ArthritisĪ good, strong arch gives your foot, ankle, and the rest of your body a stable, firm foundation. We may also recommend a splint or other orthotic device to help stabilize it as it heals. To keep it from progressing to its more advanced form, Achilles tendonosis, it’s best to rest and ice it and use anti-inflammatory drugs. That additional stress can cause micro tears and inflammation of the tendon, a condition called Achilles tendonitis.

Achilles tendonitisįlat feet cause your Achilles tendon, which connects your calf to your heel, to work extra hard every time you walk or run. Characterized by heel pain that seems to be worse in the morning as you take your first steps of the day, plantar fasciitis often begins with flat feet. The ligament that runs from the back of your heel and across the length of the bottom of your foot, called your plantar fascia, is susceptible to inflammation, a condition called plantar fasciitis. But left untreated, your flat feet can lead to other health problems. Often, simple measures can resolve your flat feet pain, like custom-made orthotics you wear inside your shoes to compensate for your fallen arches. But they could also point to other conditions, so it’s best to seek a professional diagnosis. Achy feet and ankles that tend to swell, especially after standing or walking for long periods of time, are classic signs of flat feet. One of the first symptoms to alert you that you may have fallen arches is pain. Here are some of the most common complications caused by flat feet. We evaluate your arches and determine if they’re interfering with your gait or with the joints in your legs, hips, and back. Darren Groberg, a branch of Utah Musculoskeletal Specialists in Salt Lake City, Utah. Many people live with flat feet with no problem at all, but when problems do arise, it’s best to seek a professional analysis and treatment from an experienced team like Dr.

If your arches are too high, too low, or nonexistent, it triggers a ripple effect of misalignment and malfunctions. The arch of your foot has a tough job: It needs to be strong, yet flexible, as it distributes your weight evenly across your feet and up your legs and gives you a spring in your step.

How to tell if you have flat feet