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Arch Pain |
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| Information for health professionals on arch pain. |
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Arch pain is often felt as a burning
sensation under the long arch of the foot. There are a number of
causes of this, but the most common is plantar
fasciitis, but can also be due to the strain of any structure
in the arch of the foot. |
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Causes of arch pain |
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| There are a number of possible
causes for arch pain, but the most common are structural imbalances
of the foot, such a pronated foot
(rolls inward at the ankles). This is often not enough in isolation
to cause the problem, but in combination with other factors arch
pain may develop. These other factors are usually associated with
overuse - running, walking, hard surfaces and/or OFAD (on
feet all day),
usually combined with inadequate or non-supportive footwear. |
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The more common specific causes of arch pain can be: * plantar fasciitis (strain of the plantar fascia - a strong ligament that supports the arch) * tarsal tunnel syndrome (a pinched nerve at the ankle that refers pain to the arch) * foot strain from a pronated foot or flat foot * there can be osteoarthritis of the joints in the midfoot that can cause arch pain |
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Self management of arch pain |
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The initial treatment for arch pain, especially if it is of sudden onset is the use of ice to reduce the swelling. Later heat and anti-inflammatory gels can be a big help. Activity should be modified - if you stand a lot at work, see if you can using seating more; if you run a lot, consider swimming or cycling for a while. Use footwear that is supportive in the midfoot and heel area. |
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Arch pain management |
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An accurate diagnosis from a health professional is important early in the management of arch pain. If the symptoms are mild, management will generally just consist of advice about fitting footwear, stretching exercises for the calf muscles and arch and if indicated, the use of foot orthotics. |
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If the symptoms are more severe, tape can be used to restrict motion and support the arch; anti-inflammatory medication can be used to give some relief. Orthotics are usually indicated. If there is no initial response to treatment, further investigations may be necessary to check for conditions such as arthritis or a pinched nerve. |
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Prevention of arch pain |
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| Early in the treatment of arch pain, consideration needs to be given to the cause and strategies put in place to prevent it happening again. Advice should be sought on the adequacy of footwear. Stretching exercises should be continued long after the symptoms are gone. Foot orthoses should be used if structural imbalances are present. Activity levels and types of activities (occupational and sporting) need to be considered and modified accordingly. |
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Links of relevance to arch pain |
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Other foot problems: plantar fasciitis, heel pain, arch support ePodiatry's database on: plantar fasciitis, heel pain Ask a question in the foot health forum about arch pain |
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Buy products to help arch pain: |
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Return to
foot problem or foot pain page |
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ePodiatry is purely
a source of information on foot arch pain and should at no time
be considered as replacing the expertise of a health professional.
We recommend seeking professional advice for foot arch pain and
all foot problems before embarking on any form of self treatment
or management. Neither the content or any other service provided
through ePodiatry is intended to be relied on for medical diagnosis
or treatment. Do not delay in seeking health professional advice
because of something seen on ePodiatry. |
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©2003. The information
contained on this page about foot arch pain is subject to copyright.
No part of the information about foot arch pain contained
on this page can be reproduced in any form without the permission
of ePodiatry. |
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Arch Pain |
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