Flat Foot Collapsed Arches

Flat Feet, Collapsed Arches & Fallen Arches

Most people with flat feet have a condition that is referred to as a flexible flat foot. This is caused by excessive or over pronation (rolling in) due to a mechanical misalignment of the foot. This is a very destructive position for the foot to function in and can cause a wide variety of foot, leg and lower back conditions.

Appearance of Flat Feet

The appearance of flat feet may vary from foot to foot. Generally there is a collapse of the medial (inside/middle) long arch of the foot. This may occur mildly where the arch height drops slightly or can be a large movement that results in the entire length of the arch resting on the ground. The twisting and misalignment of the foot that occurs with arch collapse cause excessive wear and tear on the foot and eventually pain.

Pains and Symptoms of Flat Feet

Flat feet can lead to a number of foot and lower limb symptoms, this is largely due to the inefficient position the foot is placed in when it over pronates (rolls in). Some common pains associated with flexible flat foot include;

• Heel Pain
• Arch Pain
• Shin Pain and Shin Splints
• Knee Pain
• Corns and Callouses under the foot
• Lower Back Pain

Causes of Flat Feet

• There is a strong genetic predisposition for flat feet
• Mechanical abnormality of the foot – there are a number of alignment problems that can cause the arches of the foot to collapse.
• Tendon or Ligament Rupture – when the tendons or ligaments of the foot that are responsible for maintaining the arch are ruptured or stretched, arch collapse is usually the result.

Treatment of Flat Feet

Exercises to help to control the active position of the foot.