Pain in Your Arch? Let’s Talk Plantar Fasciitis vs Flat Feet

Pain in Your Arch? Let’s Talk Plantar Fasciitis vs Flat Feet

Is your foot arch sore when you walk? Maybe it's a sharp pain when you first get out of bed, or a dull ache that shows up after a long day on your feet. Arch pain can be caused by a few things — but two of the most common culprits we see at our foot clinic in Bishopbriggs are plantar fasciitis and flat feet.

They can feel similar, but they’re actually quite different. Let’s break it down and help you understand what’s going on under your soles — and more importantly, what you can do about it.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is when the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot (called the plantar fascia) becomes irritated or inflamed. This band connects your heel to your toes and helps support your arch.

When it’s under too much strain — from things like standing too long, overuse, poor footwear, or tight calf muscles — it can become painful.

If you have plantar fasciitis, the pain usually feels sharp and stabbing, especially with your first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while. It often eases once you’ve been moving around, but might return after a long day.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flat feet, sometimes called fallen arches, are exactly what they sound like — your feet don’t have much of an arch when you stand. For some people, it’s just how they’re built. Others develop flat feet over time due to age, injury, weight gain, or weakened muscles.

While flat feet aren’t always painful, they can cause trouble when they change how your foot moves. That extra rolling inwards (called overpronation) can lead to aching arches, sore heels, tired legs, or even knee and back pain.

The pain from flat feet tends to be more of a dull, aching type, and usually gets worse the longer you’re on your feet.

So, What’s the Difference?

Here’s the easiest way to tell them apart:

• Plantar fasciitis usually causes sharp pain, especially in the morning or after rest. It’s caused by strain or inflammation in the plantar fascia.

• Flat feet often cause aching pain after long periods of standing or walking. It’s more about how your foot is shaped and how it moves.

And yes — you can have both at the same time. In fact, flat feet can sometimes lead to plantar fasciitis because of how they put extra strain on the arch.

How Our Podiatrists Help with Arch Pain

Whether you’ve got plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or something else entirely — we’re here to help. At The Springfield Clinic, our team specialises in foot pain treatment in Bishopbriggs, and we’ve helped many patients get back on their feet with less pain and more confidence.

Here’s how we approach it:

1. Full Foot Assessment

We’ll start with a gentle foot exam and chat about your symptoms. We want to understand when the pain happens, how it feels, and how it’s affecting your daily life.

2. Gait Analysis

Using specialist equipment, we check how your feet move when you walk or stand. This helps us spot if your arches are collapsing or if certain muscles are working too hard. It’s a key part of what we offer in our gait analysis service in Bishopbriggs.

3. Custom Orthotics

Off-the-shelf insoles often don’t give enough support. If you need extra help, we can create custom orthotics to support your arches, cushion pressure points, and correct your foot posture. These are made right here by our orthotics Glasgow podiatry team.

4. Targeted Treatment

For plantar fasciitis, we might recommend shockwave therapy, stretching routines, and strength-building exercises to help the fascia heal and prevent it flaring up again.

5. Footwear Advice

Sometimes, the fix is as simple as changing your shoes. We’ll guide you on the best styles and brands to support your arches properly — especially if you have flat feet.

6. Ongoing Support

Our podiatrists in Glasgow are also here if your pain is linked to activity or performance. We often see runners, gym-goers, and busy professionals who need specialised care.

Let's Get You Moving Comfortably Again

If your arch pain is slowing you down — whether it's sharp, aching, or just won’t go away — you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

Our friendly podiatry team at The Springfield Clinic in Bishopbriggs is here to listen, assess, and treat the cause of your discomfort. You’ll get clear answers, personalised care, and expert support every step of the way.

Book your visit today and take that first step toward pain-free walking.