The components in your foot, which include muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissue, give it the flexibility you need to walk, run, and jump. Your arch runs along the bottom of your foot from your heel to the ball of your foot and helps bear some of the weight of your body. It also acts as a shock absorber for every step you take. Show
Whether it’s due to an injury or a structural problem within your foot, arch pain is common and can make walking, running, jumping, and many other activities that require fancy footwork unpleasant. At Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine, we want you to know what may be causing your arch pain so you can take the necessary steps to get relief from your discomfort. Pain in my archHigh-impact activities and overuse are common causes of arch pain, which is why runners and athletes are at risk. However, aging and weight gain can also affect the mechanics of your foot, resulting in pain. The type of pain you experience may depend on the underlying cause and may be felt in the heel or ball of your foot. Your arch pain may also travel to the top of your foot or your ankle, as well as your knees, hips, and back. Common causes of arch painAny injury or alteration in the structure of your foot can lead to arch pain. Some of the most common causes include: Plantar fasciitisPlantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar fascia, causes a stinging pain in the arch or heel of your foot that’s usually worse when you first wake up in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time. Your plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs from the back of your heel to the ball of your foot. Too much stress on the tissue, often caused by running, leads to inflammation and swelling of the tissue that causes arch pain. Flat feetIf the arch of your foot touches against the floor when you’re standing up, then it’s possible that you have flat feet. This condition can occur in childhood if your arch never fully developed. However, it’s also possible for your arches to fall as an adult due to injury, overuse, or excess body weight. Flat feet don’t always cause pain, but you can experience aching in the heel or ball of your feet, especially after activity. Abnormal pronationPronation refers to the natural movement of your foot as you walk or run. Normally, when you take a step your foot rolls slightly inward, which improves shock absorption, as well as proper alignment of your ankles and knees. If your foot rolls inward too far (overpronation) or outward (underpronation) when you walk, it throws off the biomechanics within your foot and may be responsible for your arch pain. Sprains, strains, and fractures can also cause arch pain. Due to the many possible causes, if you’re experiencing arch pain, you should have it evaluated so you get the right treatment. Getting relief for arch painGetting relief for your arch pain may depend on the underlying cause. Our podiatric experts conduct comprehensive examinations so we can identify the cause and provide the most effective treatment, which may include:
For issues related to pronation, we offer gait analysis, which breaks down each element of your gait to assess how the biomechanics within your foot may be contributing to your arch pain. No matter the cause, arch pain isn’t something you simply have to live with. In fact, not taking care of the underlying cause of your pain may lead to more foot problems. For comprehensive podiatric care, call our office in Kirkland, Washington, at 425-243-4957. Plantar fasciitis is pain on the bottom of your foot, around your heel and arch. You can usually ease the pain yourself but see a GP if it does not improve within 2 weeks. Check if you have plantar fasciitisThe main symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain on the bottom of your foot, around your heel and arch. Credit: NHSD/Rich Kelly/Turbosquid It's more likely to be plantar fasciitis if:
How to ease plantar fasciitis yourselfIf you see a GP, they'll usually suggest you try these things: Do
Don’t
A pharmacist can help with plantar fasciitisYou can ask a pharmacist about:
Find a pharmacy Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
Severe pain:
Moderate pain:
Mild pain:
Treatment for plantar fasciitis from a foot specialistIf plantar fasciitis does not get better, a GP might refer you to a physiotherapist or foot specialist (podiatrist). A physiotherapist can show you exercises to help ease your symptoms. A podiatrist can recommend things like insoles and the right shoes to wear. Physiotherapy is available free of charge on the NHS throughout the UK but waiting times can sometimes be long. Depending on where you live, you may be able to self-refer or you may need to visit a GP or consultant first. Podiatry may not be available for free on the NHS everywhere and waiting times can sometimes be long. You can also pay to see a podiatrist or physiotherapist privately. Find a registered podiatrist Find a registered physiotherapist Read more about accessing physiotherapy. Common causes of plantar fasciitisPlantar fasciitis is caused by straining the part of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia). Why do my arches hurt after wearing heels?Arch strain.
The unnatural position of a high heel strains the arch of the foot so that the foot is always pointing downward. Over time, this can make it impossible for the wearer to walk or stand barefooted without pain.
How do you fix a sore arch in your foot?ARCH PAIN TREATMENT OPTIONS. Strapping.. Orthotics where necessary.. Footwear changes.. Shock wave therapy.. Stretching.. Immobilisation boot.. What helps foot pain after wearing heels?As soon as you get home, take off your shoes and stretch out your ankles, toes and calves. Soothe throbbing achy feet with a warm Epsom salt soak. After that, treat any blisters with antibiotic ointments to prevent infection. Finally, give yourself a break and elevate your feet.
Why does the bottom of my foot hurt where the arch is?Plantar fasciitis
Your plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs from the back of your heel to the ball of your foot. Too much stress on the tissue, often caused by running, leads to inflammation and swelling of the tissue that causes arch pain.
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