Some people are born with flat feet, but others acquire fallen arches due to poor footwear, pregnancy (which loosens the ligaments), standing for long periods of time, or medical conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The posterior tibial tendon, which helps you push off when you walk, is responsible for maintaining the foot’s arch. If it’s not supported, over time it can become weak and cause pain in the arch and heel, or swelling on the inside of the foot and ankle. That’s when it’s time to see a podiatrist.

Foot and ankle specialist Lisa Price, DPM of Scotland Podiatric, says that most fallen arches can be treated with orthotics. Orthotics, like eyeglasses, don’t fix the problem, but instead align the foot and lessen the pain. A good pair of shoes can also go a long way in foot preservation. Look for shoes with a slight wedge (running shoes are a good example) and steer clear of flat shoes like ballet slippers, moccasins, Chuck Taylors and “Ugg-like” boots. Although slippers feel great, opt for “house shoes” with an arch support. Curious about the state of your arches? Put a brown paper bag on the floor, wet your foot and step on the bag. If you see your full foot imprint, you have a flat foot. A space between the ball of your foot and heel means you have an arch.

Source:Podiatrics