Arch pain

	What is arch pain?
	What are the common conditions leading to pain in my arch?
	What can Auckland Sports Podiatry do to help?

What is arch pain?

Arch pain is the term used to describe symptoms that occur under the arch of the foot.

When someone indicates they are suffering from acute or chronic arch pain, they usually have caused inflammation of the tissues within the midfoot. These damaged structures all have the capacity to upset the normal mechanics and therefore function of the arch.

The arch of the foot is formed by a network of small joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles, reinforced by a tight band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes (plantar fascia), not surprisingly making the arch vulnerable to a lot of stress and therefore damage.

Your arch is crucial in proper foot mechanics and ideal and effective smooth transfer of weight from the heel to the toes.

When the tissue of the arch of the foot becomes irritated and inflamed, even simple movements can be quite painful – often leading to changes in your gait and/or postural compensations.

It is very important that this acute arch pain is soon resolved, as the longer the pain lasts, typically the harder it is to treat effectively.

What are the common conditions leading to pain in my arch?

Common arch conditions include:

• Midtarsal joint sprain
• Lisfranc injury
• Stress fracture of the navicular
• Metatarsal stress fractures
• Flexor muscle strain
• Plantar fascia strain
• Posterior and anterior tibialis tendon insertion strain

What can Auckland Sports Podiatry do to help?

As the arch is a critical component to your overall posture, it makes sense to prevent further collapse and or damage by seeking appropriate attention as soon as possible.
ASP can give you a thorough biomechanical examination and manual assessment to provide you with a logical explanation of your condition, with all possible forms of treatment discussed in detail.

If the condition requires orthotic therapy, your Sports Medicine Podiatrist will assist in deciding on the most appropriate and effective device for you, with the intention of getting you back on your feet, pain-free, in the shortest time possible.