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Why do I have arch pain?

Arch pain is an extremely common condition that affects millions of people in the U.S. alone. The arch of your foot absorbs shock, bears weight, helps create balance, stabilizes movement, and adapts to any changes of terrain. Typically, you will experience a running pain in the ball of your foot. Arch pain can affect more than just your feet. You may begin to experience some aches and pains in your ankles, knees, hips, legs, and back as well. Since your arches play a crucial role in your day to day activities, it is essential to take care of them when you are experiencing pain. 

Causes of Arch Pain:

Arch pain can occur for numerous reasons. It can be due to an injury to the muscles, ligaments, or tendons that form the arch in your foot. A common cause of arch pain stems from structural issues, such as flat feet and high arches, and these issues can be aggravated by: 

  • Weight Gain 
  • Aging 
  • Overuse 
  • Neurological Conditions 
  • Physical Stress 

Many different conditions can also cause pain throughout the arch of your foot, and these include:

  • Plantar Fasciitis 
  • Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)
  • Overpronation
  • Cavus Foot

Treating and Preventing Arch Pain At-home: 

When it comes to arch pain, you may be able to treat the pain on your own with a few minor lifestyle changes. A few at-home remedies you can try include: 

  • Rest– You will need to rest your foot and take a break from activities that have been putting stress on your feet, such as running. These strenuous exercises and activities should be avoided for at least a few days, or longer if the pain continues even with rest. 
  • Ice– You can ice your foot by applying ice to your foot for 10-15 minutes twice a day.
  • Stretch– Stretching the affected muscles and arch can help relieve pain and tightness you are feeling. 
    • Ex): Use a lacrosse ball, foam roller, or water bottle to roll up and down the arch of your foot to massage the irritated area for 5-10 minutes.
  • Over-the-Counter Remedies– You can also try taking Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen to help subside pain and reduce inflammation 

On the other hand, if you are experiencing severe arch pain, consider reaching out to a medical professional for help. 

How Can a Podiatrist Help?

If you have been experiencing pain in your arch for more than a few days, it may be time to seek out the help of a podiatrist. When scheduling an appointment, your doctor will start by examining your foot, how you walk, and any other factors that may lead to a conclusion as to why you are experiencing pain. From there, they will likely suggest one of the following treatment options: 

  • Custom orthotics. 
  • Shoe inserts. 
  • The use of a brace or splint.
  • Steroid injections. 
  • Surgery. 

Great Neck Family Footcare:

Here at Great Neck Family Footcare, we are dedicated to treating foot disorders and relieving your discomfort. Our podiatrist, Dr. Alec Hochstein, specializes in foot conditions including, foot pain, injuries, ulcers, bunions, and more. If you are experiencing pain in your foot, contact us today so we can help get you back to your everyday lifestyle!