Treatment FAQ

what treatment is available for fallen arches

by Nicolette Barton Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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If, however, your fallen arches are interfering with your quality of life, one or more of the following may be recommended as a course of treatment:

  • Elevating the feet and applying ice to ease discomfort and reduce swelling
  • Rest
  • Foot stretching exercises;
  • Physical therapy;
  • Medication, such as anti-inflammatories;
  • Steroid injections; and

Treatment for Flat Feet and Fallen Arches
Rest and ice to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Stretching exercises. Pain relief medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. Physical therapy.
Mar 7, 2022

Full Answer

What is the best treatment for a fallen arch?

Towel curls

  • Sit in a chair with a towel under your feet.
  • Root your heels into the floor as you curl your toes to scrunch up the towel.
  • Press your toes into your foot.
  • Hold for a few seconds and release.
  • Make sure to keep the ball of your foot pressed into the floor or towel. ...
  • Do 2–3 sets of 10–15 repetitions.

What is the best support for fallen arches?

The Best Shoes for Fallen Arches

  • Symptoms of a Fallen Arch. Pain or swelling along the inside of the foot and ankle. ...
  • Causes of Fallen Arches. Suffering an acute injury such as a fall or sports injury can tear the posterior tibial tendon causing it to become inflamed and your arch to ...
  • Affect of Fallen Arches on Feet & Body. ...
  • Reviews: Top Shoes for Fallen Arches. ...

How do you treat a fallen arch?

  • Elevating the feet and applying ice to ease discomfort and reduce swelling
  • Rest
  • Foot stretching exercises;
  • Physical therapy;
  • Medication, such as anti-inflammatories;
  • Steroid injections; and
  • Orthotic devices, shoe modifications, braces, or casts

How to strengthen fallen arches?

Strengthening Exercise for Fallen Arches

  • Fallen Arches. Some people develop fallen arches because they tend to pronate, or roll inwards on the ankles, says the Instep Foot Clinic.
  • Toe Clawing. Sit up straight in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. ...
  • Toe Grasp. Sit in a chair and place a cleaning cloth, towel or small ball on the floor at your feet. ...
  • Foot Press and Release. ...

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Can fallen arches be corrected?

However, often times a collapsed arch ultimately must be repaired surgically to provide lasting relief. A reconstructive surgery for flatfoot seeks to restore proper biomechanical support structures through rebuilding the arch.

What kind of surgery is performed for a fallen arch?

Cutting and shifting bones—Also called an osteotomy, this procedure consists of cutting and reconstructing bones in the foot to rebuild the arch. The heel bone and the midfoot are the most likely to be reshaped to achieve this desired result.

How long does it take to recover from arch surgery?

You cannot put any weight on the foot for six to eight weeks, or until cleared by your surgeon. Around 12 weeks after surgery, patients may be able to wear normal shoes using a foot or ankle brace. Complete recovery may take up to a year, and physical therapy may be necessary.

How long does it take to recover from fallen arch surgery?

While swelling in the foot may last up to a year, after six months it is generally minimal. Most patients are able to return to sports (starting with low impact ones) around six to twelve months after their operation, often with the aid of insoles to support their feet.

What is Fallen Arch?

A fallen arch or flatfoot is known medically as pes planus. The foot loses the gently curving arch on the inner side of the sole, just in front of the heel. If this arch is flattened only when standing and returns when the foot is lifted off the ground, the condition is called flexible pes planus or flexible flatfoot. If the arch disappears in both foot positions — standing and elevated — the condition is called rigid pes planus or rigid flatfoot.

What is it called when your arch is flattened?

If this arch is flattened only when standing and returns when the foot is lifted off the ground, the condition is called flexible pes planus or flexible flatfoot. If the arch disappears in both foot positions — standing and elevated — the condition is called rigid pes planus or rigid flatfoot.

What is the shape of a newborn's foot?

