If you experience arch pain after a long day of walking or standing, you may have flat feet. To check, step onto a piece of paper or cardboard after wetting your feet—if the soles leave full marks, their arches aren’t pronounced. The guide below provides an overview of this issue to help you address any resulting discomfort.

What Causes Flat Foot Arches?

Many children are born with flat feet. In some instances, the arches grow higher with age.

However, injuries to the foot tendons, ankles, and lower legs can compromise the shape of the area. Added weight from obesity or pregnancy can flatten the arches. The condition can also be a side effect of nerve damage from rheumatoid arthritis, known as neuropathy.

Fallen arches can inhibit the body’s ability to support your weight properly. This can cause the feet to roll inwards, straining the knees and the hips. Lower back pain can occur as a result. If you’re an athlete, flat arches make you more likely to develop shin pain and tendonitis in the ankles from jogging and running.

How Do Doctors Treat Arch Pain?

At-home exercises often relieve some discomfort. Stretching out the Achilles tendons may soften the over-pronation (inward roll) of the feet. Using ball massagers to apply pressure to the tight muscles of the area may also bring some relief. 

For long-term solutions, turn to a podiatrist for custom orthotics. These insoles fit inside footwear, offering extra cushioning to support the soles. In cases of severe arch pain, you may need additional ankle braces to ensure proper alignment. If these more conservative tactics don’t provide relief, surgery can correct any extended tendons in the arches.

If you’re looking for a solution to feet pain, reach out to Advanced Foot Care Center of Rochester, NY. Specializing in shape abnormalities, they have been helping patients walk with confidence for over 30 years. Whether you need custom orthotic insoles or reconstructive surgery, they will deliver lasting results. Visit their website to learn more about their work, or call (585) 249-0020 to arrange a consultation.