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Flat feet, high arches & bunions
Arch, forefoot and bunion concerns lead in different directions. Start with what you are noticing.
When shoes rub or walking becomes uncomfortable, even a short outing can take more thought. We assess your symptoms, footwear and movement—not foot shape alone.
On this page
What might flat feet, high arches or bunions mean?
Why the arch shape matters less than you’d think
When flat feet (sometimes described as fallen or collapsed arches) do hurt, care usually involves more than orthotics and calf stretches. What matters is how load affects your foot and lower limb, and whether symptoms develop, rather than the arch shape itself. An aching arch or sole has several possible contributors, including footwear and how the foot handles load, and findings may suggest contributors without a single explanation. Pain under the heel is covered on the heel pain page.
An arch that is newly flattening on one side, with pain on the inside of the ankle, can involve the tendon that supports the arch and is worth having assessed sooner rather than later.
High-arched feet
A high, rigid arch (pes cavus) can concentrate pressure under the heel and ball of the foot. You may notice callus, outward rolling at the ankle, clawed toes or difficult shoe fit. It can run in families or become noticeable when symptoms develop.
Other patterns we may consider
Forefoot and arch symptoms can overlap. The pattern helps guide what should be examined:
- Big-toe joint pain or stiffness may come from the joint rather than the bunion bump.
- Burning, numbness or a pebble-like feeling between the toes can suggest nerve irritation.
- Pain beneath a toe joint, swelling or a toe beginning to drift may need further assessment.
- Inner-ankle pain with a changing arch can involve a tendon that supports the foot.
These descriptions are not a self-diagnosis. Assessment helps narrow the possibilities and whether imaging or another opinion is needed.
Arthritis and painful foot joints
Stiff toes or aching joints can make walking and shoe choice harder. Arthritis, including osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the feet. Footwear changes do not cure arthritis.
What should I do now about arch, forefoot or bunion pain?
Until then, avoid forcing your foot into a pointed or shallow shoe, and stop any pad or spacer that creates new pressure.
Consider an assessment if shoes that used to fit now press or rub, a pressure spot or joint keeps aching, or your walking is changing.
If shoe fit is the main problem, bring the shoes you actually wear—including a pair that has become hard to wear.
What could happen at an arch and foot shape appointment in Burwood?
How assessment guides the next step
- We listen to where you feel pain or pressure, what shoes are difficult and how walking, work or activity is affected.
- We examine the foot and may look at standing, walking or running, footwear, joint movement and pressure areas.
- We explain how much the arch or bunion shape seems to be contributing to your symptoms, which may be less than you expect, and whether imaging, medical review or another referral may help.
- Together, we discuss practical options such as footwear changes, pressure relief or rehabilitation. Orthotics are considered only when the assessment suggests they may add value.
For painful joints, we assess movement, footwear and pressure and coordinate with your GP where needed. Rocker bottom shoes may be discussed after assessment; suitability depends on your feet and how you walk.