Arch Pain Has Many Causes

The flexible tissue that forms your arch is composed of three distinct arch sections, one transverse and two longitudinal. This tissue is quite strong but the daily stress and pressure of walking, working, and exercising takes its toll. Small tears and stretching of the arch tissue can lead to a painful condition called plantar fasciitis that can also lead to the development of heel spurs. 

Your arches are interconnected with many other components that can radiate pain to the arch, so see your foot doctor for the correct diagnosis..

Some of the more common causes of arch pain include the following:

• Poorly fitting shoes and improper arch support—For your feet to work optimally without pain and discomfort, your arches need proper support. Your foot doctor can determine your foot type and what type of arch supports and other orthotic inserts are right for you. Proper foot alignment also improves the function of your ankles, knees, hips, and back.

• Fracture of the foot or ankle—Tiny cracks in toe or other foot bones can radiate pain to the arch. Since the actual source of the problem can be hard to trace, be sure to see your foot doctor for a physical exam and possible imaging studies.

• Plantar fasciitis—The wide band of flexible tissue that run across the bottom of your foot is called the plantar fascia. When this normally robust tissue becomes torn, irritated, or inflamed from the stress and pressure of work, exercise, and sporting activities the pain not only affects the arch but often affects the heel area as well.

If you are experiencing pain and discomfort with your arches, we highly recommend that you consult with our board certified podiatrists for the proper diagnosis and treatment. The foot experts at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists, in the Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle care. Our team of doctors: Christopher M. Funk, D.P.M., FACFAS, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., is dedicated to serving you with state-of-the-art, cutting edge medical technologies including the PinPointe FootLaser, custom-fitted orthotics, and Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT) for chronic foot, heel, or ankle pain. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call (520) 575-0800.