Manhattan Podiatry Group • Fallen Arches, Arch Pain & Posterior Tibial Tendon Problems
Flat feet means the arch on the inside of the foot is low or touches the ground when you stand. Many people with flat feet never have pain. For others, a low arch leads to tired, aching feet, ankle strain and pain that builds over a day of walking.
Some people are born with flexible flat feet. Others develop them as adults, often because the tendon that supports the arch weakens over time. At Manhattan Podiatry Group, Dr. Mark Sharobeem, DPM, looks at how your foot is built, how it moves when you walk, and whether the arch is still changing, then recommends the simplest treatment that can help.
A flat foot that does not hurt usually needs no treatment. An arch that is collapsing, or one foot that is flattening more than the other, should be checked.
Many flat feet run in families and are present from childhood. In adults, a common cause is weakening of the posterior tibial tendon, which holds up the arch. Injuries, arthritis, and conditions that loosen ligaments can also lower the arch over time.
Pain along the arch or inside of the ankle, swelling on the inner ankle, feet that ache after standing, trouble standing on your toes, and shoes that wear down on the inside edge. Pain on the outside of the ankle can appear as the arch flattens further.
Dr. Sharobeem watches you stand and walk, checks how flexible the arch is, and tests tendon strength with simple movements such as a single-leg heel rise. Standing X-rays show how the bones line up under your body weight when more detail is needed.
Most painful flat feet improve with support and targeted exercise: stable, supportive shoes, custom orthotics that hold the foot in a better position, calf stretching, and strengthening for the muscles that support the arch. A brace may be used for a period when the posterior tibial tendon is inflamed.
When pain continues despite good conservative care, or the arch keeps collapsing, surgery to rebalance tendons or realign the foot may be discussed. Related tendon pain is covered on our tendinitis page.
If one arch is flattening, your inner ankle is swollen, or you can no longer rise onto your toes on one foot, have it evaluated. Catching tendon weakness early gives non-surgical care the best chance of working.
* Note: Sudden pain and a pop on the inside of the ankle after an injury can mean a tendon tear and should be seen promptly.
No. Many people with flexible flat feet have no pain and need no treatment. Treatment is aimed at pain, fatigue, or an arch that is changing over time.
Orthotics do not permanently change the shape of the foot, but they can support the arch, spread pressure more evenly, and reduce strain on tendons, which often relieves pain.
A common reason is weakening of the posterior tibial tendon, which supports the arch. Injuries, arthritis, and weight changes can also play a part. An exam can find the cause.
Dr. Mark Sharobeem, DPM, provides targeted conservative and surgical care at our Financial District practice. Click any condition below to explore symptoms and treatment options.
Request a free consultation with Dr. Mark Sharobeem, DPM, at 55 Broadway, Suite 602, New York, NY 10006.