Releford Institute’s Opinion on the Difference Between Fallen Arches and Plantar Fasciitis
At RelefordInstitute.com, we guide patients in understanding their specific conditions to find effective relief. Fallen arches, or flat feet, result from collapsed arches, causing pain across the foot and legs due to a lack of support. In contrast, plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the tissue along the foot’s bottom, leading to sharp heel pain, especially in the morning. Recognizing these differences helps us recommend the right approach to ensure patients walk comfortably again.
Key Takeaways
- Collapsed foot arches characterize fallen arches, whereas inflammation of plantar fascia tissue denotes plantar fasciitis.
- Arch or heel areas are typical pain points with fallen arches, contrasting with plantar fasciitis, causing mainly heel pain.
- Factors such as inheritance, age, and obesity contribute to fallen arches, while biomechanical imbalances and high-impact activities typically lead to plantar fasciitis.
- Orthotics and physical therapy serve as treatments for fallen arches; conversely, plantar fasciitis usually requires anti-inflammatory medication alongside stretching exercises.
- Supporting both conditions, maintaining a healthy weight coupled with supportive footwear prevents them.
Understanding Fallen Arches
Fallen arches are a typical foot issue. The foot's arches collapse, resulting in the whole sole making full or nearly full contact with the ground.
Adults and children have no excuse for this condition. Both experience different levels of discomfort or pain.
Treatment often merges various methods and preventive measures. Some of these include orthotic devices or arch supports.
Causes and Symptoms of Fallen Arches
Some might not experience any discomfort. Others feel a persistent dull pain in the arch or heel. Difficulty standing on tiptoe or swelling on the inner side of the ankle are signs in some cases.
Various treatment options are available for fallen arches, depending largely on condition severity. Lifestyle adjustments like weight loss, using arch supports in shoes, or avoiding painful activities provide relief for some.
An Overview of Plantar Fasciitis
People has this condition experience inflammation and discomfort in the plantar fascia. To manage this condition and lessen discomfort, several treatment options and lifestyle adjustments are available:
1. Remedies at home: Affected areas benefit from applying ice, performing stretch exercises, or using non-prescription pain relievers.
2. Treatments from medical professionals: Persistent cases require more intensive solutions such as orthotics, or potentially surgery.
3. Lifestyle changes: Modifications to physical activities that strain the plantar fascia are beneficial, including opting for less impactful exercises or adjusting footwear.
4. Measures for prevention: Regular stretching of feet and lower legs, maintaining a healthy weight. The use of supportive shoes also deter the onset of plantar fasciitis.
Identifying the nature of such conditions is vital. This is to help you give proper treatment and prevention.
Causes and Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
This medical condition primarily originates from biomechanical imbalances. Overuse, as seen in high-impact sports or long-distance running, improper footwear, obesity, and advancing age are some contributing factors.
Its diagnosis involves assessing levels of pain and foot flexibility by physicians.
Comparing Fallen Arches and Plantar Fasciitis
This condition makes the entire sole of your foot touch the ground. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia.
Let's compare these conditions:
1. Pain is common in both. However, the location and type of pain varies.
2. Structural issues typically lead to fallen arches. Inflammation usually causes plantar fasciitis.
3. Orthotics and physical therapy are common treatments for fallen arches. Plantar fasciitis often responds to anti-inflammatory medications.
4. There are many ways for you to practice to prevent these two conditions. The first one is to maintain a healthy weight. Second, wear a supportive footwear. It is also possible to stop their onset by strengthening exercises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does it hurt when you have fallen arches?
When you have fallen arches, also known as flat feet, you typically feel pain in your feet's arch, heel, or ankle area. The pain also extends to your lower legs or back if the condition alters your gait.
What is the most common cause of fallen arches?
The most common cause of fallen arches is an inherited abnormality in foot structure. Other causes include damage or injury to the tendons that support the arch, rheumatoid arthritis, or conditions like cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.
What are the two symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Two common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel and pain that is worse. This happens with the first steps after awakening or long periods of standing.
What is the common misdiagnosis for plantar fasciitis?
A common misdiagnosis for plantar fasciitis is a heel spur. While a heel spur occurs alongside plantar fasciitis, it is not the main cause of the pain associated with this condition.
Is walking barefoot good for fallen arches?
Walking barefoot is not typically recommended for individuals with fallen arches. Without the support of footwear, flat feet lead to other foot problems, including plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.
Can you reverse fallen arches?
Yes. It is possible to reverse fallen arches. This is mainly through physical therapy exercises that strengthen the arch's muscles. However, the effectiveness of these methods varies from person to person.
How do you test for fallen arches?
To test for fallen arches, doctors usually perform a simple examination of the feet while the patient is standing. If the arch disappears when you stand, it indicates you have fallen arches.
Can you walk with a collapsed arch?
Yes. You can walk with a collapsed arch. However, it may cause discomfort or pain and alter your gait, which lead to issues in your legs, knees, hips, and back over time.
Can a podiatrist help with fallen arches?
A podiatrist helps with fallen arches. They recommend treatments like exercises, orthotics, or in severe cases, even surgery, to relieve pain and improve foot function.
How long does it take to correct fallen arches?
The time it takes to correct fallen arches depends on the severity of the condition and the method of treatment. With exercises and orthotics, improvements may be noticeable in a few months, but it takes a year or more for more severe cases.
Do fallen arches cause plantar fasciitis?
Fallen arches indeed cause plantar fasciitis. When the arch of the foot collapses, it puts undue strain on the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and pain.
Do insoles help fallen arches?
Yes. Insoles help with fallen arches. They provide additional support to the arches, distribute weight evenly across the foot, and alleviate some of the pain associated with this condition.