Fallen Arches Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - Are Insoles The Answer?

by Dr. Thomas Lembo

One of the most common questions people ask who suffer with fallen arches is, "Can a pair of arch support insoles really relieve my discomfort?".

It turns out the answer is a little more complicated than a simple "yes" or "no".

First, it's important to note the arch support insoles can not actually "cure" fallen arches.

However, fallen arches can cause a variety of painful symptoms in the feet.

Many of these symptoms have been treated, and often relieved, by fallen arches insoles for decades!

One of the keys to correctly choosing a fallen arches insole is first understanding what "fallen arches" are, and why discomfort often accompanies this condition.

What Are Fallen Arches?

Fallen arches, also known as flat feet, are a common condition seen in both adults and children.

Normally, feet have an upward longitudinal curve in the middle called an arch.

This arch is formed by a group of tendons and ligaments attached to the heel and foot bones.

Tendons in the lower leg , along with ligaments in the foot, work together to pull and form the foot's arch.

However, if the tendons do not pull sufficiently enough, there is a low arch or no arch at all.

This condition of collapsed arches is popularly known as fallen arches.

Fallen arches can affect one or both feet.

The lack of crucial arch support in the foot can cause many complications.

In people with flat feet, the normal pressure of walking shifts to other parts of the feet.

If not treated properly, this can cause prolonged discomfort, pain, and in some cases, serious joint and foot problems.

What Causes Fallen Arches

Fallen arches can be present in newborns or develop during childhood.

In many cases, the condition can be hereditary.

Fallen arches can also be attributed to many other causes such as:

• Wearing shoes with poor arch support

• Excessive walking or standing on high heels

• Muscle damage caused by excessive strain on the feet

• Ruptured or over-stretched tendons

• Abnormality at birth

• The risk of developing flat feet also increases with diabetes, pregnancy, obesity and aging.

Fallen Arches Symptoms and Treatment (How to Get Rid of Fallen Arches Symptoms)

The treatment for fallen arches is dependent on the severity of the condition and underlying cause.

In many cases, the symptoms of flat feet can be controlled effectively with conservative care.

Your podiatrist may suggest one or more of the following:

• Fallen Arches Insoles

• Pain medications

• Regular stretching exercises

• Ice and compression to reduce pain and swelling

• Physical therapy

Wearing orthotic arch supports can be tremendously beneficial in alleviating and preventing flat feet pain and discomfort.

In addition, taking proper care of the feet and following a consistent home exercise regimen, prescribed by your doctor or physical therapist, can be very effective in prevention and management of the symptoms.

It's important to note that orthotic shoe inserts can not actually "cure" flat feet.

However, fallen arches can cause a variety of painful symptoms in the feet.

Many of these symptoms have been treated, and often relieved, by orthotic arch supports for decades!

Home Remedy for Painful Fallen Arches?

For something that affects so many people, fallen arches pain isn't talked about often enough.

For many, the answer is arch support shoe inserts, sometimes custom-made by a podiatrist.

These cost hundreds of dollars, and can often end up limiting the types of shoes you can wear.

However, nearly all cases of fallen arches can be addressed with a pair of over-the-counter orthotic shoe inserts.

Not only do they average a tenth of the cost, but they are available in many different shapes and sizes, so you don't have to get rid of what's in your closet.

It sounds a little too good to be true, but once you understand more about what fallen arches are, and how a good orthotic helps, you'll start to see why the solution doesn't have to break the bank.

Why, in our opinion, are Samurai Insoles the top pick for 2026 for fallen arches discomfort?

✔️ Great Reviews: "They work", "Amazing", "A Miracle", "A must have"; this is just some of the tremendous feedback Samurai Insoles Ninjas are getting from customers with fallen arches.

✔️ Design: Samurai Insoles Ninjas are one of the few products on the market that are an ACTUAL ORTHOTIC that is not super rigid. This gives your feet the support and shock absorption they need to relieve flat feet discomfort while STILL being comfortable! 

They also can be worn in nearly ANY shoe with a removable insole, giving you the flexibility of using them in many types of shoes! 

And the best part?  Because they aren't an insole made of foam and fabric, they last SO LONG!  There isn't anything to wear out, just put them under the factory insoles of a new pair of shoes and you're good to go.

✔️ Price: At $39.99 these are an absolute steal!  People routinely pay over $500 for custom orthotics for Morton's neuroma. For less than 1/10 the price, Samurai Insoles Ninjas can perform nearly as well for many people. .

✔️ Amazing Return Policy/Warranty: Samurai Insoles Ninjas have a 60 day return policy. You can literally wear them for 59 days, decide they don't work for you, and send them back for a full refund. Ninjas also have a ONE YEAR WARRANTY!  No other product we reviewed even comes CLOSE to this type of guarantee.

✔️ Made in the USA: Samurai Insoles are made in an orthotic lab in the USA. The fact that an American-made orthotic can be purchased for under $40 is incredible.

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FAQ

1) What are fallen arches?

Fallen arches, also called flat feet, describe a foot that has a low arch or no visible arch in the middle of the foot.

2) What causes fallen arches?

Fallen arches can be present at birth, develop in childhood, or show up later in life. Common factors include heredity, shoes with poor arch support, lots of standing or high heels, muscle strain, tendon injury, and higher risk with diabetes, pregnancy, obesity, and aging.

3) What symptoms can fallen arches cause?

Fallen arches can shift walking pressure to other parts of the foot, which may lead to discomfort and pain. If not addressed, it can contribute to ongoing symptoms and sometimes broader foot or joint problems.

4) Can insoles cure fallen arches?

Insoles cannot “cure” fallen arches, but arch supports can help manage symptoms by improving support and reducing discomfort during daily activity.

5) Are over-the-counter insoles enough, or do I need custom orthotics?

Many people can do well with over-the-counter orthotic inserts, while some may benefit from custom orthotics depending on severity, symptoms, and what else is going on mechanically.

6) What are common treatments for fallen arches?

Treatment depends on severity and cause, but many cases respond to conservative care such as arch supports, stretching, ice and compression, physical therapy, and pain medications when appropriate.

7) What can I do at home for painful fallen arches?

A consistent home program often focuses on supportive inserts plus a stretching and strengthening routine (as directed by a clinician), along with symptom control strategies like ice and compression.

8) When should I see a podiatrist?

Consider getting evaluated if pain persists, symptoms are worsening, you suspect a tendon injury, or you are not improving with conservative steps like better support and a basic home routine.