Most of the population moves around on foot to get from point A to point B. One of the parts of the foot that allow for proper movement are the arches. They are held together by tendons and ligaments.
Tendons are a type of tissue that allow the bones to move. On the other hand, ligaments are a type of connective tissue between bones in the foot. These include the lateral longitudinal, medial longitudinal, and anterior transverse arches.
The lateral longitudinal arch is where important parts of the foot such as the cuboid bone, calcaneus, and other are found.
The medial longitudinal arch includes the navicular, talus, and more parts.
Finally, cuboid bones, cuneiform bones, and other parts are found with anterior transverse arches.
Just like any other part of the body, it’s possible for these areas to become damaged or weakened over time. One of these potential conditions is known as fallen arches.
Proper diagnosis and treatment suggestions for a medical professional will guarantee the best chance of treating this condition.
Unfortunately, while many treatment methods may be insufficient, there is hope, and there are treatment options. We at Diablo Foot & Ankle are here to explain and help you find the most effective treatment for you.
Read on to learn more about fallen arches and how they can affect you.
What are Fallen Arches?
By definition, fallen arches occur when the feet are flat on the ground. This means that the arches are not separating the bottom foot from the ground as they should be.
Understanding the symptoms and causes of fallen arches can help you identify this condition, as well as making you aware of what changes you might want to make to avoid developing it.
Symptoms
First, one of the symptoms you might see is ankle swelling, which could be a result of built-up liquid in that part of the body.
Another common symptom is continuous pain in the foot when walking or standing. This pain can range from mild to severe.
Causes
Fallen arches can be identified as early as childhood, but frequent falling and atypical bone growth as you age can also be a factor.
What If Fallen Arches Exercises Aren’t Enough
If you feel that doing exercises designed to treat fallen arches aren’t working quickly or effectively enough, there are solutions to help relieve pain in the meantime.
One of those different methods is wearing arch supports. These supports can be placed inside the shoe of the patient and are easily accessible at drug stores.
Wearing supportive shoes has also been known to improve the quality of life in those with fallen arches. Talk to a doctor or do some research online to find supportive shoes that are right for your style and budget.
Additionally, it would be wise for people who suffer from fallen arches to seek a physical therapist.
A medical professional can help you determine what type of workout is going to work best for your condition if your current treatment plan isn’t working.
A doctor may also recommend the use of a brace, though you should consult a doctor before implementing any sort of supportive brace yourself.
Applying ice to swollen areas can also improve inflammation and relieve pain.
Where Can a Patient Find Treatment for Fallen Arches?
As with any condition that’s causing discomfort, pain, or affecting one’s quality of life, seeking out medical advice is going to get the best results.
Going to a doctor and getting properly diagnosed will not only provide more insight into your condition, you might also get access to medication, physical therapy, testing, and other treatment options to alleviate that pain.
If a person or their loved one experiences fallen arches, they can schedule a consultation with Diablo Foot & Ankle. To get started today, they can click on the link. Or, they can arrive at our location to speak with a representative. In any case, our trained doctors are here to meet their patients’ needs.
Common Podiatry Questions
What is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot and ankle.
What does a Podiatrist treat?
A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in the medical and surgical care of the feet. They can treat conditions such as ingrown toenails, fungal toenails, bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis.
What’s the difference between a Podiatrist and Orthopedist?
A Podiatrist and Orthopedist are very similar to each other in many ways. They use most of the same tools and treat a lot of the same conditions. The main difference between the two is their medical training. Podiatrists are trained exclusively on the foot and ankle, whereas the Orthopedic is trained on the whole body with an additional year of training on the foot and ankle.
Where are your Podiatry clinics located?
At Diablo Foot & Ankle, we treat our foot and ankle patients in two main clinic locations in Walnut Creek and in Antioch California. Dr. Eman Elmi and Dr. Shayan Esspoor are Board Certified Podiatrists who specialize in the treatment of foot and ankle disorders.
