Fallen Arches (Flat Feet) are when your feet have low arches or no arches and press almost completely flat against the ground. The arch is the middle part of the foot that's usually raised off the ground when you are standing while the rest of the foot remains flat on the ground.

What Causes Fallen Arches

Fallen arches can be hereditary from one’s parents. Other causes can be caused by the connective tissue in the foot becoming stretched and inflamed because of overuse, unsupportive footwear, an injury, increasing age, obesity or rheumatoid arthritis. Children can appear to have fallen arches. However in children arches usually don’t develop until a child grows older.

Test Yourself for Fallen Arches

There is an easy test you can do to see if you might have fallen arches. Simply follow the steps below

• Wet the base of your feet
• Stand on a flat surface where your footprint will show
• Step back and look at the footprints. If you see complete imprints of the bottom of your feet on the surface you are likely to have fallen arches.

Symptonms Associated with Fallen Arches

Most people with fallen arches don’t experience problems. However fallen arches can be associated with pain in the feet, ankles, lower legs, knees, hips or lower back, the feet rolling inwards too much known as over pronation. This can cause shoes to wear out quickly and lead to injuries.

Treatment of Fallen Arches

Flat feet can be treated with orthotics (Insoles). Wearing Orthotics inside your shoes can support your feet and stop them rolling inwards. We stock a comprehensive range of orthotics that can help with relief from fallen arches.