As a board-certified podiatrist serving North and South Carolina, I’ve treated countless patients who didn’t realize their foot pain stemmed from flat feet or fallen arches. This condition is more common than you might think and can turn simple joys, like hiking
Raleigh’s Umstead trails, into a painful challenge.
At Elevate Foot and Ankle, our 100% telehealth practice makes it easy to diagnose and treat flat feet from anywhere in the Carolinas. If you’re wondering whether flat feet or fallen arches are the cause of your foot pain or mobility challenges, below are some causes of flat feet, ways to spot the symptoms, the best treatment options, and practical tips to keep your
arches healthy:
What Causes Flat Feet?
Flat feet occur when the arches of your feet collapse, causing the entire sole to rest flat against the ground when standing. For some, it’s genetic as low arches can run in families like other inherited traits. In fact, I know of siblings in North Augusta, SC, who both had flat feet since childhood.
But flat feet can also develop later in life. Below are several of the most common causes:
- Overuse: Active lifestyles can strain arches, leading to collapse over time.
- Injuries: A sprained ankle from a soccer game or a stumble on a mountain trail can weaken the tendons supporting your arch.
- Aging: The posterior tibial tendon, which holds up the arch, can wear out with age. I’ve seen this in patients in their 50s and 60s across the Carolinas who suddenly notice foot discomfort.
- Health Conditions: Obesity or diabetes, unfortunately prevalent in our region, can both put extra pressure on arches. A sedentary lifestyle may contribute to this problem.
- Poor Footwear: Wearing unsupportive shoes, like flip-flops on Wilmington’s beaches or worn-out sneakers, can contribute to arch issues.
Knowing the cause helps us find the right solution. With our telehealth platform, I can evaluate your feet via video call, whether you’re in a rural NC town or a city like Raleigh, to get to the root of the problem.
Symptoms: Are Flat Feet the Culprit?
Flat feet don’t always cause trouble, and this can lead some people to ignore the problem until it becomes a major issue. In general, patients have described symptoms like:
- Foot Pain: An ache or burning in the arch or heel, especially after a day wandering Charlotte’s Uptown sidewalks or standing at Raleigh’s farmers’ markets.
- Swelling: Puffiness along the inner ankle, common in patients who are on their feet all day.
- Leg or Back Discomfort: Flat feet can throw off your alignment, causing knee, hip, or back pain. Patients are often surprised to learn that their back pain was actually being caused by their feet.
- Fatigue: Feet that tire quickly, making simple walks exhausting.
- Worn Shoes: If the inner soles of your sneakers are worn out flat feet might be to blame.
If these issues sound familiar, it’s time to take action. A telehealth visit with Elevate Foot and Ankle can confirm if flat feet are causing your issues. The best part? This can be done without a long drive to a podiatrist in Charlotte or other cities in the Carolinas.
Treatments: Getting You Back to Pain-Free Steps
Flat feet are treatable, and at Elevate Foot and Ankle, I create personalized plans through telehealth to fit each patient’s unique needs. Here are some steps we may take to alleviate flat feet or low arches:
- Orthotics: Orthotics may be needed to add support. After your virtual visit and evaluation, I can order orthotics online and have them shipped directly to your door. No need to travel, and no awkward measuring.
- Supportive Footwear: I guide patients to shoes with proper arch support and cushioning.
- Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises can rebuild arch support. I can develop a personalized stretching plan via video call designed to improve foot mobility and flexion.
- Pain Management: For inflammation, icing your feet for 15 minutes daily or taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory can help. Other medications may be needed depending on your condition and health. If a prescription is necessary, it can be sent to your pharmacy.
- Lifestyle Changes: Losing weight can reduce arch stress. I worked with a Charlotte patient to add low-impact activities like swimming at the YMCA, which helped her feet and overall health.
Lastly, if flat feet cause significant tendon damage, I can coordinate with local specialists for advanced care, managing your treatment virtually.
Prevention Tips for Healthy Arches
Preventing flat foot problems is simpler than you might think. Below are some easy tips I share with patients to help alleviate foot pain due to fallen arches:
- Wear Supportive Shoes: Choose shoes with good arch support for activities like hiking or long walks. Limit the use of non-supportive footwear like flip-flops.
- Stretch Daily: A calf stretch involving leaning against a wall for 20 seconds per leg strengthens your arches. I can guide you on how to perform this and other exercises via virtual visit with our podiatry practice.
- Manage Weight: Extra pounds stress arches. Joining a fitness group can help keep your feet happy.
- Check Your Feet: Pay attention to your feet. If you notice extra soreness or ongoing fatigue, it’s time to get checked out by a podiatrist at Elevate Foot and Ankle.
Why Elevate Foot and Ankle?
Flat feet shouldn’t keep you from enjoying life, and this foot condition doesn’t have to hold you back. At Elevate Foot and Ankle, our telehealth model brings expert podiatry to you, wherever you are in North and South Carolina.
From rural Laurinburg to bustling Columbia, we can get you back to enjoying life without driving to an office. During your virtual visit, I can assess your feet, recommend solutions like orthotics or stretches, and set you on the path to pain-free movement.
Schedule Your Telehealth Podiatry Appointment Now!
Don’t let flat feet stop you from exploring all that North and South Carolina have to offer. Book a telehealth visit with Elevate Foot and Ankle today, and let’s solve your low arches or flat feet!
Dr. Thurmond Lanier
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