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Arch Pain Specialist

Birch Tree Foot and Ankle -  - Foot and Ankle Specialist

Birch Tree Foot and Ankle

Foot and Ankle Specialist located in Traverse City, MI

Arch pain can be severe enough to send you straight to the podiatrist, but even if the pain is mild, you should seek treatment to prevent the problem from getting progressively worse. At Birch Tree Foot and Ankle in Traverse City and Manistee, Michigan, Jeffrey Weber, DPM, works with each patient to determine the source of their arch pain and develops a customized treatment that gets them back to action. To get relief from your arch pain, call or schedule an appointment online today.

Arch Pain Q&A

What causes arch pain?

Your arches are specially designed to bear your body weight and absorb shock every time you take a step. This daily stress makes the arches susceptible to painful problems like sprains, strains, and overuse injuries. 

Though not as common, arch pain may arise from a traumatic injury. You could also develop a plantar fibroma, which is a benign nodule that grows in the arch.

Your risk of developing painful arches increases if you’re overweight or your shoes don’t provide enough arch support. Of all the possible causes of arch pain, the most common is a condition called plantar fasciitis.

How does plantar fasciitis cause arch pain?

A strong ligament called the plantar fascia runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel to your toes and supporting the arch. When the ligament is inflamed, you have a condition called plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis often occurs due to:

  • Flat feet
  • High arches
  • Repetitive movements
  • High-impact activities like running
  • Tight Achilles tendon
  • Lack of arch support in your shoes
  • Overpronation, or rolling your foot inward

These problems all place stress on the plantar fascia, causing inflammation and microtears that can cause arch pain. 

What other symptoms can develop along with arch pain?

The conditions that cause arch pain often lead to other symptoms. As a result, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Foot instability
  • Heel pain
  • Ankle or knee pain
  • Swelling
  • Calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Claw toe
  • Foot or leg fatigue
  • Pain that’s worse after resting

Pain that’s worse when you first get up after sleeping or resting is a hallmark symptom of plantar fasciitis. The ligament tightens when you rest and the pressure when you suddenly walk again causes pain. This pain then improves as you walk around and stretch the ligament.

How is arch pain treated?

The treatment you receive for arch pain depends on the underlying cause. At Foot & Ankle Professional Podiatry PLLC, treatment begins with patient education, followed by initial treatment with the most conservative options. 

You may need activity modification, medications, taping, night splints, a walking cast, or stretching exercises. Many patients with arch pain benefit from orthotics and shoe modifications. Losing weight can also help reduce stress on the arch and alleviate pain.

If your arch pain doesn’t improve after conservative treatment, Dr. Weber talks with you about surgery to repair the underlying problem.

Don’t keep struggling with arch pain. Call Birch Tree Foot and Ankle or book an appointment online today.