Fallen Arches vs. Flat Feet: What’s the Real Difference?

Key Highlights

• The main difference between flat feet and a fallen arch is about when they happen. Flat feet usually show up in childhood. A fallen arch happens when the arch drops later in adulthood.

• A fallen arch, which people also call adult-acquired flatfoot, is often caused by injury or problems in the posterior tibial tendon.

• A lot of people with flat feet might not have any symptoms. But a fallen arch can cause foot pain and make it hard to move well.

• For both flat feet and a fallen arch, you can try care at home. This includes using supportive shoe inserts, orthotics, and special stretches.

• Arch supports can help keep your feet steady. They also help reduce foot pain for flat feet and a fallen arch.

• If foot pain is strong or does not go away, you should go see a healthcare professional to get a good checkup and find out more.

Introduction

Have you ever wondered if "fallen arch" and "flat feet" are really the same thing? A lot of people use them in place of each other, but they do not always mean the same thing. Flat feet, or pes planus, means the arch of the foot is low or just not there at all. This mostly starts in childhood and is often there from the start. A fallen arch is different. This is also called adult-acquired flatfoot. Here, a normal arch drops later in life. Knowing how these are not the same can help you and other people get the right help for foot pain.

Understanding Fallen Arches and Flat Feet

Learning about the foot and understanding the arch of the foot can help you see the difference between a fallen arch and flat feet. The arch of the foot is made up of bones and thick tissues. The arch acts like a spring and helps your foot take weight. It gives support, helps you walk well, and takes pressure as you move every day.

When this part of the foot does not form the right way or breaks down, it can cause pain. Now, let's look at what each of these problems are and see how they change the arch of the foot.

Definition and Anatomy of Fallen Arches

A fallen arch happens when the foot arch drops. Doctors call it adult-acquired flatfoot. It usually starts when you are grown up. It can happen on one foot or both feet.

The most common cause is when the posterior tibial tendon gets weak or tears. That tendon helps hold up the arch of the foot. When it does not work well, the arch of the foot can fall.

This tendon starts in your calf muscle and goes down along the inside of your ankle. If it gets sore or hurt because of injury, doing too much, or some health problems, it can’t do its job right. When this happens, the foot structure changes. The arch in the foot starts to drop and gets flat.

The result is often arch pain. Sometimes, the heel moves out to the side. Your walk may change too. A fallen arch is not like flat feet that some people are born with. A fallen arch means there have been changes in your foot over time. That’s why you might feel symptoms that you start to notice.

What Are Flat Feet and How Do They Develop?

Flat feet, also known as pes planus, happens when there is little to no arch of the foot. This makes the sole of the foot touch the ground when standing. The issue is very common in babies and young children because the arch of the foot is not fully formed yet. This type is called flexible flatfoot. You can see an arch when the foot is up, but when standing, the arch goes away.

Most children will have arches in their feet by the time they are 10 years old. But about two out of ten kids still have flat feet when they grow up. This usually happens because of their genes and how loose their ligaments are.

For many people, having flexible flatfoot does not cause pain or trouble. But for some, it may lead to tired feet or feel awkward as time goes by. A less common type is rigid flat foot. In this case, there is no arch, not even when you sit or stand. This type can cause more problems than flexible flatfoot.

Key Differences Between Fallen Arches and Flat Feet

While both fallen arch and flat feet cause the foot arch to look flat, there are some important differences. A fallen arch usually happens in adults and is not there from the start. Flat feet, on the other hand, show up in early childhood and are often present as the child grows. Their onset, how they look, and how they change over time are what set them apart.

It is important to know these differences so you can get the right diagnosis and the best treatment. We will share what you can see for signs and how each condition follows its own usual timeline.

What Is a Fallen Arch?

A fallen arch, also known as flat feet or pes planus, occurs when the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This condition can lead to discomfort and misalignment in the feet and legs, impacting overall mobility and stability.

Physical Characteristics and Visual Signs

You can do a quick "wet test" at home to find out if you have a low foot arch. To do this, just wet your feet and stand on a flat surface, like concrete or dark paper. If you see the full imprint of your foot, you probably have flat foot.

A simple way to tell the difference is to look at flexibility. With flexible flat feet, you can see an arch when you lift your foot or stand up on your toes. But the arch goes away when you put your foot down and stand normally. A fallen arch or rigid flat foot stays flat all the time, no matter how you stand or move.

Other visual signs to look for include:

• The heel bone goes outward.

• The inside of your foot sticks out.

• There are strange wear marks on the inside of your shoe soles.

• The area inside of the ankle may swell. This can also mean you have arch pain or problems with your tendon.

Age of Onset and Typical Progression

The age when these issues show up helps tell them apart. Flat feet are common in early childhood. The foot usually fixes itself as kids grow older. Most children get a normal arch by the time they are 7 to 10 years old. If flat feet stay as they get older, they are often steady and might not lead to problems.

A fallen arch is something that happens to adults. It shows that there has been a change in the structure of the foot. A fallen arch can get worse as time goes by if you do not take care of it. If that happens, there may be more pain and the foot deformity can become bad.

Here’s an easy-to-read look at how things usually start and move forward:

Common Symptoms and Signs to Look For

Some people are born with flat feet and never feel any pain. A fallen arch usually does cause some symptoms. Most feel pain in the foot, especially in the arch or heel. The pain can also be felt along the bottom of the foot.

It is important to spot these signs early. That way, you can get help before things get worse. Let’s talk about the different kinds of pain you may feel. There can also be some other issues that come up when the arch in your foot gets flat.

Pain, Discomfort, and Foot Fatigue Indicators

If you think you have fallen arches, you may feel pain and tiredness in your feet. A lot of the time, this feeling gets worse after you stand or walk for a long time. When you go in for a physical exam, your doctor will look for these signs.

The pain may show up in different places and feel different for each person. Some feel a dull ache. Others feel a sharp pain, mostly in the arch or heel of the foot. Swelling can happen along the inside of your ankle. This often means there is swelling in the tendon that helps hold up your foot.

Look for these specific indicators:

• Feet feel sore or hurt, mostly after you move or walk around.

• Your feet get tired quickly.

• There is swelling at the lower inside part of your feet.

• It's hard for you to move your feet, such as when standing on your toes.

• The pain can go up into your leg or lower back.

Associated Conditions and Mobility Issues

A dropped arch changes how your whole body moves. It can create problems when you try to get around. The posterior tibial tendon gives support to the arch. If it is not able to do its job, your ankle can turn in. This puts stress on other joints. You might feel pain in your feet, but pain can also show up in your ankles, knees, hips, and your lower back.

As time goes on, your feet may change shape. This can lead to a foot deformity. Some people get bunions or hammertoes because the way their foot lines up starts to shift. The ankle may feel unsteady. There is a higher risk of sprains too.

The foot goes through a lot when there is a fallen arch. This pressure can bring other painful problems. A common one is plantar fasciitis. This happens when the band of tissue on the sole of the foot gets swollen. A fallen arch and plantar fasciitis are not the same, but not having enough support for the arch can cause plantar fasciitis.

Causes and Risk Factors for Developed and Adult-Onset Fallen Arches

What makes a normal arch in the foot fall as adults get older? Many people get an acquired flat foot when the foot's main supports, such as the posterior tibial tendon, get weak. It does not just happen out of nowhere. A flat foot often starts because of clear causes and several risk factors. These put stress on the foot and make its support weaker, leading to a dropped arch.

Genetics can be part of this, but the way you live, past injuries, and health problems also play a big role. Let's see how these things can make fallen arches happen.

Genetics, Injury, and Lifestyle Contributions

Genetics usually decide if you get flat feet when you are young. They can also make your connective tissues weaker. This can lead to a fallen arch as you get older. But in many cases, other things are the main reasons people get a fallen arch. Prior injuries, like a foot fracture, a bone getting dislocated, or harm to the ligaments, can all make your arch support weaker.

Lifestyle can have a big effect. A lot of stress or pressure on the feet for a long time can lead to problems. Activities like running or standing the whole day can wear down the tendons. If you are overweight, the pressure on your feet goes up. This makes the posterior tibial tendon and calf muscle work harder.

Pregnancy can also be a trigger. The changes in hormones at this time make the ligaments more flexible. This may cause the foot arch to flatten. For some people, their foot arch stays flat with time. For others, it goes back after a while.

Underlying Medical Conditions (including Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis)

There are several health issues that can raise the risk of fallen arches in adults. These problems can change the bones, joints, and tendons that are in your feet. This change can cause your arches to drop. For example, when someone has rheumatoid arthritis, it can harm the joints. It can also hurt the tendons that help keep the arch up.

Diabetes is a big risk that can affect the foot. If you get nerve damage from diabetes, it is called Charcot foot. This problem can break down bones in the foot and the arch can fall. Taking care of these health problems is key if you want to stop or slow down flatfoot.

Other health problems can lead to fallen arches. These include:

• Obesity gives the feet more weight to hold.

• High blood pressure can change how blood moves through the tendons.

