ARCH PAIN

A natural approach – no orthotics, no surgery, no medication

What is Arch Pain?

Arch pain is the general name given to tenderness that is experienced on the underside of the foot especially along the inner border (medial) of the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is another name that is commonly used when a patient experiences arch pain.

What causes Arch Pain?

The most common cause of arch pain is when the foot collapses due to joints that misalign within the foot and leg. When these joints misalign more than what it should, whereby the arch lowers and the triangular nature of the foot ends up flattening, this motion forces the soft tissue structures that attach to the heel bone and the ball of the foot to stretch beyond their normal capabilities, resulting in arch pain. Some of the structures that are affected include the flexor muscles of the foot such as, Abductor hallucis and Flexor digitorum brevis, just to name a few. The plantar fascia can also be involved.

How to fix Arch Pain Naturally?

It is essential to address the cause of arch pain and restore correct alignment of the foot and leg through foot mobilisation and corrective exercises. Often the most common joints within the foot that will need to be naturally realigned using foot mobilisation would include the talus, navicular, cuneiforms, cuboid and the first ray complex. Corrective exercises, gait retraining and specific stretches will be essential in helping to hold and restore the foot to its corrected position so as to avoid reinjuring of the same structures.

A useful massage technique for helping with arch pain would be to gently roll your foot over a rolling pin while sitting. This will aid in freeing up any adhesions that have occurred and increase blood flow to the area to promote healing. However, while massage is helpful in managing the symptoms it will not fix the cause of arch pain.

Therefore we would recommend that you call the nearest Foot Posture Centre to discuss your particular foot problem so that we can determine if your particular condition can be helped without foot orthotics, medication or painful surgery.

FOOT FACTS

WARNING: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional podiatric advice. Treatment will vary between individuals depending on the diagnosis and presenting complaint. An accurate diagnosis can only be made following personal consultation with a Podiatrist.