Assessment
A full history and a thorough examination of the skin, nails, circulation and, where relevant, your gait. You leave with a working diagnosis you understand and a plan agreed with you, not handed to you.
What We Treat
Flat Feet Treatment in Canary Wharf, London
Flat feet (pes planus) are very common and often cause no problems at all, and we will tell you plainly when yours need no treatment. But an arch that suddenly starts to flatten in adulthood, especially with inner-ankle pain and swelling, can signal a failing tendon that gets worse if left, so it is worth checking early. Flat feet treatment in Canary Wharf, London with our HCPC-registered podiatrists assesses how your foot loads and, where symptoms warrant it, combines custom orthotics, footwear advice, and targeted strengthening.
What you're seeing
The concern
Flat feet, also called pes planus or fallen arches, describe a low or absent inner arch, so that the sole makes complete or near-complete contact with the ground, often with the foot rolling inward (overpronation). A flexible flat foot, where the arch reappears when you rise onto tiptoes or take the weight off, is the common type and frequently causes no symptoms; a rigid flat foot, where the arch stays flat even off the ground, is less common and more likely to need attention. The NHS notes that flat feet are usually harmless and need no treatment when they cause no symptoms, and many adults have flexible flat feet for life without issue. Treatment is warranted only when the foot causes pain, aching or fatigue, or knock-on problems at the heel, ankle, knee, hip or lower back, because sustained overpronation can overwork the posterior tibial tendon, strain the spring ligament and alter how the whole leg loads. When symptoms do warrant care, first-line treatment is conservative: supportive footwear, custom orthotics (made in our own insole lab) or off-the-shelf insoles to manage load and control alignment, and a targeted strengthening programme for the foot, ankle and tibialis posterior muscle. A newly flattening arch in adulthood, especially with inner-ankle pain and swelling or difficulty rising onto tiptoes, can signal adult-acquired flatfoot (posterior tibial tendon dysfunction) and warrants prompt biomechanical assessment at our Canary Wharf or City Dock (Wapping) clinic.
Excellent
From 4 five-star Google reviews
Source: Google
Christine is the feet whisperer, she is marvellous! I should have gone to her before I actually did. If you have any issues with your feet, do not hesitate — book an appointment to see her. Highly recommended!
Had been in pain for many weeks. As soon as I went to Canary Wharf Podiatry I was taken care of excellently and sorted out, by the kindest staff. This was my best ever medical experience. Thank you so much!
Had a great experience with Hinson the podiatrist — extremely patient and thorough in explaining the different treatment options. I really appreciated how professional and reassuring he was throughout the appointment.
Christine was very gentle and took the time to answer all of our questions. She explained everything clearly and educated us with so much patience. We will definitely be coming back.
Our flat feet care can help to:
Tell you plainly when flat feet need no treatment
Most flat feet are flexible and cause no problems, and the NHS is clear they usually need no treatment. If your feet do not hurt and load well, we will tell you so, rather than sell you insoles you do not need.
Find out why your arch is causing symptoms
When flat feet do ache, a full biomechanical and gait assessment shows how your foot loads and why. We look at the arch, the posterior tibial tendon and the way the whole leg lines up, so treatment targets the cause, not just the shape of the foot.
Support the arch with custom orthotics from our own lab
Where symptoms warrant it, custom orthotics made in our in-house insole lab support the arch, help control overpronation and offload the strained tendon. They do not permanently reshape the arch, but for many people they ease symptoms day to day.
Rebuild strength around the arch and ankle
Orthotics work best alongside movement. A targeted strengthening programme for the foot, ankle and tibialis posterior muscle builds the support the arch needs, so you rely less on the insole over time and load more comfortably.
Catch a failing tendon early
An arch that suddenly flattens in adulthood, with inner-ankle pain, swelling or difficulty on tiptoes, can signal posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, which tends to progress. Early assessment lets us support the tendon and aim to slow it before it worsens.
Why it happens
What drives it
- Inherited or developmental flexible flat foot: a low arch present from birth (congenital) or childhood that often causes no symptoms at all
- Overpronation, where the foot rolls excessively inward and the arch collapses under load during walking or running
- Adult-acquired flatfoot from posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD): the tendon supporting the arch becomes stretched, inflamed or torn, so the arch gradually drops
- Ligament laxity or generalised hypermobility, including conditions such as Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, allowing the arch to drop under body weight
- Increased load on the arch from excess body weight, pregnancy, or prolonged standing occupations
- Arthritis, diabetes, or a previous foot or ankle injury affecting the joints and soft tissues that maintain the arch
- Age-related changes that gradually weaken the tendons and ligaments supporting the arch
What does a podiatrist do at your first appointment?
Your initial consultation covers a full history and a thorough examination of the skin, nails, circulation and, where relevant, the way you walk. We explain what we find in plain English and agree a working diagnosis with you.
Where it is safe to do so, treatment starts the same day, and you leave understanding the plan and the options in front of you.
