How to Prevent Fallen Arches
Fallen arches is a phrase used to describe flat feet. When the arch on the inside of your foot (spanning from below your big toe to your heel) is flat rather than curved, you have fallen arches. The condition can cause pain in the feet and lower legs in some people, but may not bother others. People can be born with flat feet, while some experience fallen arches after a tendon or ligament tear, after a pregnancy or as a normal part of aging. Wearing supportive shoes and watching your weight can play a large role in preventing fallen arches.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Maintain an ideal body weight to help prevent fallen arches. The Mayo Clinic lists obesity as a risk factor for having flat feet. Additional body weight can put pressure on the ligaments in your feet and cause your arches to flatten. Consult your doctor before beginning a weight loss program to be sure your plan is healthy.
-
2
Wear athletic shoes that provide strong arch support, to help your feet from becoming flat. San Francisco-based podiatrist Dr. Philip Sanfilippo explains that "flimsy" shoes that do not lace up, increase your risk of fallen arches. This includes high heels, flip flops, sandals and even loafer-type shoes. Sturdy sneakers can help prevent fallen arches and can ease the pain of arches that have already begun to flatten out.
-
-
3
Wear arch support inserts in your shoes, especially if you choose to wear heels or other shoes that are not particularly supportive. An arch support is an insole that, once placed into your shoe, essentially creates an arch for you. Arch supports can both prevent further flattening of the ligaments in your foot, and can reduce the soreness that is the result of flat feet.
-
4
Measure your foot when you buy new shoes, to ensure the best fit. People who have fallen arches often need a larger size shoe than at previous times in their lives, because their feet have become wider. Wearing a shoe that is not the right size can cause pain and injury that could make your fallen arches worse.
-
1
