Flat Foot (Fallen Arches)

• Chronic Pain: Persistent foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back pain.
• Altered Biomechanics: Changes in walking patterns can strain other joints and muscles.
• Increased Risk of Injury: Conditions like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, and bunions may be more likely.
• Difficulty with Activities: Pain and instability can limit participation in sports or even daily tasks.
• Arthritis: Abnormal stress on foot and ankle joints can accelerate arthritic changes.

Diagnosing flat feet and determining if they are the cause of your symptoms involves:

1. Medical History & Symptom Review: Discussing your pain, activity levels, family history, and any previous injuries.
2. Physical Examination: Our podiatrist will observe your feet while you stand and sit, check the arch height, look for signs of overpronation, assess tendon strength, and check joint range of motion.
3. Gait Analysis: Observing how you walk to identify biomechanical abnormalities.
4. Shoe Wear Pattern: Examining your shoes can provide clues about foot mechanics.
5. Imaging (Occasionally): X-rays may be used to assess bone alignment and rule out arthritis or other issues. MRI or CT scans might be needed if tendon injury is suspected.

A thorough assessment at our Singapore clinic helps determine the underlying cause and guides the treatment plan.

Treatment for flat feet focuses on relieving symptoms and improving foot function, especially if the condition is causing pain or affecting mobility. Many people require no treatment.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Conservative management is effective for most symptomatic cases:

• Supportive Footwear: Choosing well-structured shoes with good arch support and cushioning.
• Orthotic Devices: Custom-moulded or appropriate over-the-counter arch supports (insoles) to support the arch, improve alignment, and reduce strain.
• Stretching Exercises: Targeting the Achilles tendon and calf muscles can often help.
• Strengthening Exercises: Specific exercises may be recommended to strengthen foot and leg muscles.
• Physical Therapy: A structured program guided by a therapist.
• Activity Modification: Temporarily reducing activities that cause pain.
• Weight Management: Reducing excess weight decreases stress on the feet.
• Medications: Pain relievers (NSAIDs) may provide temporary relief from inflammation.

Surgical Options

Surgery is generally reserved for cases where conservative treatments fail to relieve significant pain or when there is a specific structural issue (like a severe tendon tear or arthritic changes severe enough to affect quality of life). Surgical procedures vary depending on the cause and severity, potentially involving tendon repair, bone realignment, or joint fusion. This option would be discussed in detail by our podiatrists if deemed necessary.

Constraint Check: Treatment options are outlined without excessive detail, encouraging professional consultation.

While genetic flat feet cannot be prevented, you can manage symptoms and potentially slow the progression of acquired flat foot:

• Wear Supportive Shoes: Avoid flimsy footwear; choose shoes appropriate for your activities.
• Use Orthotics if Recommended: Provide consistent support during weight-bearing activities.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reduces stress on arches and tendons.
• Address Pain Promptly: Don’t ignore foot or ankle pain; seek assessment early.

Stretch Regularly: Keep calf muscles and Achilles tendons flexible.