The Difference Between Fallen Arches And Flat Feet

Corns are areas of the foot where the skin has hardened or thickened due to pressure or friction. Wearing properly fitting, comfortable shoes can keep corns from forming. It can be painful to walk on corns. Treatments include using specially made cushions, but most people find that they need to be removed by a medical professional. There are more than a hundred muscles, tendons and ligaments in your feet and ankles, along with 33 different joints. Sprain, strain and stress can cause pains in any or all of them. Try to strengthen the muscles and tendons of your lower body with the help of medicated oils or other supplements. It is rare to find someone who walks with both feet in perfect alignment. Often we walk on the inside or outsides of our feet, or with our toes or heels rotated inward. These typical walking patterns can cause many problems not just with the feet but also for the whole body as the alignment of the feet sets the foundation for the whole body’s alignment. One of the most common effects of improper alignment is known as flatfoot, or fallen arches. If untreated, the pain worsens and increases in duration. Plantar fasciitis is further aggravated by poor fitting shoes, barefoot ambulation, and aggressive sports activities. Orthotic insoles, are basically foot supports, that facilitate better shock absorption and even distribution of weight. Thus, they take the immense pressure off the soft tissues as well as the tarsal bones that are present in the mid foot. If you have been thinking of buying insoles, you might have already come across various brands. Well, the manufacturers will naturally make tall claims about their product to be the best. That leaves one feeling quite confused. If you can't make up your mind, you could consult a doctor or a podiatrist. Congenital vertical talus — In this condition, there is no arch because the foot bones are not aligned properly. In some cases, there is a reverse curve (rocker-bottom foot, in which the shape is like the bottom rails of a rocking chair) in place of the normal arch. Congenital vertical talus is a rare condition present at birth. It often is associated with a genetic disorder, such as Down syndrome, or other congenital disorders. The cause is unknown in up to half of cases. For mild pain or aching, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others) may be effective. How many times in your life have you heard the term “fallen arches” and had no idea what it really meant? Now, the next time you are sitting around with friends or family and someone mentions fallen arches, you can impress the heck out of him by saying , “Did you know that according to Professor Dudley Joy Morton, fallen arches are caused by the laxity of the plantar ligaments, causing a hypermobility of the first metatarsal bone, which affects the stability of the longitudinal arch?” I currently have a patient who's tendon partially tore during her second pregnancy and she had been suffering for year until it finally ruptured. The toe raise with eversion exercise helps to stretch and strengthen the tibialis posterior muscles and can be performed throughout the day. Start by standing with your feet hip width apart. Focus your weight on the outside edges of your feet, feeling your arches lift slightly. Slowly rise on the balls of your feet, trying to concentrate most of your weight on your outer toes and feel the arch lifting. Pull your knees in slightly with your weight still focused on your outer toes. Hold this position for 10 seconds, then lower the feet to the ground. You Might Also Like Beach Walking Arches can fall over time leading to flat feet. Years of wear and tear can weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs along the inside of your ankle, from above your ankle to your arch. The posterior tibial tendon is the main support structure for the arch. An overload to this tendon can cause inflammation of the tendon and even tearing of the tendon. Once the tendon is damaged, the foot’s arch loses support and can flatten. Good Feet is a retail establishment and not a medical provider. We do not diagnose, prescribe or fill prescriptions. For serious health issues, please consult your physician.