• Nerve problems can change how muscles work in the feet and legs.

Diagnosis and Assessment by Healthcare Professionals

If you have foot pain or see changes in the shape of your foot, it is important to get help. A healthcare expert can look at your foot and find out what is wrong. A podiatrist or an orthopedist can say if you have flat feet or a fallen arch. They can also find what is causing your foot pain and problems in your foot structure.

The process to find out what is wrong usually includes a physical exam and watching how your foot looks and moves. Sometimes, the doctor might need to use imaging tests to see inside your foot more clearly.

Physical Exams, Imaging, and Evaluation Methods

During a physical exam, your doctor will talk with you about your medical history and any prior injuries you may have. They will look at your feet while you sit, stand, and walk. This helps them check the alignment of the bones and see how your foot arch is working.

The doctor will probably check how strong the muscles and tendons in your feet and legs are. They will look at the posterior tibial tendon and the Achilles tendon. You may be asked to stand on your toes. This helps the doctor see how your foot structure works. Your shoes will be looked at too. If there are any weird wear marks, it can tell the doctor something about how you walk.

To be sure about what is making your arch hurt, your doctor may ask for these tests:

• X-rays help the doctor see the alignment of the bones in your foot.

• An MRI or other imaging can show a clear picture of the tendons and soft tissues.

At-Home Care and Conservative Management

Many people with painful flat feet or fallen arches can feel better by trying simple treatments at home. The main idea is to help with pain, give support to the foot, and make it work well again.

Simple changes, such as adding shoe inserts and doing certain exercises, can help a lot. These are some of the most common and good conservative treatment options.

Supportive Shoes, Insoles, and Orthotics

One of the most important things to do for fallen arches is to give your feet the right support. Make sure you wear shoes that have the right shape and enough cushioning. This can help take away stress from your feet and tendons. Do not wear shoes that are thin or feel weak, as they do not give you the support you need.

For shoes, you can use inserts or orthotics to help with pain. Over-the-counter arch supports are a good choice if you have mild pain. In severe cases, your doctor might say you need custom orthotics. These are made to fit the shape of your feet and can fix how your feet move.

These devices help by:

• Helping to hold up the arch of the foot.

• Giving soft support and taking in the impact.

• Making the foot and ankle line up better.

• Lowering the stress on the posterior tibial tendon.

• Lessening foot pain and tiredness.

Targeted Exercises and Stretches for Foot Health

Doing the right exercises and stretches at home can help make the muscles in your foot arch stronger. These exercises can also help your feet move better. A physical therapist can make a plan that fits what you need. But there are still some easy things you can try to do at home.

Stretching the Achilles tendon and the calf muscle is very helpful. A tight Achilles tendon or calf muscle can lead to flat feet. If you strengthen the small muscles in the foot, you will give more support to the foot arch. This can help with flat feet.

Some helpful exercises include:

• Heel cord stretches where you stand against a wall.

• Towel curls. You use your toes to pull a towel in.

• Marble pickups. Pick up marbles with your toes and put them in a cup.

• Calf raises. They help strengthen the muscles in your lower leg.

Medical and Surgical Treatment Options

When simple methods like using orthotics or getting physical therapy do not help with pain, your doctor could talk to you about other medical steps. In severe cases where fallen arches cause significant pain or make it hard to walk, having surgery might be a last resort.

These treatments try to fix the main problem in the foot. Let's talk about when you may need surgery. We can also look at what professional therapies are there for long-term care.

When Is Surgery Needed for Fallen Arches?

Surgery is usually for people with flat foot in very severe cases. This happens when pain does not get better with conservative treatment and keeps you from doing things. Surgery may also be used for rigid flat foot or if there is a big foot deformity. If your foot shape keeps you from walking well, surgery can help.

The kind of surgery depends on what caused the problem and how bad it is. The surgeon may need to clean or fix the posterior tibial tendon. Sometimes he might need to fuse together some foot bones to make the foot steady. He may also cut and shape a bone to bring back the arch or move another tendon inside the foot to help hold up the arch.

The choice to have surgery happens after the orthopedic surgeon checks the foot carefully. The aim is to help you feel less pain and move the foot better for a long time. You should know that this will take a lot of time to heal.

Professional Therapies and Long-Term Management

Managing fallen arches over time is important to stop them from getting worse. The goal is to help you feel better and stop pain. Physical therapy is a big part of this. A therapist will show you some exercises. These exercises help make your muscles stronger. They also help the way you walk.

Shoe modifications are also a key part of long-term care. You have to use shoe inserts or custom orthotics often. This helps keep your foot in the right position and takes pressure off your feet. Your doctor may say you need to wear a certain kind of shoes with more support and stability.

