Fallen arches, or as the scientific name goes, Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) is a widespread problem that affects the foot and ankle in many people today.
PTTD can cause a lack of stability and support in the arch of your foot that results in a condition called flat-foot.
What Exactly is a Fallen Arch
To explain to you what a Fallen arch is, you need to look at the Posterior Tibial Tendon which attaches your calf muscles to the bones on the inside of your foot, this tendon’s primary purpose is to hold up the arch of the foot and to support your foot when walking. | |
When the Posterior Tibial Tendon becomes inflamed or torn its ability to support the arch is impaired, this condition called Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) results in a fallen arch or flat foot. PTTD should not be left untreated should it become worse as it can result in arthritis at a later stage. |
Symptoms of a Fallen Arch
- Pain or swelling along the inside of the foot and ankle.
- Difficulty and pain when walking, running or standing for long periods of time.
- Pain on the outside of the ankle or the back of your foot.
- The ankle rolls inward.
- A flattened Arch.
- In severe untreated cases arthritis may develop.
Causes of Fallen Arches
Suffering an acute injury such as a fall or sports injury can tear the posterior tibial tendon causing it to become inflamed and your arch to fall over time, in my case a sports injury was the cause.
Obesity, Diabetes, and Hypertension are also factors that can increase the risk of developing PTTD.
PTTD and Fallen Arches are most common amongst women and people that are over 40 years of age, pregnancy can also cause fallen arches in women, particularly if they gain very much weight during pregnancy.
Affect of Fallen Arches on Feet & Body
Walking is such an important function and usually not cause any noticeable pain or discomfort in your childhood or early teen years. However, as a person gets older and the years advance their feet will eventually start demonstrating some symptoms of fallen arches or flat feet.
The most common symptoms of fallen arches that I have noticed are usually aching, tired and swollen feet.
In most cases, symptoms of the feet may not be noticed at all, but other areas of the body they can start to express symptoms caused by flat feet. So in the actual danger of flat feet or fallen arches is not the symptoms caused by the feet but more likely the harm that is being caused to other joints and parts of the body.
Another interesting fact is that Flat feet also has a lovely cousin that is a condition which joins fallen arches hand in hand called Overpronation. An interesting article to read on Flat feet is, Best Shoes for Wide Flat feet.
Flat feet is said to be one of the biggest reasons that we always see and an epidemic of a back, hip and knee pain along with associated arthritis and other back, hip and knee ailments.
Avoided further damage to joints and muscles as well as prevent the need for a back, hip or knee surgeries by correcting flat feet and overpronation early in your life and maintain the corrective procedures.
Motion Control Walking and Running Shoes are a great choice for flat feet or fallen arches.
A few telltale symptoms of flat feet go unnoticed are: a lower back pain, knee pain, hip pain, shoulder, and neck pain along with headaches.
The so-called growing pains that children go through in life is also usually related to having flat feet or fallen arches.
Features of the Best Shoes for Fallen Arches
My best shoe options for PTTD resulting and Fallen Arches are supportive, have a steel or plastic shank, and a very rigid sole and firm heel counter. Most shoes suitable for PTTD should be able to accommodate orthotics.
The best type of shoe for a fallen arch should not have a high heel and should also not be flat, a medium or lower heel with a slight platform usually does the trick. Arch Support and motion control in my shoes are the two most are also two important characteristics.
There is a wide variety of shoes available on the market today that offer the best features for fallen arches; you can choose from dress shoes, sandals, work shoes, running or athletic shoes, and much more. Orthopedic shoes are not so limited anymore, and they are becoming much more popular, so you are sure to find a perfectly fitting and stylish looking pair of shoes for any occasion.
If you enjoy training and running as I do, you can look at Cross Training Shoes for Flat feet.
Reviews: Top Shoes for Fallen Arches
Listed below I have chosen a variety of shoes that are all designed to accommodate Fallen Arches, and provide the best comfort and many other fantastic features;
Top Features:
- Manufactured from good quality synthetic materials.
- A slip-resistant rubber sole.
- Quick Drying Air mesh uppers for breathability and a FootShape Toe box for additional comfort.
- An A-Bound midsole for support and a FootPod outsole.
- The platform is fully cushioned with zero drop technology.
- Three stability enhancing zones, and Footpod technology.
- Also features a Foobox toe box with extra toe room and Guiderails for better motion control.
- A lace-up shoe that is available in a variety of colors.
1 Slip On Dress Shoes for Flat Feet
Once again Orthofeet offers a classy and stylish orthopedic shoe that will provide you with the best available comfort and support technology required for fallen arches.
Top Features:
- Also, features a multi-layer orthotic insole with anatomical support and a padded gel seat.
- A lightweight cushioned sole with Ergonomic-Stride design to enhance foot motion and soften your steps.
- A soft, foam padded non-binding design with extra depth and a roomier toe box to relieve pressure on your toes.
- Gorgeous leather uppers that are comfortable and supple.
2 Extra Depth Orthopedic Comfort Flat Foot and Diabetic Loafers
This is a lightweight and highly flexible running shoe that will move with the natural motion of your foot while ensuring excellent shock absorbency.
Top Features:
- Soft and flexible, lightweight mesh and synthetic uppers.
- A durable high traction rubber outsole.
- The supportive Lunarlon midsole has improved lunar core for an even softer and better underfoot.
- Laser sipings throughout the midsole drastically enhances flexibility.
3 Lightweight Running Shoe for Low Arches
The New Balance 990V4 combines the ideal amount of cushioning and stability, with the added bonus of flexible and breathable uppers.
Top Features:
- The Blown Rubber outsole provides excellent shock absorption and cushioning.
- A dual density foam collar ensure a better and more comfortable fit.
- There is an ENCAP PU ring with EVA core for better heel stabilization and support.
- Breathable mesh uppers with flexible and supportive synthetic overlays.
- A durable rubber outsole that ensures exceptional grip.
4 Cushioned Stability Running Shoe for Fallen Arches
An excellent motion control walking shoe from Brooks, that will offer you plush cushioned comfort, in an enhanced roomy fit.
Top Features:
- An enhanced fit with soft mesh uppers, a spacious toe box, structured saddle for a more comfortable fit, along with an external supportive heel counter.
- The Super DNA midsole offers even more cushioned comfort and shock absorbency.
- A Progressive Diagonal Roll Bar supports your feet and body to return back to its natural motion.
- The outsole offers good grip on a variety of surfaces.
5 Motion Control Walking Shoe for Fallen Arches
Index Table: Top-Rated Shoes for Fallen Arches
No. | Shoe | Men | Women | Brand | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ECCO - Slip On Dress Shoes for Flat Feet |
|
|
ECCO | 90 |
2 | Orthofeet - Extra Depth Orthopedic Comfort Flat Foot and Diabetic Loafers |
|
|
Orthofeet | 88 |
3 | Nike - Lightweight Running Shoe for Low Arches |
|
|
Nike | 90 |
4 | New Balance - Cushioned Stability Running Shoe for Fallen Arches |
|
|
New Balance | 90 |
5 | Brooks - Motion Control Walking Shoe for Fallen Arches |
|
|
Brooks | 90 |