Arch Pain Overview

Arch Pain: Where Is the Arch?

The arch is the region of the foot between the heel and forefoot. People often have arch pain due to excessive positions of the foot, such as high arches or low arches (often described as flat feet). Both of these conditions can cause arch pain.

The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous connective tissue similar to a ligament, that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot and acts as a supportive platform for the arch. It is a robust structure, however, it deals with a lot of impact everyday when you are walking, running or jumping. When the plantar fascia is stretched beyond it’s normal length it becomes inflamed and irritated and can cause arch pain. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of arch pain.

When Will I Experience Arch Pain?

Arch pain can occur at any time that you are putting pressure on your foot. However, one of the most characteristic symptoms is heel pain and/or arch pain after resting. A lot of individuals experience a lot of heel and arch pain first thing in the morning when they get out of bed. The arch has been in a position that places the plantar fascia in a shortened posture all night, so the plantar fascia tightens. When pressure is placed on the foot upon getting up, the plantar fascia is suddenly stretched to its limit and can cause severe arch pain. The same issue can occur after sitting for a while.

Shoes with inadequate support in the arch area can aggravate plantar fasciitis and increase arch pain. Long periods of standing, especially if you are lifting and carrying extra weight, can have a negative effect on your feet. Factors such as having flatter-than-normal feet or being pregnant or overweight can also influence arch pain.

How Can I Alleviate Arch Pain?

There are several treatments for plantar fasciitis and other causes of arch pain. The most common and most effective one being arch supports (foot orthotics) to help control the mechanical cause of your arch pain. If the cause is overpronation, or flat feet, an orthotic that tilts the foot into a better position and has longitudinal arch support may be prescribed. This helps control your feet and arches and distribute your weight more evenly. If your arch pain is caused by high arches your arch supports (foot orthotics) will be designed to cushion the heel and support the arch.  They work to absorb the shock and distribute your weight more evenly as you are walking.

Rest, ice, taking anti-inflammatory drugs, losing weight, massage, stretching, using night splints, heel cushions and taping are all ideas you can try to reduce your arch pain as well. Some of these however, are only temporary relief techniques.

If you try these conservative methods and find they are unsuccessful and your arch pain is interfering with your everyday activities, surgery could be required as a last resort.

If getting surgery for plantar fasciitis or other casues of arch pain, be sure to look at the use of arch supports (foot orthotics) after surgery to correct mechanical and alignment problems. This is typically what caused the problem in the first place. Correct it so your arch pain does not return.

To see foot orthotics that are recommended by certified pedorthists, including those designed for arch pain, Click Here: Arch Supports.