Arch Pain Symptoms and Treatment from Foot Solutions

3 min read

arch pain treatmentIn this article, we are going to talk about arch pain treatment. Many people experience pain in the arch of the foot. This is known as arch strain or arch pain.  Arch pain usually involves inflammation of the arch of the foot, and can sometimes cause a burning sensation in the foot.

Causes of Arch Pain

There are several different variables that can contribute to arch pain. One common foot condition that causes arch pain is plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs the length of the foot, along the underside.

It connects the heel to the ball of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of that connective tissue. When the plantar fascia is stretched too far or develops small tears, plantar fasciitis can result. The body may lose its ability to repair these tiny tears in the plantar fascia due to inflammation or repetitive minor injury.

Sometimes, having flat feet causes a person to develop plantar fasciitis.  Many people who have plantar fasciitis experience arch pain. Arch pain that is caused by plantar fasciitis is often most noticeable or severe when a person first wakes up in the morning or stands up after a long period of rest.

This occurs because the plantar fascia tightens when your feet are at rest.  When you stand up again, you put pressure on the feet and stretch the plantar fascia out again.  

Preventing and Arch Pain Treatment

There are a few simple steps that you can take to minimize arch pain, including the following:

  • Avoid wearing high heels;
  • Choose supportive, comfortable shoes;
  • Use orthotics, or customised shoe inserts;
  • Elevate the feet and apply ice to the arches; and
  • Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (always seek advice from your pharmacist or doctor first).
  • Once the soreness has subsided & when any inflammation has cleared up, gentle calf stretching exercises, will also help to keep the Plantar Fascia stretched & more resistant to further strain.

You should also be attentive to any changes in your feet as you get older.  The feet will lose some of their fat pad as you get older.  You may go up a shoe size, and your feet may also get wider.

Choose footwear that is sturdy, but comfortable.  Before you buy new shoes, have your feet measured to make sure that you are wearing the right size.

Choose shoes that are made specifically for the purpose for which you will wear them.  Athletic shoes are divided into different categories, like running shoes, hiking shoes, and cross-trainers.  Choose a shoe that has the features that meet your needs & that suits the shape of your feet.

If you are experiencing increasing levels of pain in your feet, you should visit your doctor.  You may experience some arthritic changes in your feet as you age.  If that is the case, your doctor may recommend medication or other treatment to slow the progression of the arthritis.

Support Your Arches

All feet need proper arch support, and that is especially true if you have arch pain.  You can gain that support by using orthotic inserts or custom arch supports, in your shoes to support your feet.  These inserts are beneficial for those who have flat feet as well as those who have high arches.  In addition to using  shoe inserts, you should choose supportive shoes.

Avoid high heels and flip-flops.  If you have to wear high heels, stick to heels that are less than two inches, and wear them for brief time periods.  Wear flip-flops only when you won’t be walking for very long, since they offer very little support.

If you have arch pain, visit Foot Solutions UK to check out our selection of products. We carry all types of footwear including orthopaedic shoes  as well as a variety of shoe inserts – from a fully customized