Congenital vertical talus — The foot of a newborn with congenital vertical talus typically has a convex rocker-bottom shape. This is sometimes combined with an actual fold in the middle of the foot. The rare person who is diagnosed at an older age often has a "peg-leg" gait, poor balance and heavy calluses on the soles where the arch would normally be. If a child with congenital vertical talus has a genetic disorder, additional symptoms often are seen in other parts of the body.

Why is my foot swollen and deformed?

In some cases, the condition is discovered when a child is evaluated for unusually frequent ankle sprains. Lateral subtalar dislocation Because this often is caused by a traumatic, high-impact injury, the foot may be significantly swollen and deformed. There also may be an open wound with bruising and bleeding.

Why is my flat foot rigid?

Unlike a flexible flatfoot, a rigid flatfoot is often the result of a significant problem affecting the structure or alignment of the bones that make up the foot's arch. Some common causes of rigid flatfeet include:

How long does it take to fix a dislocated subtalar bone?

Anesthesia is usually given before this treatment. Once this is accomplished, a short leg cast must be worn for about four weeks to help stabilize the joint permanently. About 15% to 20% of people with lateral subtalar dislocation must be treated with surgery to reposition the dislocated bone.

Where is the dislocation of the talus bone located?

In a lateral subtalar dislocation, there is a dislocation of the talus bone, located within the arch of the foot. The dislocated talus bone slips out of place, drops downward and sideways and collapses the arch.

What is a Fallen Arch?

One of the most-worked tendons in the leg is the posterior tibial tendon. This crucial band of tissues attaches the calf muscle to the bones on the inside of the foot. When injured or worn, this arch-supporting tendon can slowly cause the arch to lower, causing the bottom of the foot to become flat. Though flat feet can be attributed to arthritis, neuromuscular diseases, and traumatic injuries, a compromised posterior tibial tendon is the most common cause.

Why do my feet get flat?

Though flat feet can be attributed to arthritis, neuromuscular diseases, and traumatic injuries, a compromised posterior tibial tendon is the most common cause.

How to fix flat feet?

The flat foot reconstruction procedure uses titanium inserts to reconstruct the arch. This technique provides more predictable outcomes than alternative flat foot treatments and leads to a more comfortable and natural-feeling arch for the patient. This procedure has proven successful in patients with all stages of flatfoot deformities, resulting in improved mobility for years to come.

What does it mean when your feet are flat?

Flat feet, or pes planus, can be a painful condition found in children whose arches don't develop or in adults who have suffered from an injury. Fallen arches occur when the entire sole of the foot touches the floor when standing. Though some people may have the appearance of flat feet with no symptoms, others experience extreme discomfort in the heel and arch area.

How to strengthen arch muscles?

Fallen Arch Exercises. There are ways to stretch and condition feet to prevent more pain and discomfort from fallen arches. Toe raises, calf raises, arch lifts, and tennis or golf ball rolls are all ways to strengthen your arches and supporting ligaments. For demonstrations of these exercises and step-by-step instructions, ...

How to engage your feet?

Beyond working arch-targeted exercises into your workout routine, you can actively engage your feet by focusing on your posture. Poor posture affects your upper and lower back, neck, shoulders, and usually the most neglected––your feet. Work on improving your posture and being more aware of slouching spines and hunched shoulders.

Can flat feet cause back pain?

Back and leg pain can both stem from flat feet. Some patients report limited foot movement, like the inability to stand on their toes. People with fallen arches experience swollen feet, tired feet, and more aches and pains in their arches and heels.

How to treat a swollen foot?

Conservative treatment choices include: 1 Stopping or decreasing activities that aggravate foot pain. 2 Applying cold packs to the painful area three or four times a day for up to 20 minutes each time. 3 Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen (Aleve, others) to reduce pain and inflammation. 4 Losing weight and participating in low-impact physical activities. 5 Wearing a short leg cast or walking boot to stabilize the tendon. 6 Wearing orthotics to control the foot position.

How to stop foot pain from a cold?

