Updated January 2025
What Causes Flat Feet?
Flat feet can be an issue for many people through their lives. It’s a painful foot condition that’s also called “fallen arches”. But how is it caused?
The arch on a person’s foot is created by the ligaments and tendons between foot bones to better support a person’s weight when they stand erect.
For most people, their foot arches develop throughout childhood and they live pain free for most of their life. Others, however, never fully develop foot arches and a percentage of those go one to experience significant pain on their feet.
As we age, the tendons and ligaments that support the arches of our feet can gradually weaken, often leading to a condition known as acquired flat feet or adult-onset flat feet. This change can be influenced by several factors, including obesity, prolonged standing, high-impact activities, injuries such as tendon tears, or underlying medical conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Symptoms of adult-onset flat feet may include pain along the inner ankle or arch, swelling, or difficulty standing on tiptoes. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available, such as orthotics, physical therapy, and supportive footwear, which can help manage the condition. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to address the issue.
For older adults, the risk of flat feet increases as the natural aging process further weakens the tendons and ligaments. This is especially more common for women in their 40s and beyond. This can lead to complications such as arthritis in the feet or ankles, the development of bunions or hammertoes, and even balance issues or falls. T
Symptoms of Fallen Arches
Flat feet and arch pain often go hand in hand. Flat feet occur when the arches of your feet collapse, causing the entire sole of your foot to touch the ground. This can lead to pain in the arch, heel, and ankle, as well as fatigue in your legs. That pain may worsen with activity. Swelling along the inside of the ankle can also occur.
Oddly, fallen arches can also lead to other injuries like back, leg and knee pain since a person no longer balances correctly on two feet.
Treatment for Flat Feet
To maintain mobility and quality of life, treatment for flat feet often focuses on pain management, preventing complications, and improving stability. Custom orthotics, supportive shoes, and low-impact exercises like swimming are commonly recommended to help older adults stay active and comfortable while managing the effects of flat feet. If your flat feet are painful, your doctor might suggest:
- Custom orthotics (Arch Support). Over-the-counter arch supports may help relieve the pain caused by flat feet. Or your medical provider can prescribe custom-designed orthotics that are molded to the contours of your feet. Arch supports won’t cure flat feet, but they can often reduce pain.
- Stretching Exercises. Some people with flat feet also have a shortened Achilles Tendon. Exercises to stretch this tendon may help reduce inflammation and thus pain.
- Supportive Shoes. A structurally supportive shoe might be more comfortable than sandals or shoes with minimal support.
- Physical Therapy. Flat feet may contribute to overuse injuries in some runners. A physical therapist can do a video analysis of how you run to help you improve your form and technique and minimize injury.
How Orthotics can Help
We can mold custom orthotics specifically to your feet to support your specific foot issues. This helps speed your return to normal activity. Foot Dynamics also carries a wide selection of comfort shoes.
Our goal is to remove your foot pain and get you back to the activities you love.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flatfeet/symptoms-causes/syc-20372604
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_feet
Foot Dynamics is Here for You
Foot Dynamics has licensed pedorthists on staff and available for appointment Monday through Friday. We can diagnose foot issues and provide you with the right foot solutions, whether it’s custom footwear, orthotics, corrective devices, or just excellent advice. Foot Dynamics is here to serve you.
