Arch pain is characterized by a burning, throbbing sensation that can leave you wanting nothing more than to put your feet up and take a break. When these symptoms strike, don’t delay seeing a foot specialist. Arch pain needs to be tackled at the root of the problem or it may get worse, so here is some information about why arch pain needs to be handled by a foot doctor as quickly as possible.

Causes of Arch Pain

The arch of your foot is formed by two bones, the tarsal and metatarsal, and strengthened by ligaments and tendons. One cause of arch pain is a structural imbalance in the bones, which can shift with time, possibly due to poorly fitting shoes. Another cause is weakness in the surrounding ligaments and tendons.

One of the most common causes of arch pain reported by foot specialists is plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from the heel to the front. If this is overly stretched due to structural problems such as flat feet, inflammation results. This can cause discomfort in the heels and arches.

Preventing & Treating Arch Pain

Your choice of footwear is a major factor in arch pain. High-heels are one cause, so it’s best to avoid these whenever possible. Make sure your shoes have proper support for your arches. A soft leather upper that gives way to the foot’s form protects against undue pressure on the bones.

See a foot specialist to rule out the possibility that your arch pain is due to a structural issue. If flat feet are to blame, they can create orthotics for proper support. They can also recommend stretches and home remedies, such as rolling your foot over a tennis ball, to alleviate discomfort.

When residents of Blue Ash, OH, are experiencing foot, ankle, or heel pain, they look to the Foot & Ankle Specialists for help. Serving patients throughout the Tri-State area, these highly trained professionals are known for the state-of-the-art care they provide. Whether you’re an athlete with a sprain or require diabetic foot care, they can help. Get a full overview of their podiatric services online. For an appointment with a foot specialist, call (513) 769-4408.