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Fallen arches, or flat feet, occur when the natural curves on the soles' inner sides are lower than usual. This condition is common in babies who haven't fully developed, but it can also happen to adults. If you believe you have fallen arches, review the following guide before consulting a podiatrist.

A Guide to Flat Feet

What causes them? 

Some adults have flat feet due to family genetics. However, others can develop the condition due to a torn or inflamed posterior tibial tendon. This tendon starts at the calf and runs to the inside of your foot, providing arch support. It can tear due to the pressure of extreme weight or pregnancy.

The tendon can also become damaged due to sports injuries or rheumatoid arthritis. Diabetes can cause flat feet due to a related condition called Charcot foot that destroys soft tissue and nerves. Luckily, there are several ways to detect these ailments before they progress.

What are the symptoms? 

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Hereditary flat feet generally don't cause symptoms. If the condition is acquired, it may be painful to walk vigorously or run depending on the degree of tibial tendon damage. If you have diabetes and collapsed arches, you might notice sores that take longer to heal due to decreased blood flow to the feet. Fortunately, these conditions are treatable. 

How can I tell if I have flat feet? 

A simple test lets you know if your arches have fallen. Wet both feet and stand on any surface that shows your footprints, such as a backyard patio. If the prints show each foot’s entirety instead of dry space from the arches, you probably have flat feet. 

Are there treatments available? 

A podiatrist may recommend taping the feet, wearing braces, or using special footwear. Customized arch supports are often enough to correct the problem and avoid ankle discomfort. However, if the issue is due to weight or diabetes, a healthy diet and daily foot care can help.

 

If you want to treat your fallen arches, turn to St. Peters Foot & Ankle: Samual T. Wood-DPM. Dr. Wood has two locations in St. Peters and Florissant, MO. He also provides services to residents within a 35-mile radius of both offices. Call (636) 720-0190 to schedule an appointment, or visit the podiatrist online to learn more about how he can help.

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