Most of us will experience foot arch pain at some point, and given how significant a role our arches play in providing mobility, strength, and balance, that should come as no surprise.
Fortunately, simple, at-home remedies are often effective at reducing pain and discomfort.
When those don’t work, other non-surgical options that your podiatrist can provide can help you move beyond arch pain.
What Causes Arch Pain?
To understand arch pain, you need to understand the arch itself. It runs along the bottom of the foot between the heel and ball and is comprised of ligaments, tendons, and bones.
All of those parts work together to help us bear weight, stabilize our movements, keep us balanced, and absorb shock.
Trauma or injuries to the foot are often the cause of arch pain. But other structural problems, such as high or low arches, can develop over time and lead to arch pain.
Some of the most common non-injury reasons behind foot arch pain include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Cavus foot
- Flat feet
- Fallen arches
- Neurological conditions
- Overpronation (first striking the ground with the outer side of the heel when walking)
- Aging
- Overuse
- Obesity
The Symptoms of Foot Arch Pain
Obviously, pain in the arch itself is a fundamental symptom of the condition, but that pain and discomfort can expand and radiate to adjacent areas such as the:
- heel
- ball of foot
- top of foot
- hips
- legs
- knees
- back
- ankles
For some folks, arch pain is the most intense first thing in the morning.
Most people, however, experience more pain when engaging in activities that use their feet, like standing, walking, or running.
Are There Home Remedies for Arch Pain?
In many cases, home remedies like rest, icing your foot after strenuous exercise, and anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications can do a good job alleviating arch pain.
Additionally, simple stretching exercises can help reduce discomfort.
Try the following, especially if your foot pain is due to plantar fasciitis:
- Put your ankle on your thigh and cradle your toes in one hand.
- With your other hand, gently fold your foot in on itself by pushing down and in on the heel.
- Gently push the toes toward your heel, and hold for three to five minutes.
- Perform this stretch once a day, or whenever you experience arch pain.
When Home Remedies Don’t Do The Trick
When such at-home efforts fail to provide relief from arch pain, you should make an appointment with a podiatrist.
After conducting a thorough examination of your foot and diagnosing the cause of your discomfort, they may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:
- Physical therapy
- Night splints
- Braces
- Casts
- Cortisone injections
- Prescription pain relievers
- Custom orthotics, support shoes, or inserts
You Don’t Need To Live With Ankle And Foot Pain!
At JAWS Podiatry in Hollywood, Florida, we use the most advanced and non-invasive techniques to reduce pain and hasten recovery for individuals suffering from foot and ankle problems, including arch pain.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you relieve your foot arch pain, please call us today at (954) 922-7333 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.