"I wish I had known about you sooner." We hear it constantly. Feet are easy to ignore until they hurt, so we treat podiatry the way a dentist treats teeth: a regular check and a little maintenance keeps small problems from becoming big ones.
- Two London clinics: Canary Wharf, inside LycaHealth at 1 Westferry Circus, and City Dock in Wapping.
- Rated 5.0 on Google, with an HCPC-registered team and evidence-based care led by an Oxford-trained Clinical Director.
- Founded in 2021 and grown almost entirely by word of mouth across two London clinics.
Flat feet care fees and insurance
You can self-refer and book online, with no GP referral needed. Many patients claim treatment back through private health insurance: cover varies by policy, and some insurers ask for a GP or consultant referral first, so please check your plan before booking.
- Self-referral: book directly online, no GP letter needed
- Detailed invoices and procedure information provided for insurance claims
- Claimable with insurers such as WPA, Aviva and Vitality, subject to your policy
- One transparent price list across both London clinics
Your journey
with us
Everything starts with an accurate diagnosis. We find what is really causing the problem, treat it, and help you keep it from coming back, so you can stand, walk and train on comfortable feet.
Treatment
The care your foot problem actually needs, from painless skin and nail work to nail surgery under local anaesthetic, using sterile technique. Where a procedure carries real risk, we talk you through it and take consent first.
Advanced care
Where it helps, we draw on on-site MRI and X-ray, custom orthotics made in our own lab, and treatments such as laser and shockwave, so the right tool is matched to the right problem rather than a one-size-fits-all fix.
Maintenance
We address the underlying cause, footwear, pressure or load, so the problem is less likely to return, and offer routine reviews and medical pedicures so your feet are looked after before there is a problem, not only once there is one.
What our podiatrists and chiropodists treat
- Nail surgery for painful, recurrent ingrown toenails
- Skin and nail conditions: verrucae, corns, callus and fungal nails
- Evidence-based fungal nail treatment, including laser
- Biomechanics and custom orthotics made in our own lab
- Musculoskeletal and heel pain, with shockwave therapy
- On-site MRI and X-ray for same-day diagnosis
- Medical pedicures and routine foot-care maintenance
- Prescribing podiatrists: medication started promptly when it is needed
Treatment approach
How Christine treats it
Custom Orthotics & Insoles
Price on enquiryWhere symptoms warrant it, custom orthotics made in our own insole lab support the arch, help control overpronation and offload the strained posterior tibial tendon. They do not permanently reshape the arch, but for many people they ease symptoms, and we use them alongside footwear advice and strengthening rather than on their own.
See treatment detail →Biomechanics & MSK
Price on enquiryA full biomechanical and gait assessment identifies why the arch is causing symptoms and guides the right combination of orthoses, footwear advice, manual therapy and a tibialis posterior strengthening programme, treating the cause rather than the flat foot for its own sake.
See treatment detail →Initial Podiatry Consultation
Price on enquiryA first appointment lets our HCPC-registered podiatrists examine the foot, screen for adult-acquired flatfoot, and rule out other causes before planning care. It is the right starting point if it is your first visit.
See treatment detail →FAQ
Frequently asked
questions
Do flat feet always need treatment?
No. The NHS confirms flat feet are usually harmless and need no treatment when they cause no symptoms. Many people have flexible flat feet for life without problems. Treatment is only worthwhile if your feet cause pain, aching or fatigue, or are contributing to ankle, knee or lower-back problems, that is when an assessment helps.
Will orthotics cure my fallen arches?
No. Orthoses do not permanently reshape the arch; they support the foot, help control overpronation and offload strained tissues. The evidence is that they can ease symptoms for many people rather than guarantee a cure. We use them alongside footwear advice and foot and tibialis posterior strengthening as part of a wider plan.
Can flat feet develop in adulthood?
Yes. An arch that flattens in adulthood often points to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (adult-acquired flatfoot), where the tendon supporting the arch weakens or tears. It typically causes inner-ankle pain, swelling and difficulty rising onto tiptoes, and tends to progress. Early biomechanical assessment matters, because orthotic support and rehabilitation aim to ease symptoms and may slow progression.
Which appointment should I book for flat feet?
If it is your first visit, start with an initial consultation so we can examine your feet, check how you load and walk, and confirm whether treatment is even needed. If we have seen you before, a biomechanical assessment lets us review your gait in detail and, where it helps, take a cast for custom orthotics made in our own insole lab.
When should I seek medical help for flat feet?
See a podiatrist promptly if an arch flattens suddenly, only one foot is affected, or your foot or inner ankle becomes painful, swollen, stiff, weak or numb, or walking becomes difficult. Seek same-day care for signs of spreading infection: spreading redness, heat, fever or a hot, painful, swollen foot. People with diabetes or poor circulation should have any new foot change checked quickly.
Related What We Treat
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in Canary Wharf.
Canary Wharf Podiatry • 1 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London E14 4HD
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