Stopping or decreasing activities that aggravate foot pain. Applying cold packs to the painful area three or four times a day for up to 20 minutes each time. Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen (Aleve, others) to reduce pain and inflammation.

What causes tibial tendon to be damaged?

They may occur over time with wear and tear, with overuse during high-impact sports, or during a fall. Obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and steroid injections can increase the risk of tibial tendon dysfunction.

Why do people wear orthotics?

Wearing orthotics to control the foot position.

Can posterior tibial tendon be treated?

The earlier this problem, known as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, is identified, the more likely that noninvasive treatment will help. Untreated, the tendon will continue to degenerate.

How to keep your toes in contact with the floor?

Making sure to keep our toes in contact with the floor the entire time, roll your weight to the outer edges of your feet as you lift your arches up as far as you can.

Why do you need an orthotic device?

You may wish to use an orthotic device to support your arches and reduce stress on your flat feet. They may help to improve function and alignment of your feet while providing support. Orthotic devices can also help to absorb impact and reduce stress. You can buy ready-made devices or have them custom made.

How to get rid of a swollen toe?

Sit in a chair with a towel under your feet. Root your heels into the floor as you curl your toes to scrunch up the towel. Press your toes into your foot. Hold for a few seconds and release. Make sure to keep the ball of your foot pressed into the floor or towel.

How to do a standing split?

While standing, press your right big toe into the floor and lift up your other four toes. Then press your four toes into the floor and lift up your big toe.

How to get your arch higher?

Slowly lift your right heel as high as you can, focusing on strengthening your arch. Rotate your arch inward as your knee and calf rotate slightly to the side, causing your arch to become higher.

How many repetitions in a set of squats?

Do 2–3 sets of 10–15 repetitions on both sides .

Why is it important to take care of flat feet?

It’s important to care for flat feet properly since they can lead to pain, stress, and imbalances in other parts of your body. Working to treat flat feel can help to bring your entire body into alignment. This may help to correct other issues in your body that have been caused by flat feet. and reduce pain.

What Are Fallen Arches?

Fallen arches are also called pes planus, a term that literally means “flat feet”. It affects an estimated 20-30% of people. Some of the most common fallen arches symptoms and signs include:

What to do if your feet are flat?

Instead, they can learn the signs of pes planus, invest in supportive shoes, and remember to stretch and strengthen their feet.

Why does my foot arch upward?

This is because a network of tendons is constantly pulling the 26 small bones in the foot toward each other.

What can a chiropractor do to help your feet?

Finally, a chiropractor may also recommend following an exercise and stretching regimen to strengthen the feet and improve their flexibility. This could include exercises like toe raises, towel scrunches, and stork stretches.

Can you get orthotics for flat feet?

Drugstore arch-support shoe inserts are an option, but the best orthotics for fallen arches are made specially to fit your feet. Those with flat feet can visit their chiropractor for a diagnostic foot scan. Based on the results, they can get custom orthotics that support their feet in a variety of shoes.

Does Amazing Life Chiropractic help Mill Creek?

The most important intervention, though, is investing in custom orthotics. For those in the Mill Creek, WA area, Amazing Life Chiropractic can help. Visit our “new patients” page to learn more and set up an orthotics appointment today.

Did flat feet cause posterior tibial tendon dysfunction or did posterior tibial tendon dysfunction cause flat feet?

Often a patient will come into our clinic and tell us: “My surgeon tells me that I have posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction, When I asked, “what does this mean?,” My doctor told me: “You flat feet are getting worse. He really did not need to tell me that my problem was getting worse. I was sitting in the surgeon’s office because of it. My flat foot problem has been going on for some time. The more I walk, the more pain I have. I have to use crutches, boots, and anti-inflammatories. To stay active I have taken to biking everywhere. That hurts now too. I asked my surgeon, what is the possibility of success with the surgery?”

What are we seeing in this image?

