If you’re struggling with pain in the arches of your feet, you’re not alone. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society estimates that 25% of adults experience foot pain at least once a year. Foot arch pain is one of the most common foot disorders, so it’s essential to know how to recognize the symptoms and which treatment options are best for you.
Urgent Footcare is the leading foot specialist in South Florida. Stop letting the pain go, call us today to book an appointment, and together, we can get that arch pain taken care of!
Causes
Arch pain is common among people who run, play sports, or spend a lot of time on their feet. If you’re one of those, you may find yourself with arch pain from time to time. Running, jumping, and playing sports can cause arch pain if you’re not taking precautions before and after exercising. Standing for extended periods can cause Arch pain and activities that require you to twist or turn your feet unnaturally.
Plantar Fasciitis and Fallen Arches
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of fibrous tissue on the bottom of your foot. The pain usually starts as a dull ache in your heel that worsens when you stand up after sitting or lying down. Fallen arches (flat feet) are another common source of pain. Your foot flattens out when you walk or stand on it; walking can be painful because there isn’t enough support.
- Stress fractures
- Tendinitis
- Bone spurs (small bumps on bones)
- Arthritis
Tendinitis, Stress Fractures, & More
Tendinitis and stress fractures are foot problems that can cause arch pain, especially if you’re overdoing it. They occur when your tendons—the tough fibers that connect muscles to the bone—are injured or inflamed by overuse. Stress fractures also occur in other bones in the foot, including the tarsal bones that run along the sides of your feet (they’re called metatarsals).
Tendinitis is usually caused by repeated stress on a tendon or muscle. For example: repetitively pounding on an exercise machine or running long distances without giving yourself time to rest can cause inflammation around tendons where they attach to bones (source). Stress fractures may result from too much pressure on certain bones during jumping or running downhill (source).
These kinds of foot problems are often the source of arch pain.
Treatments
RICE
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation with the RICE method: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation with the RICE method are effective treatment options for arch pain.
Wear Proper Shoes
A good pair of shoes can help prevent arch pain by offering support and cushioning, allowing you to walk more comfortably.
- Shoes that fit well: Your feet require an excellent fit to maintain their natural alignment. If your shoe is too tight or loose around the heel, it can cause stress on the joints and muscles in your foot, leading to pain and injuries like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.
- Avoid high heels and flip flops: High heels are hard on your arches, especially when worn for extended periods (such as during work), so stick with flats or low-heel shoes instead. Also, avoid wearing flip-flops because these types of sandals don’t provide any support for your feet at all!
- Don’t wear worn-out shoes: Worn-out sneakers aren’t just bad for our backs, but they’re also bad news for our arches—they’re not providing proper support anymore, so they can cause problems such as painful calluses or blisters due to friction between them being so rough on each other!
If It’s Severe, Seek Medical Attention
If you have severe foot arch pain, see a doctor as soon as possible. The most common causes of severe foot arch pain are broken bones or plantar fasciitis. These conditions warrant immediate medical attention.
If you can’t get in to see a doctor immediately, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 for help.
Of the many possibilities, you should seek medical attention if your foot arch pain worsens over time or is accompanied by redness, swelling, or warmth. You should also see a doctor if:
- Your foot arch pain is severe and does not improve after two days of rest and ice packs.
- A fever develops in conjunction with your foot arch pain. (A fever may indicate an infection.)
- Foot arch pain develops after an injury to the area (e.g., stepping on something sharp).
Urgent Footcare Can Get Your Arch Pain Solved
If you have arch pain, rest and let your foot heal. Once the pain has gone away, you can talk to your doctor about exercises that will strengthen your feet and prevent future problems. The specialists at Urgent Footcare can show you the best ways to never deal with arch pain ever again!