Fallen arches is a condition that affects people of all ages for a variety of reasons. Some patients suffering from fallen arches experience no symptoms or adverse side effects, while others experience foot pain and joint issues. Determining the cause, working on prevention, and following an appropriate treatment plan is key for ensuring fallen arches don’t contribute to further health concerns.
In a healthy foot, the tendons attached to the heel and foot bones form an arch. When the tendons pull the proper amount, the foot forms the arch. If they are not pulling together properly, the arch isn’t formed and a fallen arch, or flat foot, appears instead. For the tendons to function properly, they must be strong enough to hold the weight placed on them. If the middle or the anchored ends are weak, the tendons cannot form the arch. The heel and ankle instead roll downward.
Fallen arches can either be genetic or caused by external factors. Some common causes of fallen arches are:
- Torn or stretched tendons
- Genetic abnormality
- Bone fractures
- Bone dislocation
- Nerve damage
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Aging
Knowing where the weaknesses in the foot lie is key for finding the cause of a fallen arch and implementing a treatment plan. A chiropodist can examine a foot to determine where these weaknesses are.
Treatment and Custom Orthotics for Fallen Arches
Once your chiropodist determines the cause of your fallen arches, they are able to create a treatment plan and find the best solutions for you. If you aren’t experiencing any pain or other difficulties because of your fallen arches, your chiropodist may not need to recommend any treatment.
For people with swelling or redness from fallen arches, ice and rest are often the best treatment method. Stretching exercises, over the counter pain medication, physiotherapy, and even surgery can be an option depending on how severe the symptoms of fallen arches are.
Custom orthotics and shoe inserts are one of the most commonly recommended treatments for fallen arches. These devices deliver custom arch support for your unique foot to help take the stress off your bones, tendons, and muscles. They can help eliminate pain and swelling caused by the pressure put on the muscles in your foot.
Suffering from Fallen Arches?
No matter the cause, the experienced chiropodists at Collective Foot and Wellness Clinic in Hamilton can help with your fallen arches. For custom orthotics or other treatments, contact us to book an appointment!