Signs of Fallen Arches

People with fallen arches have flat feet with no arch or a very slight one. Fallen arches can develop because of obesity, aging or stress on the feet and legs. The Achilles tendon can be damaged by wearing high heels, triggering a chain reaction that eventually flattens the arch. Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes can also cause fallen arches. Arch supports or custom-made orthotics in shoes may alleviate the problem.

Flat Foot and Foot Pain

• Wearing high heels can sometimes lead to fallen arches.

  A flat foot is the main sign of a fallen arch, usually accompanied by pain or stiffness. Pain can be concentrated in the arch area of the foot or surge up toward the ankle. The pain may also radiate up into the calf, the knees and the lower back. Customized orthotics or arch supports can often alleviate the pain.

Lower Leg Pain

• Take good care of your feet.

  Feet and legs bear the brunt of the body's weight. The posterior tibial tendon that supports the foot's arch can weaken or become inflamed because of the constant pounding of walking, running and jumping. Once this tendon weakens, the foot's arch may fall.

Ankle Swelling

• Patients often consult their doctors when they notice their ankles swelling. This is sometimes a sign of fallen arches and is caused by tendinitis in the posterior tibial tendon. Doctors may advise patients to wear an ankle brace until the inflammation fades.

Over-Pronation

• People with flat feet often over-pronate when they walk. This means that their feet roll inward too much. This uneven distribution of body weight causes the heel of the shoe to wear out more quickly and more on one side than the other. This is a clue that the person has fallen arches or flat feet. Again, custom orthotics are likely to help.