Why Are My Feet Getting Flatter?

Aging brings about a wide range of physical changes, some of them more surprising than others. Aging feet tend to get flatter, which can cause pain, but there are things you can do to take good care of your feet and to get relief.

You may have noticed that the arches in your feet seem to be flattening out over time. This change, known as flat feet or fallen arches, is more common than you might think, and it tends to develop gradually as you age. More than 20% of adults will develop flat feet in their lifetime, especially as the tissues in the feet lose elasticity.

Andrew McCall, DPM, FACFAS, and his team at Alpine Foot and Ankle are committed to providing comprehensive podiatric care. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. McCall has the expertise to accurately diagnose flat feet and find the best solution to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

What causes flat feet?

A complex structure forms your foot’s arch, which acts as a natural shock absorber, distributing your body weight when you stand, walk, or run. As you age, however, the tendons that support your arch weaken or stretch out, and the arch begins to collapse, leading to flat feet.

A study published in the journal Radiographics confirms that age-related changes in the foot, including weakening of the tibialis posterior tendon, are a primary factor in developing flat feet.

Additionally, factors like obesity, excessive inward rolling of the foot (overpronation), and conditions like arthritis can all contribute to arch flattening. Even the added weight during pregnancy and hormonal changes can affect the ligaments in your feet, leading to flat feet.

The impact of flat feet on your health

Having flat feet isn’t simply a cosmetic issue. When your arches collapse, it can disrupt the alignment of your entire body and lead to ankle pain as well as pain in your knees, hips, and lower back. This misalignment can cause discomfort when standing or walking for extended periods and may cause your feet to tire more quickly.

A study published in the journal Sports Health found that individuals with flat feet are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis, a painful condition where the tissue running across the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed.

Additionally, flat feet can worsen other foot problems — such as bunions, hammertoe, and Achilles tendonitis — potentially leading to chronic pain and mobility issues if left untreated.

When to seek professional help for flat feet

If you’ve noticed that your feet are getting flatter, it’s essential to seek professional advice before the condition worsens. Dr. McCall can perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the severity of your flat feet and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.

This might include custom orthotics to provide needed arch support, physical therapy to strengthen the muscles and tendons in your feet, or, in more severe cases, surgical intervention to restore the arch. At Alpine Foot and Ankle, you receive personalized, high-quality care tailored to your needs.

Take a step toward healthier feet

If you’re concerned about your feet getting flatter, or have pain or other symptoms, get on the path to better foot health by scheduling a consultation with Dr. McCall at Alpine Foot and Ankle. With the right care, you can regain comfort, improve your mobility, and continue enjoying the activities you love without foot pain holding you back.