“Flat Feet” or “fallen arches” occur when the arch or instep of the foot collapses and comes in contact with the ground.
Flat feet themselves usually don’t cause problems, but can be a contributing factor with other problems in your feet, ankles and knees. Flat feet are a fairly common condition. The arch usually develops in childhood and by adulthood, most people have developed arches, however some people never develop arches.
This is a normal variation in foot type, and people may or may not have problems without arches. Lax ligaments can cause flat feet, as can congenital conditions that affect the foot. Flat feet can be associated with pronation, which happens when your arches touch the ground, causing your ankles to lean inward toward each other.
Arches can also fall over time. Years of wear and tear can weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs along the inside of your ankle, from above your ankle to your arch. The posterior tibial tendon is the main support structure for the arch. An overload to this tendon can cause inflammation of the tendon and even tearing of the tendon. Once the tendon is damaged, the foot’s arch loses support and can flatten.
You may lose support in your arches due to ongoing stress in your feet. One of these stresses may be long-term wearing of high heels, which can affect your Achilles tendon and change the mechanics of your ankles. Compensation by the posterior tibial tendon may eventually cause it to break down and your arches to fall.
One of the biggest indicators of flat fleet are discomfort and pain. As the normal arch begins to drop, walking can become very uncomfortable. The foot can also turn inward at the ankle, causing a walk that’s concentrated on the inner boarder of the foot. Due to the less supportive structure of a flat foot, postural strain and misalignment through the foot, ankle, knee and lower back can occur.
Recommended Products:
Many Good Feet customers tell us that Good Feet’s Exerciser series of arch supports or the Good Feet Deluxe Leather have been known to help relieve pain and discomfort commonly associated with plantar fasciitis and/or heel pain.
Good Feet is a retail establishment and not a medical provider. We do not diagnose, prescribe or fill prescriptions. For serious health related issues, please consult your physician.
