Flat Feet and Fallen Arches

What are flat feet and fallen arches?

Flat feet - also called fallen arches - occur when the arches of the feet are low or collapse, causing the soles to make more contact with the ground. Some people are born with flat feet, while others develop them over time due to aging, injury or changes in foot structure. Flat feet can lead to discomfort, arch pain or difficulty walking and standing.

At Novant Health, we understand how flat feet and arch pain can interfere with your daily life. Our specialists take the time to evaluate your symptoms and create a care plan tailored to your needs and goals.

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A detailed model of a human foot showing internal structures with color-coded labels.

Foot structure and arch support

The arches of your feet are supported by bones, ligaments and tendons that help absorb impact and support body weight. When these structures weaken or fail to support the arch, flat feet or fallen arches can develop. This can change the way weight is distributed across the foot and ankle, leading to arch pain and discomfort.

Overview

Symptoms

Symptoms of flat feet and fallen arches vary but often include:

Pain in the arch, heel, or ankle
Swelling along the inside of the foot or ankle
Feet that tire easily during standing or walking
Difficulty standing for long periods or walking long distances
Discomfort that may radiate to knees, hips or lower back

Without proper care, flat feet and arch pain can worsen over time and affect balance, comfort and confidence during daily activities.

Causes

Flat feet and fallen arches can develop for many reasons. Common contributing factors include:

Genetics or foot structure present at birth
Weakening of tendons, including the posterior tibial tendon
Aging or gradual wear on foot-supporting tissues
Injury to the foot or ankle
Arthritis or inflammation affecting the joints
Pregnancy or weight changes that increase stress on the feet

Some people with flat feet experience no symptoms, while others notice arch pain or fatigue with activity.

Diagnosis

Your Novant Health foot and ankle specialist will assess your foot structure and how your feet function during movement. Diagnosis may include:

A physical exam to evaluate arch height, flexibility and alignment
Observation of how your foot moves when standing and walking
X-rays or other imaging to assess bone alignment and joint changes
A discussion of your symptoms, activity level and footwear history

This evaluation helps your care team understand how flat feet and fallen arches are affecting your comfort and determine the best next steps.

Why treatment matters

Prompt, expert care for flat feet can relieve arch pain, improve foot support and reduce strain on surrounding joints. Early evaluation allows your care team to recommend approaches that promote comfort and help you stay active.

Without proper care, flat feet can worsen, leading to increased arch pain and stress on the ankles, knees, hips and lower back. Over time, untreated flat feet can affect your ability to move comfortably and stay active in daily life.

Take the next step

Our board-certified specialists are here to help you heal. They can often diagnose the problem in one visit and get you started with a personalized treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of treatment options.