5 ways to relieve fallen arch pain with physical therapy

Fallen arches, also known as flat feet, can make everyday activities uncomfortable. Walking, standing, or exercising may cause pain in your feet, ankles, and knees. This discomfort can be frustrating and may interfere with work, hobbies, or other daily activities, leaving you feeling more limited in your mobility. Many people experience these challenges. About 4% of adults in the U.S. have fallen arches. Over time, this discomfort may contribute to pain in the knees, hips, and back. Fortunately, physical therapy may help relieve pain and improve how your feet function.

At Performance Rehab, our licensed physical therapists use a variety of techniques that may help ease discomfort caused by fallen arches. We work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. Together, we can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support your return to the activities you enjoy without being held back by discomfort.

Keep reading to learn five ways physical therapy may help relieve fallen arch pain and explore treatment options that could support your recovery.

5 ways physical therapy may relieve fallen arch pain

Fallen arches affect how your feet, ankles, and knees function, which can lead to pain or discomfort during daily activities. Physical therapy offers several strategies that can improve movement and comfort by addressing the root cause of your symptoms. A physical therapist can recommend appropriate techniques, track your progress, and guide you through exercises designed to reduce fallen arch pain.

Here are five physical therapy techniques that may provide relief:

1. Stretching tight muscles and tendons

Tight muscles in the calves, Achilles tendon, or plantar fascia can place added strain on fallen arches and contribute to pain. A physical therapist can guide you through gentle stretches to ease tension, improve flexibility, and reduce pressure on the arch. Regular stretching may help you move more comfortably and lower the risk of ongoing strain.

2. Strengthening foot and ankle muscles

If the muscles that support the arch are weak, they may be contributing to discomfort. During physical therapy, you may perform exercises designed to strengthen the muscles in your feet and ankles. Building strength in this area may improve arch support, enhance balance, and help reduce the risk of future pain.

3. Gait and movement training

The way you walk and move can influence the amount of stress placed on fallen arches. A physical therapist can evaluate your gait, or walking pattern, and teach you movement adjustments that may reduce strain on the arch. Improving foot and ankle alignment can help ease discomfort and support more efficient movement.

4. Balance and proprioception training

Balance exercises can help retrain the foot to support itself more effectively. During physical therapy, you may work on improving proprioception, which is your body’s awareness of position and movement. Enhancing this skill can help stabilize the foot, reduce strain on the arch, and lower the risk of falls or injuries that could worsen pain.

5. Manual therapy and soft tissue techniques

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach a physical therapist may use to ease tension in tight muscles, tendons, and joints of the foot and ankle. This technique may help reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation, and decrease stiffness that can contribute to discomfort. Manual therapy can also help prepare the foot for strengthening exercises, supporting a smoother recovery process.

Performance Rehab can help relieve your fallen arch pain

Fallen arch pain can be challenging, but there are strategies that may make a meaningful difference. A physical therapist can identify factors contributing to discomfort and tailor a treatment plan to your needs. Care may include targeted exercises to relieve pain, build strength, and improve mobility, along with manual therapy to ease tension in the foot and ankle.

At Performance Rehab, we work with you to create a treatment plan designed to address fallen arch pain and support your goals. Together, we can take steps to reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and make daily activities feel easier. With the right support, you may move more comfortably and feel greater confidence in your everyday routine. Even small improvements in strength and mobility can make a noticeable difference in how you stand, walk, and move throughout the day.

Ready to ditch the discomfort and get moving again? Connect with our experienced rehab specialists and take the first step toward a healthier, more active life. Request an appointment or contact us to get started.