Arch pain can develop slowly after weeks and months of strenuous training or sporting activity, or strike suddenly one morning when you wake up with the throbbing pain of plantar fasciitis. The causes of arch pain are many and varied, so it can be difficult to determine what the actual cause is without the help of an experienced foot care professional.
Some of the common causes of arch pain include the following:
- Ligament, muscle, and tissue damage
- Stress fractures
- Structural abnormalities
- Arthritis
- Overuse injuries
- Trauma to the foot
- Tight muscles
Treatment Options for Arch Pain
Depending upon the cause of your arch pain, treatment options may include:
- Proper footwear—Be sure to have your footwear properly fitted, and use the correct shoe type for the activity. Replace your athletic shoes every six months or sooner if you are an avid exerciser.
- Custom orthotics—Your foot doctor can customize inserts for your exact foot shape to improve the alignment and structure of your feet and to provide support and stabilization.
- Ceasing or modifying activities—Stopping the activity that is causing the arch pain may be necessary until the arch heals. Replacing high impact activities with swimming or cycling can be a great way to take some of the stress off your arches.
- Icing and ibuprofen—Apply an ice pack to the arch for fifteen minutes at a time, two or three times a day to help relieve swelling and pain. Anti-inflammatory meds may also help.
If home care, rest, and well-fitted shoes are not relieving your arch pain, seek help from your foot care professionals. At Your Next Step, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience, to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems. Common issues include sports injuries, arthritis, toe deformities, nail fungus, chronic tendon pain, and skin problems. Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen provide high quality podiatric care to patients in the greater Philadelphia area at our offices conveniently located in Ardmore, Paoli, and Downingtown, PA. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.