Common Factors That Cause Arches to Fall
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Arches play an important role in providing comfort and support to our feet. Unfortunately, fallen arches can cause pain and make it difficult to perform even simple movements. Many factors increase your risk of fallen arches, including obesity, previous injury, arthritis, and tendon issues.
If you suspect that you have low arches or flat feet, see a board-certified podiatric surgeon, like Dr. Suzanne Levine. Millennium Podiatry can determine the root cause of the problem and help you receive the appropriate treatment. Our trained team is proud to provide a wide range of surgical and nonsurgical solutions for patients with arch pain in New York City, NY.
What are fallen arches?
Fallen arches are a condition in which the arch of the foot collapses, resulting in the entire foot coming into contact with the ground. Individuals with flat feet complain about chronic pain in the arches or heels. Sometimes, people feel discomfort outside the foot or have muscle cramps that impact the feet and legs, especially when walking or standing for long periods.
There are two kinds of flat feet among patients. A flexible flat foot means the arch is visible when there is no weight placed on the foot. The arch "springs back" when in a relaxed position. However, a rigid flat foot means the arch never appears, even when sitting. The foot is "stuck" in a flat state and the arch does not reappear.
What increases your risk of having a flat foot?
Flat feet are either genetic or can occur over time. Obesity, previous injury, arthritis, and some tendon issues are known to cause low arches. Rigid flat feet may also occur from a condition called tarsal coalition, which causes the bones in the back of the foot to be fused or locked together. Dr. Levine can determine the cause of your flat feet during a foot evaluation in New York City, NY. Our goal is to relieve arch pain and help you resume everyday activities in comfort.
What are nonsurgical options for fallen arches?
Thankfully, there are many ways to support and improve arches that do not involve surgery. One of the simplest methods is wearing supportive shoes that keep your arches in place when moving. Some custom orthotics can also improve the fit and stability of your shoes.
Resting and icing the feet can reduce inflammation and pain during flare-ups. Physical therapy may also improve muscle strength and flexibility. Of course, it's always best to meet with a podiatrist for specific treatment recommendations. Dr. Levine can provide information about the right steps for you moving forward.
What are surgical options for fallen arches?
Patients with rigid flat feet are more likely to benefit from surgical options at Millennium Podiatry, especially when conservative treatments fail to reduce arch pain. Dr. Levine can offer heel bone realignment, tendon repair, or fusing one or more bones in the foot or ankle together. We can explain each procedure in detail during a consultation. Our goal is to relieve your symptoms long-term and improve your quality of life.
Get proper arch support
Low arches do not have to be a life-long condition. Millennium Podiatry offers many nonsurgical and surgical treatments to improve foot function and reduce discomfort. If you experience foot pain when walking, running, or performing everyday tasks, contact our office to meet with board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr. Suzanne Levine in New York City, NY. You don't have to live with chronic pain – we can help.