The foot’s arches consist of bones, tendons, and ligaments that support the weight of your body. Fallen arches, or flat feet, occur when the tendons don’t connect correctly or the muscles become strained, causing pain and discomfort. Use this guide to learn more about this condition and how a podiatrist can help alleviate its symptoms.

What Causes Fallen Arches?

Fallen arches occur when the tendons and muscles in the foot collapse, causing the full length of the sole to rest flat against the ground. This may happen due to torn or stretched tendons, dislocated or broken bones, nerve issues, rheumatoid arthritis, or genetic abnormalities.

You may be more vulnerable to developing flat feet if you are diabetic, obese, or pregnant. The condition can also worsen with age. As daily use wears down the tendons, the arch loses its curve.

Symptoms

Fallen arches often result in walking and standing improperly. People with this condition might roll their feet inward to help them balance and distribute their weight evenly. Consequently, the feet may point outward, causing foot and heel pain, muscle fatigue, swelling, difficulty moving, and back pain. 

The uneven distribution of weight can also wear down the left and right shoes at different rates, increasing the risk of an injury. If you think you have this condition, check if the soles of your shoes are faded or scuffed in different areas.

Treatment

While you can perform a few at-home techniques to reduce the pain and swelling, see a podiatrist for a long-term foot care plan. They’ll provide you with stretches, exercises, and physical therapy sessions to strengthen the tendons and rebuild arch support.

Additionally, they’ll fit you for custom orthotic devices to correct your gait and prevent further damage to the tendons, ligaments, and bones. They might recommend a new pair of shoes with sole inserts to help you distribute your weight and keep your feet curved.

Prevent foot pain and discomfort with help from the podiatrists at Aquilar Foot Care Clinic. They offer foot care for flat feet, bunions, hammertoe, sports injuries, and arthritic deformities to clients throughout Russellville, AR. Call (479) 890-3668 to book an appointment with a foot doctor. Visit them online to learn more about the conditions they treat.