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Did You Know Fallen Arches Can Cause Bigger Problems?

Written By Dr. Russ Mosher, DPT on June 23, 2020

Fallen Arch TreatmentFallen arches might be common, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have serious health complications.

One study found that over 25% of the population suffers from archless feet.

It also found a correlation with other conditions, higher body mass indexes, and a lower quality of life. 

Many people don’t realize that flat feet can lead to plenty of chronic health problems if untreated. Here’s what you can do about it.

What are the Complications of Fallen Arches or Flat Feet?

Your feet serve as the foundation for your entire body. Perhaps you’ve heard about the importance of proper footwear for supporting posture and balance? Well, posture starts with your feet.

The arch of your foot is there for a reason. It keeps your foot flexible and stable to distribute the weight of your body correctly.

When your arch disappears, or you never had one in the first place, this throws off your entire body’s posture. Your weight shifts towards the inside of your feet, and this shift adds pressure to your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and low back – in that order.

You might notice problems such as:

  • Frequent knee injuries like torn ligaments or tendons
  • Hip pain or cartilage damage
  • Low back pain
  • Bunions
  • Shin splints
  • Achilles tendonitis 
  • Slipped, herniated, or damaged discs in your low back
  • Sciatica
  • Arthritis in your feet, ankles, or knees

Recovering from Injuries Due to Flat Feet in Hampton

You can take a few steps to mitigate the damage of flat feet yourself. 

  • Always wear shoes with arch support. Skip the flip-flops.
  • Stretch your calves and Achilles tendon.
  • Roll a tennis ball under your arch to stretch the muscle.

It’s also smart to consider non-invasive drug free treatments such as chiropractic and physical therapy. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can provide a healthy environment for your spine to heal and thrive. Meanwhile, physical therapy can help stretch and strengthen muscles, soft tissues, and bones in your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back.

Don’t wait for your flat feet to trigger long-term pain! Schedule an appointment at Dr. Russ Mosher, DPT in Hampton today by calling (757) 902-1989.


Posted In: Fallen Arches Flat Feet