Fallen Arches - how to fix it or help?

[pontipinemum]

I went to the GP last week. He said the arch in my right foot is fallen.

It has been like this I think since around August. When I stand initially it is quite painful. But I walk a bit and it turns into mild discomfort, unless I hit it the wrong way.

He said to try rolling a ball with my foot and toe curls. But that if it didn't improve I'd go for a scan.

I have been doing that, and also wearing my birkinstocks at home. I am normally bare foot or in slipper. But I think it's getting sorer and seems to be travelling. My hips and womb hurt now.

Anything any one can help with? I'm 37, I have 2 toddlers so not getting enough rest.

The easiest quick fix is to get insoles - I always recommend Salford Insoles as you can move them between different shoes and they come with a lifetime guarantee if you buy from them direct.

Before messing about with foot exercises, make sure you don't have a tight achilles/gastroc. Look up how to do achilles stretches online, and most importantly make sure the inner border of your foot is very slightly raised as you do it - otherwise the achilles will skip around the outside of your heel and pull your foot flatter. (If you use Salford insoles when you do the exercise, you don't need to worry about this as they will position your foot correctly.

Even better, as you are getting other pains, book a private physio appointment, and get them to advise you personally. One session will be enough to get a good idea of what is needed.

See a podiatrist - they're trained in this sort of thing. Will give you exercise regime to strengthen muscles in foot & ankle and help correct the fallen arch

@ChristmasFluff @MousseMousse OK thanks I will book someone else.

Look up Valsole arch supports on Amazon. They're great and provide a good level of support. They're better than my custom supports. Wear them all the time, including in slippers. They're only £20 a pair.

Thanks, got a pair 😃

Great 😃 also, try not to wear shoes that are too flat. Look for a rocker sole. I'm afraid my plantar fasciitis started when I wore birkinstocks as they have a very solid sole. A decent pair of trainers might help you.

Oh really, and there I was thinking birkinstocks would be good for it! I have this pair since 2022 and wear them a lot.

Do you have any suggestions for boots and trainers?

My right hip is also starting to really hurt. I think i need a physio

I started off wearing things like sketchers and any supportive trainer, but I can only wear Joya shoes and sandals now.

I'll find some examples of footwear on Amazon for you.

The hip pain can be cause by the dropped arches/plantar fasciitis. The orthotics will help with this.

https://amzn.eu/d/0DVigMl

https://amzn.eu/d/0CZmkz4

https://amzn.eu/d/iRCIp8t

https://amzn.eu/d/5cLJjZh

The last one is a Joya shoe. They also do non trainer types and sandals. They're more expensive, but are very good.

Don't buy any flat soled shoes! Flat is bad. You need something like the above. Totally flat shoes strain the foot and that affects the knees, hips and back.

Superfeet green are fantastic. I have 2 pairs and move them between shoes.

Sorry, only getting back to you now. I don't always use MN.

Thank you so much for those. I will have a look. I do have sketchers so I must get them out