Reasons for Arch Pain
Whether you are an athlete or an inactive person, arch pain is something that can affect you. The arch of the foot is located from the base of the foot to the toes. The arch is a very important part of the foot that helps absorb shock, bear your weight, and allows for balanced, stable movement. For most people, arch pain is felt in the ball or the heel of the foot but it is not limited to just those areas. Depending on the cause of the arch pain, you may sometimes feel pain on the top of the foot, ankles, knees, and hips. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, check out Cherrywood foot doctor in Massapequa to learn more about how we can help you.
What are the Causes of Arch Pain?
When you are experiencing arch pain, you may feel pain or discomfort when you are walking and standing. Sometimes arch pain can happen if you have had an injury to the muscle, bones, ligaments, or tendons within the arch. Other times you may experience pain because of structural issues. One common structural issue that is a cause of arch pain is flat feet. Other structural issues that can be a factor of heel pain include:
- Weight gain
- Aging
- Overuse of foot
- Neurological issues
- Physical stress
If you have not experienced any structural issues, there are a few other conditions that may be the cause of the pain. These include:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is caused by inflammation or overuse of the plantar fascia ligament that connects the front of the foot to the heel. This is known to be one of the most common causes of foot pain. The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are stiffness in the heel and arch and pain after standing or being on your feet for too long. Seeing a foot doctor in Massapequa can show you stretches to relieve the foot pain as well as suggesting new proper footwear.
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction happens when you have inflammation of the posterior tibial tendon or experience and injury to that area of the foot. The posterior tibial tendon connects the inner foot to the calf muscle. Symptoms of this include pain extending for the back of the calf to the inner part of the ankle. In most cases, it is recommended to see a foot doctor and to wear an ankle brace to relieve some of the discomforts.
Overpronation
Overpronation is the way your foot moves when you walk. Some people overpronate and when this happens the outer edge of the heel touches the ground first which causes the foot to roll inward onto the arch. Over time, this flattens the foot and can lead to damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that will then cause arch pain. If you think you overpronate, come visit our foot doctors in Massapequa for an evaluation.
Cavus Foot
Cavus foot is when the foot has a very high arch. Very high arches can be inherited or could be caused by neurological conditions like cerebral palsy or a stroke. Symptoms may include hammer toe, claw toe, or calluses. If you have a cavus foot, pain is often felt when talking or standing. Most of the time it will be recommended to get orthotic shoe inserts to help relieve pain. If you are looking for special foot orthotics, check out our foot doctor in Massapequa to learn how orthotics may be beneficial for you.
Contact Our Foot Doctor in Massapequa
If you have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions, check out Cherrywood foot doctor in Massapequa to not only get the proper care but learn ways on how to care for your foot.