The arch in your foot provides the strength needed to do everyday activities that we all take for granted, such as walking, running, lifting etc. It is the tendons in our foot that attach to the heel and foot bones that form the arch that you see. It is the many tendons in your lower leg and foot that all work together to form the arch.
When all the tendons work as they should you will have a moderate arch in your lower foot, but when the tendons do not pull together properly it can cause a reduced or no arch at all, and this can cause many issues including pain and discomfort for many.
Pain can come on suddenly, or it can be something you have been experiencing for a long time. Some people experience such bad pain that can cause burning and throbbing throughout the night, and this can be a result of the soft tissue in the arch being torn or damaged.
Common conditions and causes that can cause foot arch pain
- Posterior Tendonitis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Peroneal Tendonitis
- An abnormality that you are born with
- Torn tendons
- Broken bones
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Many of these conditions can cause similar symptoms to an individual so it is important to find out the cause of your pain, so you can seek appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of pain in the arch of your foot
- The pain gets worse throughout the day
- The pain is very bad in the morning but slowly gets better as you walk around
- Feeling a sharp pain in the arch of your foot when weight bearing
- Feeling a shooting pain in the foot
- Cramp like pain in the arch of your foot
- Feet get tired very easily
- Swelling on the bottom of your feet
- Back and leg pain
- Standing on your toes is painful
What to expect when you see your physiotherapist
The physiotherapist who examines you will do a full examination of your feet and look at your walking gait and take a full history of your pain and symptoms.
They will want to observe you as you stand and walk and watch you stand on your toes. They will look at the type of footwear you use too.
They will test the strength you have in your feet and legs such as the posterior tibial tendon and the Achilles tendon.
They may suggest an x-ray or an MRI to confirm your diagnosis however this is often after a number of sessions if no improvements are visible. Physiotherapy treatment on its own can relieve symptoms by correcting muscle imbalances and walking patterns.
Physiotherapy treatment that is recommended for painful foot arches
- Using ice in this area regularly to help alleviate any swelling
- Soft tissue massage to reduce any swelling
- Strengthening and stretching exercises
- Acupuncture
- Electrotherapy such as Ultrasound
- Pain relief medications such as an anti-inflammatory
- Getting orthotics made to fit in your shoes to raise your arch
- Steroid injections to reduce inflammation in the area causing you pain
- Acupuncture or dry needling
- Taping
- Reviewing foot wear
The severity of your pain will determine your treatment plan. Our physiotherapists can offer their support and professional advice. They will help work with you to build a tailored programme around your needs and capabilities.
Please contact Home Physio Group to see how we can help you and help alleviate any pain that you are experiencing on 0330 335 1016.