[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/08\/do-i-have-fallen-arches\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/08\/do-i-have-fallen-arches\/","headline":"Do I Have Fallen Arches?","name":"Do I Have Fallen Arches?","description":"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.\u00a0 Adults who experience a breakdown of soft tissue in their feet and ankles may suffer symptoms of \u201cfallen arches,\u201d commonly known as adult acquired flat foot. […]","datePublished":"2022-08-24","dateModified":"2024-06-10","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/orthopaedics-regions","name":"UPMC Orthopaedic Care","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/orthopaedics-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/orthopaedic-surgery\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/GettyImages-1298108434.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/GettyImages-1298108434.jpg","height":867,"width":2000},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/08\/do-i-have-fallen-arches\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Orthopaedics"],"wordCount":756,"articleBody":"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.\u00a0Adults who experience a breakdown of soft tissue in their feet and ankles may suffer symptoms of \u201cfallen arches,\u201d 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.\u00a0What Causes Fallen Arches?\u00a0Fallen 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.\u00a0In 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.\u00a0\u201cFallen arches can be present at birth or can be hereditary and develop over time,\u201d says podiatrist Rebekah Richards, DPM. \u201cOther 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.\u201d\u00a0Flat feet can cause problems in the ankles and knees \u2013 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.\u00a0Do I Have Fallen Arches?\u00a0A health care provider, such as a podiatrist or foot and ankle surgeon at\u202fUPMC 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.\u00a0Common symptoms of fallen arches include:\u00a0Knee, hip, or back pain.\u00a0Foot and ankle swelling.\u00a0Limited foot movement.\u00a0Trouble standing on your toes.\u00a0Swollen, tired, or painful feet, especially in the arches, heels, or inside of the ankle.\u00a0Leg cramps and muscle pain in the foot or leg.\u00a0Pain when walking, or changes in how you walk.\u00a0Unusual shoe wear pattern or shoes quickly wearing out.\u00a0If you are experiencing symptoms of fallen arches, consider seeking treatment.\u00a0\u201cTo prevent pain and injury, it is best to seek treatment as soon as possible,\u201d says Dr. Richards. \u201cIf we can treat or accommodate early, we can reduce the risk of injury or pain.\u201d\u00a0What Are My Treatment Options?\u00a0There 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.\u00a0These treatments are often successful at preserving and even restoring arch function.\u00a0Possible non-surgical options include:\u00a0Rest to avoid bearing weight in the feet.\u00a0Anti-inflammatory pain medications.\u00a0Shoe adaptations, braces, and arch supports.\u00a0Physical therapy and exercises to help support the arch, such as arch lifts and heel raises.\u00a0“We usually begin treatment be recreating or supporting the arch and the tendons and ligaments that form the arch,\u201d Dr. Richards says. \u201cAn 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\u2019s foot type. We always recommend wearing supportive shoes.\u201d\u00a0If 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.\u00a0How Can I Prevent Fallen Arches?\u00a0There 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.\u00a0\u201cStrengthening exercises, stretching, and wearing supportive shoes or insoles can often help prevent or reduce a person\u2019s risk of developing fallen arches. In some cases, weight loss may also be recommended to help alleviate extra pressure on the feet,\u201d says Dr. Richards.\u00a0Make sure to choose\u202fproper 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.\u00a0Editor's Note: This article was originally published on August 24, 2022, and was last reviewed on June 10, 2024."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2022","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"08","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/\/08\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Do I Have Fallen Arches?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/08\/do-i-have-fallen-arches\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]