For ongoing management, your healthcare provider may suggest:

• You should have regular follow-up appointments. This helps to check how the foot is doing.

• You may need to wear a brace. It helps give support to the foot and ankle.

• You can use anti-inflammatory medications when needed. These help during flare-ups.

Correct Usage, Maximum Session Times & Safety Considerations

To get the most from your arch supports, you need to use them the right way. When you start with shoe inserts or orthotics, begin slow. You should wear them only a few hours each day at first. This will help your feet get used to them. Slowly increase the time you wear them, so there is less chance of discomfort in the beginning.

It is important to notice how the feet feel. Check the skin and see if there is any irritation or blisters. It is good to practice proper hygiene. Clean your supports as the product instructions say. This helps stop odors and keeps bacteria from building up.

Safety First

• At-Risk Groups: If you have diabetes, poor blood flow, or nerve damage, talk to your doctor before you use any new foot care product.

• Consult a Clinician: If your foot pain gets worse or does not get better when you use arch supports, or if you get skin irritation, stop using them and talk to a healthcare professional.

FAQs

It is normal to want to know more about problems like fallen arches and flat feet. Clear answers can help you know more about your foot health. This way, you can learn what steps to take if you feel any pain.

We talk about some of the most asked questions here. These include how the conditions are not the same, ways people find out what is wrong, and what treatment you can get. Some options are physical therapy.

Can children and adults develop fallen arches differently?

Yes, development of flexible flat feet in children is not the same as it is in adults. A lot of kids are born with flat feet that feel flexible. This is normal as they grow. The arch in their feet tends to show up by the time they are 10 years old. The flat feet usually do not need treatment, unless there is pain.

In adults, a fallen arch happens when someone who once had a normal arch in the foot sees it drop down. This does not happen as a part of normal development for people. A fallen arch can come from problems with the posterior tibial tendon, like posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. It can also be from an injury, carrying too much weight, or health problems such as arthritis.

So, when you look at flat foot, it might seem the same in people. But the reason behind it and how it changes are not the same. For children, flat foot is a stage when they are growing. Most of the time, it gets better by itself. For adults, flat foot is a problem with the shape of the foot. Adults might feel pain from this and sometimes will need help to feel better and stop it from getting worse.

What is the difference between fallen arches and plantar fasciitis?

A fallen arch and plantar fasciitis are not the same thing, even though both can cause foot pain. A fallen arch happens when the arch of the foot flattens out. This is a change to the structure of the foot. When this happens, it affects the way your foot takes in shock and holds up your body.

Plantar fasciitis is when the thick band at the bottom of your foot gets sore. This band goes from your heel to your toes. If you have plantar fasciitis, you often feel sharp pain in your heel. The pain is usually worse when you get up in the morning.

A fallen arch may be the reason why people get plantar fasciitis. When the arch goes down, it puts more pressure on the bottom of the foot. This can make that part sore and swollen. So, a fallen arch can lead to plantar fasciitis, but these two are not the same.

How are fallen arches diagnosed and managed at home?

A healthcare professional should be the one to diagnose a fallen arch. You may see a podiatrist or orthopedist for this. They will do a physical exam to look at your feet. The doctor will watch how you stand and walk. You might also need X-rays, so they can see the bones in your foot well.

After you know you have this problem, you can do several things at home to feel better. These steps help ease pain and give the foot some support. Conservative treatment works well for many people. It is mainly about helping the foot feel less stress and strain.

At-home management strategies include:

• Supportive Footwear and Inserts: You should wear strong shoes. Use shoe inserts you can buy at the store or get custom ones, called orthotics. These help your arch and make your foot feel better.

• Rest and Ice: If your feet hurt, rest them. Put ice on the sore spot to help bring down swelling and to help with pain.

Conclusion

It's important to know how fallen arches and flat feet are different. This helps you take better care of your feet. When you know the signs, causes, and ways to treat these problems, you can feel better and move more easily. There are things like good shoes, special exercises, or using NatraCure's orthotic solutions that can help. If you start early, you can have less pain and feel more active through the day. Make sure to check out our products made to help with flat feet and fallen arches. Your feet should have the best care, so start taking care of them now!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are fallen arches and how do they differ from flat feet?

Fallen arches happen when the normal foot arch drops in grown-ups. This can lead to foot pain. Flat feet are usually something a person is born with. In flat feet, the arch of the foot does not form the right way. The main difference is, a fallen arch comes later in life, but flat feet are there from childhood. Both can affect the foot and may cause problems like foot pain. The arch of the foot matters for good foot health.

