When an individual develops what is known as an “arch collapse”, they have developed flat feet in one or more of their feet.  This condition is also known as fallen arches.  Many people know that individuals can be born with flat feet, which means that the arch in one or both feet simply never developed.  However, flat feet can also develop in adulthood due to many factors.

The development of flat feet in adulthood can be related to injuries, illnesses, or even due to certain levels of stress to the foot over periods of time.  Sometimes, pregnant women can even develop flat feet, due to their body developing more elasticity during the course of the pregnancy.  The development of flat feet during adulthood is very rarely reversible.  When the development of flat feet is identified during childhood, while the foot is growing, it is, however, possible to develop an arch through certain treatment methods.

Flat Feet in Children

Of course, in order to treat flat feet, you have to be able to identify them.  It is important to know that arches will not have formed in the feet of infants, so you should not be worried if your baby appears to have flat feet.  In fact, you should not worry unless arches have not appeared by the third year.  It is important to remember that flat feet is not life threatening condition, and that your child will develop normally even with this condition.  Should your child complain of pain or begin to walk in an odd way, however, you should see a physician.  There could be something else wrong, including other foot problems or a complication with the bones in the feet, and a physician will be able to tell you if other treatments are warranted.

 Flat Feet in Adults

Approximately ¼ of people living in the United States have some degree of flat footedness in at least one of their feet.  The large majority of these individuals do not have any issues or suffer any problems due to their flat feet.  However, some people who develop a flat foot in adulthood experience pain in their feet, legs, ankles, and knees due to the issue.

Adults who experience unexplained pain in these areas, particularly if the pain is only experienced in one leg or foot, should check themselves for signs of a falling arch.  There are some easy tests that can indicate a possible flat foot.  One of the easiest things to do is to step with a wet foot onto concrete.  A normal footprint will be wide at the toes, narrow in the middle, and widen again at the heel.  A flat foot will not have as much narrowing in the middle, and the middle of the footprint will be at lease as wide as the back.  You should also check to see whether the prints of both feet are the same.  If one is wider than the other in the middle, then one arch may be falling.  You can also test your ability to stand on tip-toe on one foot.  If you cannot do this without pain, then you could have a flat foot.

If these quick home tests indicate that you might have a falling arch, you should see a physician immediately.  A flat foot is not a life threatening or serious illness.  However, there could be other issues with the bones, tendons, and muscles in your feet.  It is important to have a physician rule out other causes of foot pain.

If you have developed flat feet, but the condition is painless, your physician may not prescribe any treatment at all, or may just prescribe a very conservative treatment.  Such treatments include arch supports and inserts and using ibuprofen for occasional pain relief.  If pain in the feet has been hampering your lifestyle, then your physician may prescribe physical therapy, walking braces, and even surgery to help relieve the pain caused by the condition.

SPENCO RX® Orthotic Arch Supports 3/4 Length