How to Relieve Fallen Arches

Fallen arches is a condition that is also known as flat feet, or pes planus. In adults, a fallen arch occurs when the arch of your foot collapses. Sometimes, children fail to fully develop the arch of the foot. You'll easily be able to tell if you have fallen arches by evaluating whether your foot lies flat on the floor when you stand. Fallen arches do not always cause pain. If it is painless, you may not require treatment. If you do experience pain, you have several conservative treatment options you can try before resorting to surgery.

Things You'll Need

• Shoes
• Orthotics
• Anti-inflammatory drug
• Ankle brace
• Cast

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor for a diagnosis. According to Medline Plus, determining the cause of your fallen arches is necessary for applying the appropriate treatment. You may need an MRI or a CT scan.

• 2

  Correct your foot's position with shoes made especially for pronated feet. The sales representative at a sports shop can point you in the right direction for these types of shoes. You can also purchase orthotics. They slip right into your shoes to provide an arch for your feet.

• 3

  Stay off your feet as much as possible if your fallen arches are caused by the posterior tibial tendon. Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications and allow your foot to heal. Orthotics and an ankle brace may also be helpful for this type of condition.

• 4

  Wear a cast if your fallen arches are caused by tarsal coalition. This happens when some of your foot bones become fused together. (It typically occurs in children.) You'll also need to stay off your foot to let your foot heal itself.

• 5

  Ask your doctor about surgery if you have a severe case of fallen arches. If the condition is caused by tarsal coalition, your surgeon can correct the bones in your foot. Otherwise, your surgeon can repair any tendon damage.