Let’s Talk About Arch Pain
posted: Oct. 02, 2017.
Do you feel pain in your foot?
Take a close look at where the pain is coming from. Could it be arch pain? Arch pain can affect even the other areas of your foot like the heel and the ball of your foot.
Know Your Arch
Your arch is made up of your tarsal and metatarsal bones, as well as the supporting tendons and ligaments. Together they help absorb stress that is directed to your foot, stabilize your body so you can stand, walk, and run. Your arches also help you adapt to sloping and uneven surfaces.
When the bones, tendons, or ligaments that make up your arches are injured or weakened due to overuse or wear and tear due to aging, you might experience pain in your arch.
Sometimes arch pain can also be a symptom of a specific foot ailment like plantar fasciitis or excessive pronation. You can set up an appointment with Sheldon Nadal, DPM to find out whether you are suffering from any of these foot conditions. If none of these apply, it is also possible that you have a condition known as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.
You should never ignore arch pain as it can progress and cause other ailments such as:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Knee Pain
- Lower Back and Hip Pain
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Stress Fractures
- Shin Splints
- Hammertoes
- Foot and Leg Pain
Treatment and Prevention
Arch Supports can help relieve some of your pain and discomfort. First, you need to find out your arch type (whether you have low, medium, or high arches) because the height and shape of your arch support would need to match your arch type.
Shoe inserts or orthotics can support your arch, ease stress on your posterior tibialis tendon, and stabilize your heel. You can also find really comfortable and supportive shoes with insoles that can fully support the arch.
You can work on strengthening your tibialis posterior muscle. You should also stretch your Achilles tendon. These two are instrumental in reducing arch pain. The wearing of night splints can also help alleviate pressure on your arches as night splints can keep your muscles in proper position.
You can also try cold therapy. Use wraps and other forms of cold therapy to relieve you of some discomfort and pain.
Of course, consulting with our podiatrist Sheldon H. Nadal, DPM can greatly help you! Call us at your earliest convenience.