Over time, the deltoid ligament which is the inside ligament portion of the ankle and holds it from rolling over on the inside will weaken. If you have some degree of a flat foot, you may find that when you walk, your ankle is in fact rolling inwards, or is in “overpronation.” So over decades of running or wear and tear, your foot is slowly stretching out not only the deltoid ligaments but also the posterior tibial tendon.

What is the function of the posterior tibial tendon?

If you are already seeking medical attention for problems of flat feet, it has probably already been explained to you that the main function of the posterior tibial tendon is to hold up the arch of the foot and support the foot when walking. When there is an injury to this tendon the arch is no longer supported. Injury to the posterior tibialis tendon can be acute or the chronic wear and tear degenerative type injury.

What is the treatment for flat foot deformity?

Doctors at the University of Rochester wrote in the journal The Medical Clinics of North America: ( 4) “The mainstay of nonoperative treatment (for adult acquired flatfoot deformity) is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , weight loss, and orthotic insoles or brace use. The goals of therapy are to provide relief of symptoms and prevent the progression of the deformity. If nonoperative management fails, a variety of surgical procedures are available; however, these require a lengthy recovery, and therefore patients should be advised accordingly .”

What ligaments are in the ankle when walking?

Over time, the deltoid ligament which is the inside ligament portion of the ankle and holds it from rolling over on the inside will weaken. If you have some degree of a flat foot, you may find that when you walk, your ankle is in fact rolling inwards, or is in “overpronation.” So over decades of running or wear and tear, your foot is slowly stretching out not only the deltoid ligaments but also the posterior tibial tendon.

Why are ligaments important?

Ligaments are very important for bone-to-bone stability. Over time, the deltoid ligament which is the inside ligament portion of the ankle and holds it from rolling over on the inside will weaken. If you have some degree of a flat foot, you may find that when you walk, your ankle is in fact rolling inwards, or is in “overpronation.” So over decades of running or wear and tear, your foot is slowly stretching out not only the deltoid ligaments but also the posterior tibial tendon.

What is the best treatment for a fallen arch?

Arch support. Arch support: The typical treatment for pain from fallen arches is an arch insert . While many people experience dramatic pain relief from this, others continue to suffer from chronic achy feet despite the arch support.

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What Is Fallen Arch?

Symptoms

  • The majority of children and adults with flexible flatfeet never have symptoms. However, their toes may tend to point outward as they walk, a condition called out-toeing. A person who develops symptoms usually complains of tired, aching feet, especially after prolonged standing or walking. Symptoms of rigid flatfoot vary depending on the cause of the foot problem: 1. Congenital vertic…
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Diagnosis

  • If your child has flatfeet, his or her doctor will ask about any family history of flatfeet or inherited foot problems. In a person of any age, the doctor will ask about occupational and recreational activities, previous foot trauma or foot surgery and the type of shoes worn. The doctor will examine your shoes to check for signs of excessive wear. Worn shoes often provide valuable cl…
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Expected Duration

  • Although infants are usually born with flexible flatfeet, most develop normal arches sometime between ages 7 and 10. In the 15% to 20% of children whose flatfeet last into adulthood, the condition often is inherited and lifelong. However, it may not cause symptoms. A rigid flatfoot is a long-term condition, unless it is corrected with surgery or other therapy.
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Treatment

  • For mild pain or aching, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others) may be effective.
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When to Call A Professional

  • Call your doctor for persistent or unexplained foot pain, whether or not you have flatfeet. This is particularly important if your foot pain makes it difficult for you to walk. Call your pediatrician or family doctor if your child complains about foot pain or appears to be walking abnormally. Even if there are no foot symptoms, it is wise to check with your doctor periodically about your child's fo…
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Prognosis

  • Up to 20% of children with flexible flatfeet remain flatfooted as adults. However, most do not have any symptoms. If a child with flexible flatfeet begins to have foot pain, conservative treatment with shoe modifications can usually relieve the discomfort, although it may not correct the problem permanently. For rigid flatfeet, the outlook depends on the cause of the problem: 1. Con…
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Further Information

  • Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Medical Disclaimer
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