What symptoms should I look for if I suspect I have fallen arches?

Some common symptoms are arch pain, tired or sore feet, and swelling on the inside of the ankle. You may feel more pain when you move around. You could see your heel tilting out or feel it is hard to stand on your toes. A physical exam can show what is wrong, and arch supports can help with symptoms.

What causes fallen arches to develop in adults?

The most common cause of fallen arches in adults is posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Some other things that can cause this problem include an injury to the foot, carrying too much weight, your family history, and health problems like rheumatoid arthritis. All these things can make the parts that hold up the arch weaker. Because of this, the arch may drop down and give you arch pain.

What treatment options are available for fallen arches?

Conservative treatment is the first step for the foot problems. It usually means doing physical therapy, stretching exercises, and using supportive shoe inserts or arch supports. Sometimes, people have such severe cases that these steps are not enough. In these cases, and if pain does not go away, you may need medical help like corticosteroid shots or even surgery to fix the foot’s structure.

Are there exercises or stretches that can help with fallen arches?

Yes, doing exercises that a physical therapist suggests can help. Stretching the calf muscle and Achilles tendon is good. You can also try towel curls and calf raises. These exercises help make the muscles around the foot arch stronger. This can lower arch pain and also make the foot work better.

What is the difference between fallen arches and plantar fasciitis?

A fallen arch happens when the arch of the foot breaks down and can't hold up its shape. Plantar fasciitis is when the tissue on the sole of the foot gets swollen and sore. It can make the heel feel sharp pain. A fallen arch can make plantar fasciitis worse because it puts more pressure on the tissue at the bottom of the foot. But, these are not the same thing. They are two different problems in the foot.

Can wearing specific shoes or insoles help relieve the discomfort of fallen arches?

Yes. It is very important to wear shoes that give good support and have the right build. Shoe inserts, arch supports, or custom orthotics can help a lot. They give padding and help with the arch of the foot. These tools also help fix the way you stand or walk. Using them brings down foot pain and tiredness that comes from having fallen arches.

Do fallen arches require surgery, or can they be managed conservatively?

Most people can get better with conservative treatment. This includes things like physical therapy, orthotics, and rest. Surgery is usually the last resort. Doctors think about it only in severe cases. These are times when the arch pain is so bad that other therapies do not help. Surgery may also be needed if there is a big foot deformity that affects your ability to walk.

Are fallen arches in children treated differently than in adults?

Yes. A flexible flat foot is common in children. It is often part of normal development. Most children do not need treatment, unless there is pain in the arch. A fallen arch in adults is different. It can get worse with time. Most adults with a fallen arch need treatment such as orthotics and physical therapy. This can help with pain and stop it from getting worse.

How are fallen arches diagnosed by healthcare professionals?

A healthcare professional will find out if you have fallen arches by doing a physical exam. They will look at the foot structure while you stand and walk. They will also ask about your arch pain and may check to see how strong your foot muscles are. Sometimes, the doctor may use imaging tests, like X-rays or an MRI, to see more details inside the foot.

How do you fix fallen arches?

You can't make them go away for good unless you have surgery. But you can handle the problem in other ways. Treatments can be wearing arch supports or shoe inserts. You can also do physical therapy exercises that help your muscles get stronger. Stretching helps too. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to rebuild the arch.

What are the symptoms of a dropped arch?

If you have a fallen arch, you might feel foot pain. This can be in the arch of the foot or heel. The foot may get tired faster. There can be swelling on the inner side of your ankle. Some people find it hard to move around. When you walk, the foot could roll inward. A physical exam can show if you have these signs.

Is walking good for fallen arches?

Walking is a good way to get exercise because it is low-impact. But, if you have fallen arches, you may feel arch pain after you walk. It is important to have shoes with good arch support. The right shoes can help your feet feel better. Physical therapy can also help you. A therapist can teach you how to walk well. This can lower the stress on your feet, calf muscle, and tendons.

What are Fallen Arches and Flat Feet?

Flat feet, also called pes planus, is when the arch of the foot is low or not there. Some people have this from when they are kids. A fallen arch means the foot arch drops later, after you are grown up. This can lead to foot pain. The biggest difference between flat feet and a fallen arch is when they start and what causes them.

What Is a Collapsed Arch?

A collapsed arch is also called a fallen arch. This happens when the foot gets flat in grown-ups, most times because there is some damage in one of the tendons. The foot may feel arch pain and even change shape, which is called foot deformity. People often use arch supports to help with the pain and other symptoms.