Arch Pain Treatment

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Background

Arch pain can be frustrating and debilitating, impacting your ability to work or enjoy your favourite activities. Pain in the arch typically indicates that something in the area has been damaged, such as the plantar fascia or one of the metatarsal bones, or that there may be another underlying issue, like an infection or flare-up. This can interfere with the arch’s ability to absorb shock, bear weight, maintain balance, and stabilize movement.
person rolling arch on roller right foot to relieve arch pain

Table of Contents

Reasons For Arch Pain

Arch Pain Symptoms

Pain in the arch of the foot can affect people of all ages and activity levels, although it is more common in women with flatter feet. Due to the complex nature of the foot, which includes numerous muscles, tissues, ligaments, and bones, pinpointing the exact cause of arch pain can be challenging.
 
At Priority Podiatry Clinic, arch and heel pain are among the most common issues we treat. Contributing factors to arch pain may include:

In addition to pain and tenderness in the arch, you may notice mild swelling, warmth, and pain that worsens with walking and improves with rest. However, these symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause of your arch pain and your specific diagnosis.

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Phone: 07 5510 9222

Located within Hope Island Marketplace Medical & Skin Clinic, 99-103 Broadwater Ave Hope Island QLD 4212

Phone: 07 5546 9766

 Located Within Jimboomba Medical Centre, Unit 1/69 Cerina Cct, Jimboomba QLD 4280

Phone: 07 3287 2224

Located Within Beenleigh Mall Medical Centre, Shop24A, 40/68 Main Street, Beenleigh QLD 4207

Phone: 07 2889 1666

Located Within Eagleby Family Practice, 5/120 River Hills Rd, Eagleby QLD 4207

Phone: 07 4635 6111

Located Within Toowoomba Medical Centre, 146 Drayton Road, Harristown QLD 4350

Phone: 07 3067 2370

Located Within Marsden Family Doctors, Shop 28/55-77 Chambers Flat Rd, Marsden QLD 4132

Phone: 07 3355 4082

Located Within Keperra Medical Clinic, 14 Dallas Parade Keperra QLD 4054

Phone: 07 5573 5663

Located Within Doctors @ Coomera Central, Shop 6, 21 Coomera Grand Drive, Upper Coomera, QLD 4209

Phone: 07 4633 8700

Located Within Ochre Medical Centre Wyalla, Shop 20, 238 Taylor Street, Newtown QLD 4350

Arch Pain Treatment

Treating arch pain begins with identifying the factors contributing to your symptoms, such as:
  • Have you recently changed your activity levels?
  • Have you increased your running distance or training intensity?
  • Is your footwear worn out and no longer providing adequate support?
  • Have you experienced any trauma to the heel or arch?
  • Are your foot biomechanics placing excessive strain on a muscle, tissue, or ligament in your arch?
  • Is there another underlying issue that needs further investigation?

 

We will explore these and other relevant questions to uncover the root cause of your arch pain. Often, an injury has multiple contributing factors, and identifying them is key to preventing recurrence.

Our comprehensive assessment will evaluate the movement, strength, and function of your foot and lower limbs, along with a detailed gait analysis. Based on these findings, your podiatrist will create a personalised treatment plan to address your symptoms, provide pain relief, and support tissue recovery. The ultimate goal is to prevent the pain from returning by implementing the right preventative measures.

Your treatment plan may include:

  • Footwear modifications
  • Strapping
  • Splints, braces, or other supportive devices
  • A stretching and strengthening program
  • Orthotics

Arch Pain FAQ's

Identifying the cause of arch pain without consulting a podiatrist can be challenging. Common contributing factors include a flat foot type, bunions, hammertoes or claw toes, plantar plate injuries, or damage to the posterior tibial tendon. Other potential causes may include weight gain, aging, overuse, or physical stress. Plantar fasciitis is frequently cited as one of the primary causes of arch pain.
Since arch pain can result from various factors, working with your podiatrist to develop a tailored treatment plan is essential. Your podiatrist may recommend options such as footwear modifications, strapping, splints or braces, a strengthening program, gait retraining, or orthotics to effectively address and manage the pain.

Lower back issues can sometimes lead to pain in the arch of the foot, although it is uncommon to experience foot pain without accompanying leg pain. When arch pain (and leg pain) is linked to back problems, it is often due to an irritated or compressed nerve root in the lower back. Consulting with your podiatrist is essential to accurately identify the underlying cause of your arch pain and ensure appropriate treatment.

If left untreated, arch pain can persist for months or even years, depending on its underlying cause. In many cases, the pain will continue if the contributing factors, such as wearing unsupportive footwear, remain present in your daily routine. With appropriate treatment, however, a full recovery is typically expected within weeks to months. The recovery time depends on the severity of your pain or injury and the specific cause of your arch pain.

The best orthotics for arch pain are custom-made. Over-the-counter orthotics from a chemist, which are typically “one-size-fits-all,” are not recommended as they assume every foot has the same needs and generally only provide cushioning. This approach does not address the unique features or requirements of your feet.

To effectively treat and prevent arch pain, it’s essential to target the specific muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bones that have been affected. Custom foot orthotics, designed specifically for you using a 3D foot scan and a personalised prescription from your podiatrist, facilitate proper healing and help prevent the pain from recurring.

The best type of shoe for arch pain varies significantly based on the cause of your pain and your foot type. If you have a flatter foot type causing strain on your arch, shoes with good arch support may be beneficial. On the other hand, some individuals may find more relief with a neutral shoe that offers excellent shock absorption. When choosing footwear, it’s important to consider the overall features of your feet and legs, not just the arch pain, to ensure the best support and comfort.

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Your feet are the foundation of movement, comfort, and life. At Priority Podiatry Clinic, we prioritise your mobility and well-being.

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