Adult Acquired Flat Foot

Understanding Adult Acquired Flatfoot: Guide to Arch Changes

At HealthWalks, we often assist patients who notice their feet changing shape over time. This condition is known as Adult Acquired Flatfoot. It occurs when a foot that once had a visible arch begins to flatten out, often leading to discomfort and mobility challenges.

As pedorthists, we are experts in foot mechanics. We want to help you understand why this happens and what professional options are available to support your feet.

Why Do Arches Flatten?

The most common cause of a falling arch in adults is a problem with the Posterior Tibial Tendon. Think of this tendon as a vital support cable. It runs from your calf muscle, down the inside of your ankle, and attaches to the bones in the middle of your foot.

Its primary job is to provide the tension needed to hold up your arch. Over time, due to wear and tear or minor injuries, this tendon can become stretched or weakened. When it can no longer pull with enough strength, the arch begins to lower.

Identifying the Symptoms

Adult Acquired Flatfoot is a "progressive" condition, meaning it changes slowly. Here are the symptoms we look for during an assessment:

• Loss of Arch Height: The most obvious sign is that the inside of your foot now sits much closer to the floor when you stand.

• Inner Ankle Pain: You may feel soreness or see swelling along the path of the tendon on the inside of your ankle.

• The "Too Many Toes" Sign: When viewed from behind, the front of the foot appears to point outward, making more of your pinky toes visible than usual.

• Foot Fatigue: Your feet and legs may feel exceptionally tired or heavy after short periods of walking.
  

Pedorthic Treatment Options

Our goal is to stabilize the foot and take the "load" off the weakened tendon so it doesn't have to work so hard.

1. Custom-Made Orthotics

As pedorthists, this is our specialty. We create a custom mold of your foot to build a functional orthotic. This device acts as a supportive "brace" inside your shoe, physically lifting and holding the arch in the correct position. This prevents the tendon from over-stretching with every step.

2. Biomechanical Footwear Selection

The right shoe is essential for managing flat feet. We recommend footwear with:

• A Firm Heel Counter: This keeps the back of your foot straight.

• Torsional Stability: The shoe should not twist or bend easily in the middle.

• Appropriate Width: To ensure the orthotic fits correctly and your foot has room to move without pressure.
  

3. Bracing

If the condition has progressed to where the ankle feels unstable, we may recommend a specialized ankle-foot brace. This provides extra "side-to-side" support to keep the joint aligned.

4. Stretching and Strengthening

We often suggest specific exercises to keep the calf muscles flexible and the small muscles in the foot strong. This helps your body assist the orthotics in supporting your weight.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Ignoring a falling arch can lead to pain in other areas, like your knees, hips, and back, because your body is no longer "balanced." By addressing Adult Acquired Flatfoot early with proper footwear and orthotics, we can help you stay active and prevent further changes to your foot structure.

Personalized Care

At HealthWalks, we understand that each patient is unique. Our clinicians will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and lifestyle. Our focus is on providing effective, non-invasive treatments whenever possible, ensuring that you receive the best care and support.

Use the HealthWalks Virtual Foot Care Tool to get an initial assessment and explore potential causes of your foot pain from the comfort of home. Visit virtual.healthwalks.ca to start.

Book Your Appointment Today. Don't let foot pain or discomfort hold you back. We now offer online appointments! Book with HealthWalks today and start your journey to healthier, happier feet.  Visit HealthWalks.ca to schedule your consultation and start your recovery journey.

Blog Disclaimer HealthWalks Inc. blogs are intended for general information and educational purposes. They do not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance.