Your Arches Are Your Foundation
Every cut, jump, sprint, and landing starts at your feet. When the arches are low or collapsing, that foundation shifts, and the strain can show up in places you wouldn't expect, from the heel and arch to the shins, knees, and lower back. Flat feet don't bench everyone, but when they do, it's worth knowing why.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet, also called fallen arches, means the arch along the inside of the foot is low or disappears when you stand. Some people are born with them and never feel a thing. Others develop them over time, and for those people, the foot can start to work harder than it should with every step.
What Causes Them?
- Genetics. Foot shape runs in families.
- Injury. A past ankle or foot injury can change how the arch holds up.
- Wear and tear. Years of pounding on hard surfaces, in the gym, on the court, or on the job, take their toll.
- Weight and aging. Added load and changes over time can let the arch flatten.
- Medical conditions. Some conditions that affect joints and tendons can contribute.
Signs Your Feet Are Telling You Something
- Aching or fatigue in the arch or heel
- Pain or swelling along the inside of the ankle
- Shoes that wear down unevenly
- Foot pain that gets worse with training or long days on your feet
- Knee, hip, or lower back pain that seems to start from the ground up
What Helps
- Supportive shoes that fit your foot and your sport
- Arch supports or custom orthotics
- Stretching and strengthening for the feet, ankles, and calves
- Smart training changes when your feet need a break
- A professional evaluation to see how your foot moves
When To Go East
Come in if your feet hurt during or after activity, if your arch seems to be changing or collapsing, or if pain is showing up in your ankles, knees, or back and you can't pin down why. Catching a mechanical problem early can keep it from turning into something that sidelines you.
Go East
On the ice, the pitch, the field, and the court, we've seen it all and fixed it all. Whether your flat feet are holding back your game or just making your day miserable, we'll figure out what's going on and build a plan that keeps you moving.
Don't let your arches bench you. Schedule with Eastern Podiatry today. Moving health in the right direction.
This article is intended for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.