Sprained angle

About 6 or 7 years ago I sprained my left ankle.  I went on walking on it because it didn't hurt much at first. However, later it was still painful.  waiting too long to go to a doctor, it was too late and my left foot turns outward and I have NO arch.  My foot is flat as a duck's foot.  Recently, I went to an orthologist (foot doctor) who enabled me to obtain a brace which turns my foot straight but it's annoying to wear.  Medicare wouldn't cover the two pairs of shoes in 2 sizes.  The cheap shoes we had to buy are terrible.  I need New Balance,.Oh yeh, this is supposed to be about balance and falls.  The foot problem makes it difficult to balance and turn.   I have RA, too. But that's another topic.

[Dr_Veena]

Hi,
    Thanks for writing in. Flat foot is a condition in which the arch of the foot collapses, with the entire sole of the foot coming into complete or near complete contact with the ground. Flat feet can also develop as an adult due to injury, illness, unusual or prolonged stress to the foot, faulty mechanics, or as part of the normal aging process. However, if developed by adulthood, flat feet generally remain flat permanently.
If an arch appears when the person dorsiflexes (stands on tip-toe or pulls the toes back with the rest of the foot flat on the floor), this condition is called flexible flatfoot. Muscular training of the feet, while generally be helpful in these cases.
Treatment includes using arch supports, orthotics, foot gymnastics and other exercises.  The below link would help you choose from the types of foot wear available for your condition. http://www.footcareonline.co.uk/flat_feet.htm
Surgery can provide lasting relief, and even create an arch where none existed before, but should be considered a last resort, as it is usually very time consuming and costly.
Get well soon.