Fallen arches refer to the condition where the longitudinal arch of your foot has collapsed, thus, making your entire sole touch the ground, or bottom out when walking or running. People who have fallen arches or flat feet may not actually experience any pain, but that does not mean that the arches should not be corrected as flat feet can lead to many foot and leg problems.

People with fallen arches often exhibit a gait abnormality called overpronation. This is where the feet roll excessively inwards when walking or running. This is where the heel strikes on the outside edge, and rolls inwards so the push off is off the inner side, essentially causing the feet to point outwards a little. Flat feet may be present from birth, but can develop from exercise with a lack of arch support, from carrying too much weight such as in those who are obese or pregnant, or even from work when having to carry heavy loads. Due to aging, the arches can also collapse as the feet become less adept at dealing with the shocks from walking and running.

Correction of fallen arches in most cases is simple, with low cost foot devices available to offer extra arch support. When the arches are corrected, further foot complications resulting from the problem are greatly reduced.

According to studies, fallen arches can be a hereditary problem, and people are more likely to develop fallen arches if their parents also suffer from the condition. Old age can be another culprit, as years of walking, running, and jumping can all potentially weaken the arches resulting in their collapse. Over time, the tendons in your posterior tibia may become weak, and since this tendon helps to lift up the foot arch, it may become over strained and lead to fallen arches.

Tarsal coalition has also been shown to cause fallen arches. Tarsal coalition is when the bones of the foot fuse. Fallen arches are also associated with other foot and bone conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and trauma.

The clinical manifestations of fallen arches may vary depending on the severity of the condition. The most common symptoms include pain in the affected foot, ankle, arch, calf, knee, or even in the hip and the back.

You are also more likely to experience stiffness in your foot, and premature fatigue if you have fallen arches. Others may feel that their feet feel flat when walking or running, and that trainers and shoes wear unevenly.

Flat feet can be diagnosed by medical professionals from simple observation of watching you stand and walk, or may involve complex tests such as X-rays and other imaging examinations. During physical examination, you will often be asked to stand on tip-toe, as this can highlight the shape of the feet quite effectively.  A simple test is to just look at your footprints, and if there is little to no narrowing between the ball of the foot and the heel, you have collapsed arches or flat feet

There are many treatment options available for fallen arches. For one, you may use proper-fitting shoes to give you good support. You may also use foot orthotics to relieve the arches from pressure and consequently, reduce the pain if your feet roll.

Treatment is usually only custom or over the counter insoles or arch supports, and having flat feet need not make any difference to your daily activities. However ignoring the problem is likely to leave you prone to develop foot problems later in life.