot, and it adds cushioning. Orthotics do not change the shape of the foot. They change how the foot is supported while you wear them.
Do flat feet always need treatment?
No. Flat feet that cause no pain and no difficulty usually need nothing at all. Orthotics are worth considering when there is pain, when your legs tire quickly, or when the way your feet move is contributing to a problem higher up, such as knee or lower back pain.
Your exam and your orthotics
Our chiropractor looks at your arches while you sit and stand, watches you walk and checks the wear on your shoes. See what happens at a gait analysis and biomechanical exam. If orthotics are right for you, they are ready in around three weeks, depending on the case.
| Custom-made orthotics, one pair, including the biomechanical exam, gait analysis, measuring and fitting | $500 |
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Fees at WellCare Medical Bradford, October 2026
Many work benefit plans cover custom orthotics. You pay at the clinic and claim from your plan: see using your work benefits.
When to see a doctor first
See your doctor if one foot has become flatter than the other, if you have pain and swelling along the inside of the ankle, if a foot has changed shape recently, or if you have numbness or weakness in the foot.
Walk-ins and new patients
Walk-ins are welcome for every treatment on any day we are open. If we have availability we will see you right away. Calling ahead is the best way to avoid a wait.
Common questions about orthotics for flat feet and high arches
Can orthotics fix flat feet?
Orthotics support a flat foot and can ease the pain and tiredness it causes, but they do not change the shape of the foot permanently.
How do I know if I overpronate?
Signs include shoes that wear along the inner edge, arches that flatten when you stand and ankles that lean inward. A gait analysis shows it clearly.
Are orthotics for high arches different from those for flat feet?
Yes. Each pair is prescribed for your foot. For a high arch the aim is to share pressure across the foot and add cushioning. For a flat foot the aim is to support the arch and control inward rolling.
Do children with flat feet need orthotics?
Often not. Flat feet are a normal stage in young children. See children's orthotics.