Flatfoot (Fallen Arches) – Restoring Support, Balance, and Pain-Free Movement
Overview
Flatfoot, also known as fallen arches, occurs when the arches of the feet collapse or fail to form properly. This causes the entire sole of the foot to come into near-complete contact with the ground, leading to pain, fatigue, and altered walking mechanics.
While some people are born with flat feet (congenital), others develop the condition gradually over time due to aging, injury, or tendon weakening. Flatfoot can cause discomfort not just in the feet, but also in the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back due to disrupted alignment.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer thorough evaluation and customized treatment for flatfoot to help patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas restore comfort, stability, and long-term mobility.
Understanding Flatfoot
The arch of the foot acts like a natural spring, absorbing shock and distributing body weight evenly during movement. In flatfoot, this structure collapses—either from birth or acquired later in life—causing the tendons and ligaments that support the arch to stretch and weaken.
There are two main types of flatfoot:
- Flexible flatfoot: The arch appears when the foot is lifted but flattens when standing.
- Rigid flatfoot: The arch is absent both when standing and sitting, often due to joint stiffness or bone abnormality.
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Both forms can cause pain, swelling, and instability, especially after standing or walking for long periods.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
- Weakness or injury of the posterior tibial tendon, which supports the arch.
- Arthritis or inflammation that damages joints and soft tissues.
- Trauma or previous ankle/foot injury.
- Obesity, which increases strain on the foot’s supportive structures.
- Aging, which leads to tendon and ligament laxity.
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Risk Factors:
- Family history of flatfoot or foot deformities.
- Chronic overuse from running or high-impact activity.
- Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Prolonged standing for work or lifestyle.
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Symptoms
Flatfoot can range from mild to severe. Some patients experience little to no discomfort, while others develop significant pain and mobility issues.
Most signs include:
- Pain or fatigue in the arch, heel, or ankle.
- Swelling along the inside of the ankle.
- Stiffness or tightness in the Achilles tendon.
- Difficulty standing on tiptoe
- Rolling of the ankles inward when walking (overpronation).
- Uneven shoe wear or difficulty finding supportive footwear.
- Pain radiating to the knees, hips, or lower back from altered alignment.
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Over time, untreated flatfoot can contribute to ankle arthritis, tendon tears, or plantar fasciitis.
Diagnosis
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke conducts a detailed assessment to determine whether the flatfoot is flexible, rigid, or caused by another underlying issue.
Diagnostic process includes:
Medical history and symptom review (pain pattern, footwear, activity level).
Physical examination:
- Checking arch formation, foot posture, and ankle flexibility.
- Testing the strength of the posterior tibial tendon
- Observing gait mechanics and alignment.
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Imaging:
- X-rays to assess bone alignment and joint damage.
- MRI or ultrasound for tendon evaluation in complex cases
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This comprehensive approach ensures an accurate diagnosis for personalized treatment.
Treatment Options at Dr. Burke Orthopedics
The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, strengthen foot structures, and prevent further deformity. Most patients respond well to non-surgical interventions.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Rest and activity modification: Reduce prolonged standing or high-impact activity.
- Supportive footwear: Shoes with strong arch support and firm midsoles.
- Custom orthotics: Provide structure, redistribute weight, and prevent overpronation.
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- Stretching and strengthening exercises:
- Focus on the posterior tibial tendon and calf muscles.
- Improve flexibility and alignment.
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Anti-inflammatory care: Oral or topical medication to reduce swelling
- Tailored exercise plans to rebuild arch support and stability.
- Manual therapy for soft tissue flexibility.
- Balance and gait retraining for long-term correction.
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- Platelet-rich plasma injections can aid healing in damaged tendons or chronic inflammation.
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Most mild-to-moderate cases improve significantly within several weeks of structured care.
Surgical Treatments
When conservative options fail or deformity becomes severe, Dr. Burke may recommend surgical correction to realign the bones and restore proper arch function.
Surgical options include:
- Tendon repair or transfer: Reinforces or replaces weakened posterior tibial tendons.
- Osteotomy: Realigns bones to recreate the arch and relieve pressure.
- Joint fusion (arthrodesis): Stabilizes joints in advanced arthritis or rigid flatfoot.
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- Comprehensive realignment procedures for complex deformities or recurrent cases.
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Modern surgical approaches minimize recovery time and improve long-term structural integrity.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
- Non-surgical: Improvement often begins in 6–8 weeks with consistent use of orthotics and therapy.
- Surgical: 3–6 months for bone and tendon healing, with progressive physical therapy.
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Rehabilitation goals:
- Restoring range of motion and strength.
- Gradual return to full weight-bearing.
- Custom orthotics for long-term arch support.
- Preventing overpronation and re-injury.
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A structured physical therapy program plays a vital role in long-term success.
Long-Term Outlook and Prevention
Most patients achieve lasting relief with proper treatment and ongoing care. Preventing recurrence or worsening flatfoot relies on maintaining strong, supported arches.
Prevention strategies:
- Wear well-fitted, supportive shoes for daily use.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Stretch calves and strengthen feet regularly.
- Replace worn-out shoes or orthotics on time.
- Avoid prolonged standing without rest periods.
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Early orthopedic assessment helps protect joint function and prevent chronic pain.
When to Seek Medical Care
You should schedule an appointment with Dr. Burke Orthopedics if you experience:
- Persistent arch, heel, or ankle pain.
- Swelling or stiffness around the inner ankle.
- Difficulty standing on your toes.
- Visible flattening or rolling of your feet.
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Prompt evaluation can prevent long-term complications and restore normal foot mechanics.
Take the Next Step Toward Stability
If you’re living with arch pain, ankle discomfort, or chronic foot fatigue, help is available.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide comprehensive care for flatfoot and fallen arches, from diagnosis through rehabilitation—helping you regain balance, strength, and comfort.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in lower extremity reconstruction and realignment.
Serving Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas.
