The most common reason for foot arch pain is a condition called plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar fascia, or arch ligament. This ligament is a broad band of fibrous tissue on the bottom of the foot extending from the heel to the forefoot. The condition also typically leads to heel pain and sometimes a heel spur.
Causes
Excessive stretching of the plantar fascia, which may occur if you have flat feet or high arches, causes plantar fasciitis. If your activities, even walking, result in excessive flattening of the feet (overpronation), you also are at risk for plantar fasciitis. The condition may result from activity involving tight calf muscles, such as running or dancing. Wearing high heels can lead to the condition, as can wearing shoes that do not fit properly or provide ineffective support for certain activities. Overweight people are more at risk because of extra weight impact on the foot.
Effects
Plantar fasciitis pain tends to occur close to the heel and extends to the arch. It is often at its worst when you first get out of bed or after a long period of rest and put pressure on the ligament. The pain may be severe, and patients commonly describe it as burning or stabbing, particularly in the heel. You might feel pain when pressing on the inside of your heel and along the arch, and stretching the ligament may hurt.
Initial Treatment
Plantar fasciitis often can be resolved by resting the affected foot as much as possible and avoiding any activity that places additional stress on the arch. Taping your foot also can help, and you might want to try icing the foot after necessary activity and before going to sleep. Wearing proper shoes is important.
Possible Complications
If the pain continues, you should seek medical treatment to prevent complications, such as a heel spur. A heel spur is a bony growth at the attachment of the plantar fascia to the heel bone. Also, people with plantar fasciitis sometimes change the way they walk to avoid pain, which can result in knee, hip or back pain.
Medical Treatment
A doctor may prescribe orthotics, or shoe inserts, to achieve proper arch support. Orthotics are beneficial for people with flat feet, problems with overpronation or who have high arches. A plantar fasciitis night splint also can help. The patient wears this device while sleeping, and it gently stretches the calf muscles and plantar fascia. A sports medicine physician or physical therapist can teach you sports massage techniques which stretch the calf muscles and reduce tension in the plantar fascia.
Tags: plantar fascia, calf muscles, heel spur, plantar fasciitis, also help, flat feet, high arches
