Fallen Arches
Description
Have you ever seen a bridge collapse? One of those old-style bridges
with stone arches and fancy carvings along the side? As the
structure starts to fail, the entire thing begins to come apart,
piece by piece. Granted, your body does not start coming completely
apart when the arches of your foot start to collapse, but you may
experience some painful symptoms.
Basically, fallen arches refers to a flattening of the feet that
takes place in adulthood. Although there may be other causes, this
flattening usually occurs when the tendon (posterior tibial tendon)
and ligaments that hold the arch in place gradually stretch. As we
get older and our cumulative use of these tendons and ligaments
increases, they lose their ability to maintain that nice arch shape,
and may even begin to tear. This stretching or tearing may also be
the result of an injury, obesity, or a genetic predisposition for
flat feet.
Fallen arches shouldn’t (if possible) be confused with feet that are
normally flat. Arch height varies a lot from individual to
individual. If you have fairly flat feet, but notice that an arch
appears when you stand on your tiptoes (flexible flatfoot), and if
you don’t experience any pain with your flat feet, you’re more
likely to be okay. However, if your feet still fail to arch when up
on your toes, if your feet lose an arch you used to have, or if you
experience any painful symptoms, you probably ought to see a
podiatrist.
Symptoms
Fallen arches may induce pain in the heel, the inside of the arch,
the ankle, and may even extend up the body into the leg (shin
splints), knee, lower back and hip. You may also experience
inflammation (swelling, redness, heat and pain) along the inside of
the ankle (along the posterior tibial tendon). Additionally, you may
notice some changes in the way your foot looks. Your ankle may begin
to turn inward (pronate), causing the bottom of your heel to tilt
outward. Other secondary symptoms may also show up as the condition
progresses, such as hammertoes or bunions.
You may also want to check your footprint after you step out of the
shower. (It helps if you pretend you’re in a mystery novel, and
you’re leaving wet, footprinty clues that will help crack the case.)
Normally, you can see a clear imprint of the front of your foot (the
ball and the toes) the heel, and the outside edge of your foot.
There should be a gap (i.e. no footprinting) along the inside where
your arches are. If your foot is flat, it’ll probably leave an
imprint of the full bottom of your foot-no gap to be had. Your shoes
may also be affected: because the ankle tilts somewhat with this
condition, the heel of your shoes may become more worn on one side
than another.
Diagnosis
If you notice that your feet are flat, but you’re not really
experiencing any pain, then you’re probably okay to go without a
visit to the podiatrist (unless, of course, you have a lack of
feeling in your foot). You can schedule a hair appointment instead,
or maybe see a movie. However, once painful symptoms start to
appear, it’s better to skip the hirsute (or cinematic) experience
and go see your foot doctor.
Your podiatrist will likely make the diagnosis by examining your
foot visually, asking about symptoms you may be experiencing, and
may test your muscle strength. You may be asked to stand on your
toes (in a ballerina pose, if you prefer, although that’s certainly
not required), or walk around the examining room, and you may need
to show the podiatrist your shoes. He or she may comment on your
excellent taste in footwear, but is more likely to check your shoes
for signs of wear that may indicate fallen arches. Your podiatrist
may recommend X-rays, a CT scan or an MRI in order to get a look
at the interior of your foot, although the best diagnosis usually
comes from the doctor’s own in-person examination.
Treatment
Treatment of flat feet really depends on how far the damage has
progressed. Conservative treatments often include immobilization
(often by cast or brace) to reduce inflammation. Your doctor may
also recommend anti-inflammatory medication (like ibuprofen) to get
your inflamed tendon to calm down a bit. Orthotics can also offer
significant relief.
If these treatments fail to significantly improve symptoms, then
surgery may be your best option to get the structure of your body
back where it needs to be. Your podiatrist can discuss surgical
options with you in great depth.
Call 719-543-2476 today to schedule your appointment!
