Arch Pain: more common than you may think

Foot arch pain is a common type of foot pain. Its symptoms include pain when getting up in the morning, and pain during long walks or long periods of standing. Arch pain in the morning is due to the ligaments under the foot known as the Plantar Fascia becoming contracted and tight as you sleep through the night. When getting up and walking in the morning, the fascia is still tight and prone to irritation when stretched. When walking or standing for long periods, the plantar fascia becomes inflamed and painful.

What causes Arch Pain?

The most common cause of arch pain is Plantar Fasciitis. Plantar Fasciitis is Latin for inflammation of the Plantar Fascia – the fibrous band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. Someone with arch pain usually has inflammation of the tissues within the mid-foot. The arch of the foot is formed by the Plantar Fascia, which tighten and relax during the different phases of gait. The Plantar Fascia plays an important role in proper foot mechanics and transfer of weight from the heel to the toes. When inflamed, even simple movements can be quite painful.

Plantar Fasciitis is caused by over-stretching of the Plantar Fascia. Repeated strain can cause tiny tears in the ligament. These can lead to inflammation, irritation, pain and swelling. Arch pain is more likely to happen when:

• your feet roll inward too much (over-pronation)
• you walk, stand, or run for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces
• you are overweight
• you have tight Achilles tendons and/or calf muscles

Treatment solutions for Arch Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)

Medical studies on foot pain found that a combination of stretching exercises and wearing a standard, off-the-shelf orthotic shoe insert is the most effective way of dealing with arch pain. This treatment regime is also very effective for the treatment of heel pain.

Footminders podiatry orthotic insoles are a simple, easy, low-cost solution to arch pain. The powerful combination of support and cushioning provides relief to arch pain, as well as many other foot and lower body ailments.

Additionally, realignment of the feet and ankles also helps to improve you body posture and can assist with the treatment of knee and lower back pain.

Footminders are podiatrist-designed orthotic insoles that prevent over-pronation and support the arches. Our arch supports help release the tension on the Plantar Fascia, thereby treating the cause of Plantar Fasciitis and arch pain. At the same time, stretching of the Achilles Tendon, calf muscles and hamstrings creates a lot more flexibility during walking and takes the stress out of the Plantar Fascia. The hamstrings, calf muscles, Achilles Tendon and Plantar Fascia all work together during gait, so tightness in one area often causes problems in another area.

Footminders recommends the following orthotics for arch pain:

Arch pain treatment with orthotic insoles can be complemented with the following:

• Rest: give your feet a rest. Cut back on activities that make your foot hurt. Try not to walk or run on hard surfaces.
• Ice: to reduce pain and swelling, try putting ice under the arch. Or take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (such as Advil) acetaminophen (Tylenol), or aspirin.