Flat Feet vs. Fallen Arches: What’s the Difference?

Flat feet is a condition that affects around 26.6% of people and can interfere with your ability to walk, run, or stand for long periods of time. This is because the arches of your feet are like built-in springs that help with balance, absorb shock, and keep your walking mechanics steady. When that support isn’t there, walking becomes more strenuous than it needs to be. 

Flat feet and fallen arches are two terms people often use interchangeably when discussing conditions related to the arches of the feet, and while these two conditions are closely related, they aren’t exactly the same thing. 

Continue reading to learn the key differences between these two conditions, symptoms, causes, and where to find the best flat feet treatment in Los Angeles.

What is the Difference Between Flat Feet and Fallen Arches?

Flat feet and fallen arches look the same when you look at your feet, but they start in very different ways: 

• Flat feet, also called pes planus, is a structural foot condition where the arch never fully forms. When you stand, most or all of the sole touches the ground, and your footprint may look wide and solid instead of curved. For many people, this condition is found in childhood, and it can feel normal until long hours on hard floors lead to aching feet or tired legs. 
• Fallen arches develop later in life. Over time, the tendons and ligaments that hold the arch up can stretch or weaken, causing the arch to slowly sink. With this condition, people notice shoes wearing down unevenly, swelling along the inside of the ankle, or a dull foot pain that wasn’t there before. 

Causes and Risk Factors for Flat Feet and Fallen Arches

Flat feet are usually influenced by genetics or the way the bones and joints developed during childhood. For some people, the arch simply never rises, and the foot stays broad and flat when standing. 

Fallen arches appear later, often when the posterior tibial tendon, which acts like a strong cable along the inside of the ankle, begins to weaken. This can happen with age, after an injury, or from years of extra strain caused by weight gain, arthritis, or repeated impact on hard surfaces. Other factors that can add to the risk include loose ligaments, jobs that require long hours on your feet, and activities that stress the same muscles over and over. 

Common Symptoms of Flat Feet and Fallen Arches

The symptoms of flat feet and fallen arches can overlap, which can cause some confusion:

For flat feet, most people don’t notice any pain at all, especially if you have had them your whole life. Other symptoms include:

• Feet that tire quickly, or feel heavy and worn-out by afternoon
• Shoes that tilt inward as the ankles roll
• Sore knees or an aching lower back after walking or standing for a long time

Those with fallen arches tend to notice symptoms more clearly, including: 

• Pain that builds along the inside of the foot or ankle, sometimes with visible swelling that feels tender to the touch
• Feeling weak or unsteady when standing on your tiptoes 
• Uneven gait
• Feet that turn outward to avoid discomfort
• A predictable soreness at the end of a long day 

Treatment Options for Fallen Arches and Flat Feet

Treatment for flat feet and fallen arches is similar and can include: 

• Wearing supportive shoes with firm soles and built-in arch support to reduce additional strain on the ligaments and tendons of the foot
• Over-the-counter shoe inserts can add cushioning and mild support, but custom orthotics are shaped to your foot and offer better control of uneven pressure if pain keeps returning
• Gentle stretching to ease tight calves that pull on the foot, and strengthening the arch muscles 
• Small changes in lifestyle habits, including adjusting activities that cause pain and managing weight to reduce the constant load 

When these conservative treatments are not enough, the best podiatrist in Los Angeles may recommend treatment options such as:

• A brace to support the ankle
• Steroid or PRP injections to calm inflammation
• Surgical treatments that address damaged tendons

Surgery is usually reserved for severe cases where pain limits daily life, and it can involve repairing or reconstructing tendons or correcting bone alignment to restore support.

How to Avoid Developing Fallen Arches 

Taking care of your feet will help prevent foot problems, including changes in the arch. The most effective ways to prevent fallen arches include: 

• Wearing shoes that feel stable underfoot, with a firm heel and room for your toes
• Stretching your calves and the bottoms of your feet to ease stiffness
• Low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling keep you moving without stressing your arches

For children, flat feet are often part of normal growth, and arches may develop as muscles strengthen with age. Following the guidance of a podiatrist is important if your child’s pediatrician notices signs of flat feet. 

Finding the Best Flat Feet Treatment in Los Angeles 

Living with flat feet or a falling arch can interfere with your life in many ways. From sore feet after a simple grocery run, to knee and back soreness that makes it hard to go to work every day or enjoy retirement. The good news is you don’t have to deal with it. With the right diagnosis and support, having flat feet doesn’t have to dictate your life anymore.

At our state-of-the-art clinic in Beverly Hills, Dr. Soomekh focuses on getting to the root cause of ankle and foot pain and then building a personalized treatment plan that fits your life. From custom orthotics to rehabilitation strategies and minimally invasive surgery, we offer expert care that will help you move through life without pain. 

Ready to get effective, long-lasting relief with the best flat feet treatment in Los Angeles?