Physiotherapy for Flat Feet/ Fallen Arches

You might be checking this page out as you may have noticed pain that your feet are flatter and/or a bit wider than they used to be. Flat feet or fallen arches are a very common condition people may have or develop.

Your arch lies on the inside middle portion of the side of your foot. Usually, there is a gap between it and the ground. This distance varies between people. If there is not very much space between the ground and your arch you may have what is considered pes planus or flat feet/low arch. The arch itself is supported by many different ligaments and tendons. The spring ligament and the posterior tibialis tendon are the most commonly affected for people with low arches.

There are many different causes for a low arch. It is very common, and may even run in your family. A low arch can be something you are born with, or something that you acquire over your lifetime. Acquired Flat arches can be associated with conditions like arthritis, diabetes, previous injury or trauma to your foot, diabetes, hypertension, and steroid exposure. Some people born with conditions like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and muscular dystrophy may also have flat feet.

Most flat feet or fallen arches do not cause any symptoms. If you do, Symptoms of a low or fallen arch can include pain or aches around the arch itself, throughout the foot, or even into the ankle. This pain can be associated with activity and footwear. You may also notice that your foot physically looks flatter.

In general, if you do not have any symptoms, you do not need to see a physiotherapist. You should consider seeing a physiotherapist if you have pain or stiffness in your feet, or if they feel weak. If these are not treated, this can lead to other conditions like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or hip/knee/ankle pain.

When you see a physiotherapist, they will ask you questions about your pain and symptoms and conduct a thorough examination. This includes looking at how you are walking and standing, as well as the strength and mobility of your foot, ankle, and possibly knee or hip. After that, you will likely be given some exercises to help strengthen the muscles of your foot and lower leg, to improve the mobility and flexibility of the joints and muscles of the foot/ankle, and possibly prescribe orthotics or insoles to provide support to your low/fallen arch. Your physiotherapist may also assess your running form if this activity is aggravating or check for weakness in your hip and knee muscles as they can put added stress on your feet. Unfortunately, these exercises will not change the shape of your feet, but they can help support them better and prevent any further progression.

If you have been experiencing symptoms associated with flat feet or would like advice on how best to manage your flat feet, contact us at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy here. Our physiotherapists are all experienced in treating a wide range of conditions associated with flat feet.