Your arch is quite durable since it effectively supports your entire body weight. However, the arch is also quite fragile and susceptible to a variety of painful problems due to all the stress and pressure that it absorbs. Having untreated flat feet can be a major contributor to arch pain.
Your arch is actually made up of three segments, two that are longitudinal and one that goes across the width of your foot. Many other ligaments, tendons, and muscles have to work together every time you take a step, creating multiple opportunities for injury to occur.
Some common causes of arch pain include the following:
Poorly-supporting footwear—Having poor arch support in your footwear puts too much stress on the arch. Make sure you wear properly-fitted shoes with the correct arch support for your foot type. Your foot doctor can perform a computerized gait analysis to determine the optimum support for your feet. Custom orthotic inserts may also be needed.
Plantar fasciitis—This is an arch condition that is often associated with radiating heel pain. The initial inflammation occurs in the plantar fascia which is the name of the tissue that makes up your arch. The spot where the plantar fascia connects to the heel bone is often the site of a possibly painful heel spur.
Excess weight and pressure—Being overweight puts extra stress and pressure on your feet, and if you add walking on hard surfaces for your job you are more likely to experience arch problems. If you participate in exercise and sports that involve a lot of running and jumping, you may also experience arch pain.
A variety of other conditions can cause arch pain, which is why you need to see your foot care professional for the proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you are having pain in your arches, consult with our board certified podiatristsat Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC. The center offers convenient locationsin Fort Lee NJ, Ringwood NJ, Flushing Queens NY, Woodhaven NY, Brooklyn NY, and Forest Hills NY. Contact us at (201) 363-9844 and schedule an appointmenttoday!
