Most babies are born with flat feet, with arches typically forming early in childhood. But if those arches collapse during adulthood, it can be painful and cause mobility problems.
Adults who experience a breakdown of soft tissue in their feet and ankles may suffer symptoms of “fallen arches,” commonly known as adult acquired flat foot. While as many as 2 in 10 children will keep their flat feet as they age, those with adult-acquired flatfoot may require treatment.
What Causes Fallen Arches?
Fallen arches happen when tendons or ligaments in one or both feet tear or break down, causing the arch to flatten and the toes to point outward.
In most cases, this happens when the foot’s main arch-supporting tendon, called the posterior tibial tendon, is gradually stretched, torn, or damaged due to injury or wear and tear. Sometimes, the foot is more prone to this condition because of bone structure. Conditions related to fallen arches include tendonitis, arthritis, and plantar fasciitis.
“Fallen arches can be present at birth or can be hereditary and develop over time,” says podiatrist Rebekah Richards, DPM. “Other causes that may contribute to the flattening of the arch include poorly fitted shoes with minimal to no arch support, muscle injury or damage from excessive strain on the feet, rupture or over-stretched tendons, or birth abnormalities. There can also be increased risk in patients with diabetes, obesity, or arthritis, as well as those who are pregnant.”
Flat feet can cause problems in the ankles and knees – the altered position of the feet may change how you move. Those with foot arch pain should seek treatment, as these conditions can worsen over time.
Do I Have Fallen Arches?
A health care provider, such as a podiatrist or foot and ankle surgeon at UPMC Orthopaedic Care, can diagnose fallen arches by assessing your symptoms, evaluating your posture and weight-bearing ability, and taking X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.
Common symptoms of fallen arches include:
- Knee, hip, or back pain.
- Foot and ankle swelling.
- Limited foot movement.
- Trouble standing on your toes.
- Swollen, tired, or painful feet, especially in the arches, heels, or inside of the ankle.
- Leg cramps and muscle pain in the foot or leg.
- Pain when walking, or changes in how you walk.
- Unusual shoe wear pattern or shoes quickly wearing out.
If you are experiencing symptoms of fallen arches, consider seeking treatment.
“To prevent pain and injury, it is best to seek treatment as soon as possible,” says Dr. Richards. “If we can treat or accommodate early, we can reduce the risk of injury or pain.”
What Are My Treatment Options?
There are a variety of nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for people with fallen arches. Doctors will usually prioritize pain management, mobility, and foot function when developing a treatment plan.
These treatments are often successful at preserving and even restoring arch function.
Possible non-surgical options include:
- Rest to avoid bearing weight in the feet.
- Anti-inflammatory pain medications.
- Shoe adaptations, braces, and arch supports.
- Physical therapy and exercises to help support the arch, such as arch lifts and heel raises.
“We usually begin treatment be recreating or supporting the arch and the tendons and ligaments that form the arch,” Dr. Richards says. “An orthotic or shoe insert is typically used to help support the arch. Patients can use an over-the-counter orthotic or a custom one that is created for the individual’s foot type. We always recommend wearing supportive shoes.”
If nonsurgical treatments are ineffective, or you’re experiencing other orthopaedic conditions, doctors may suggest foot surgery to relieve tension in the tissue causing the fallen arches or surgery to address arthritis. After any surgical treatments for flat feet, you will have to avoid all weight-bearing activities for about three months.
How Can I Prevent Fallen Arches?
There are ways to reduce or treat risk factors associated with fallen arches, such as making healthy lifestyle choices to prevent obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, as well as participating in regular stretching exercises.
“Strengthening exercises, stretching, and wearing supportive shoes or insoles can often help prevent or reduce a person’s risk of developing fallen arches. In some cases, weight loss may also be recommended to help alleviate extra pressure on the feet,” says Dr. Richards.
Make sure to choose proper footwear, limit activities that put excessive stress on your feet, and talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you’re experiencing prolonged foot pain or discomfort.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .