Treating Flat Feet with Custom Orthotics & Physiotherapy in Richmond BC

Flat feet are one of the most common causes of chronic foot pain, knee discomfort, and lower-body movement issues. When the arches collapse or fail to provide proper support, it sets off a chain reaction throughout the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. Many people in Richmond experience symptoms without realizing their flat feet are the underlying cause.

At Proactive Health, we provide custom orthotics in Richmond, BC, along with physiotherapy-based treatment to help patients with flat feet restore proper alignment and move comfortably again. Our holistic, evidence-based approach corrects poor foot mechanics and strengthens the body from the ground up.

Understanding Flat Feet

Flat feet (pes planus) occur when the arches of the feet sit lower than normal or collapse during weight-bearing activities. This often leads to overpronation, where the ankles roll inward excessively.

Common signs of flat feet include:

• Tired or achy feet after walking

• Heel, arch, or ankle pain

• Excessive inward ankle rolling

• Knee pain due to misalignment

• Frequent shin splints

• Reduced stability or balance

• Difficulty finding supportive footwear

• Lower-body fatigue during work or activity

Without treatment, flat feet can contribute to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, knee pain, and chronic lower-back discomfort.

Why Custom Orthotics Are Effective for Flat Feet

Custom orthotics are one of the most effective long-term solutions for flat feet because they correct alignment and support the arches where your feet need it most.

How custom orthotics help flat feet:

• Improve arch height and reduce flattening

• Control overpronation

• Distribute pressure more evenly across the feet

• Reduce strain on the ankles, knees, hips, and spine

• Improve balance and walking mechanics

• Reduce pain during daily activities and exercise

• Prevent injuries commonly related to flat feet

At Proactive Health, your custom orthotics in Richmond, BC are tailored specifically to your unique foot shape and biomechanics — offering far better support than generic insoles.

How Physiotherapy Supports Flat Feet at Proactive Health

Physiotherapy plays an important role in treating flat feet by strengthening the muscles that stabilize your arches and improving lower-body mechanics.

A Richmond physiotherapist at our clinic may incorporate:

• Intrinsic foot strengthening

• Ankle mobility work

• Glute and hip strengthening to support knee alignment

• Gait retraining to reduce overpronation

• Balance and stability drills

• Plantar fascia and calf-focused treatment

Combining physiotherapy in Richmond, BC, with custom orthotics results in more durable, long-term improvements than using either treatment alone.

Why You May Need Custom Orthotics for Flat Feet

You may benefit from orthotics if you experience:

• Flat feet or collapsed arches

• Overpronation

• Chronic foot or arch pain

• Morning heel pain (plantar fasciitis)

• Shin splints

• Knee pain related to flat feet

• Hip or lower-back discomfort

• Uneven wear patterns on your shoes

• Difficulty standing or walking for long periods

Orthotics help stabilize your foundation, which supports healthier movement throughout your entire body.

The Custom Orthotics Process at Proactive Health (Richmond, BC)

To ensure accuracy and comfort, our orthotics process is detailed, thorough, and clinically guided.

1. Comprehensive Assessment

Your appointment begins with a consultation where we review:

• Your symptoms

• Flat-foot severity

• Walking and standing habits

• Footwear concerns

• Pain patterns in the feet, knees, hips, or back

A Richmond physiotherapist will evaluate how your flat feet affect your alignment and overall movement.

2. Gait and Biomechanical Analysis

We analyze your gait to understand:

• How your arches move during walking

• Whether your ankles collapse inward

• How your knees and hips respond

• Pressure distribution across your feet

• Where strain accumulates during movement

This step is essential for designing orthotics that correct your specific flat-foot mechanics.

3. 3D Foot Scan or Casting

We use advanced 3D foot scanning or foam casting to capture the precise structure of your feet. This ensures your orthotics match your arch height, heel shape, and pressure points perfectly.

4. Custom Fabrication

Your orthotics are created using durable, medical-grade materials suitable for:

• Work boots

• Everyday shoes

• Athletic footwear

• Dress shoes

Each pair is tailored to your flat feet and aligned with your daily activity level.

Benefits of Custom Orthotics for Flat Feet

Patients using our custom orthotics in Richmond, BC often experience:

• Reduced arch, heel, and foot pain

• Improved alignment from the feet up

• Fewer shin splints

• Relief from plantar fasciitis

• Better knee and hip mechanics

• Greater stability and balance

• Less fatigue during daily activities

• Prevention of recurring injuries

By correcting flat feet, you support better movement and reduce the risk of strain throughout your entire lower body.

Why Choose Proactive Health for Orthotics in Richmond BC

Proactive Health provides a comprehensive, physiotherapy-led approach to flat feet. We do more than simply create orthotics — we assess your movement as a whole.

Patients choose us because:

• Our assessments are completed by experienced physiotherapists

• We specialize in flat feet and lower-body biomechanics

• We integrate orthotics with physiotherapy for lasting results

• We use high-quality materials and precise 3D scanning

• We personalize each treatment plan to your activity level, lifestyle, and footwear

• We focus on long-term correction and comfort

Whether you want to reduce pain, improve mobility, or prevent recurring injuries, our team helps you build stronger, healthier movement from the ground up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthotics in Richmond, BC

Are custom orthotics good for flat feet?

Yes. Custom orthotics are one of the most effective treatments for supporting the arch, controlling overpronation, and improving alignment.

How long do orthotics last?

Most custom orthotics last 2–5 years, depending on usage and activity levels.

Do orthotics replace physiotherapy?

Orthotics correct alignment, while physiotherapy strengthens the muscles that support your feet and knees. Together, they create the best long-term results.

Are orthotics covered by insurance?

Many insurance plans in BC include full or partial coverage. Our clinic offers direct billing to most providers.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed to see a physiotherapist in Richmond, BC or to book a custom orthotics assessment at Proactive Health.

Take the First Step Toward Better Foot Health

If you’re dealing with flat feet, pain, or overpronation, our team at Proactive Health can help.
Book your custom orthotics assessment today and experience relief, improved alignment, and better movement with every step.