The arch of the foot is a collection of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that are constructed to allow your foot to bear the weight of your body safely. These tissues and bones of your arch are in constant motion as you walk and run, absorbing impacts that might otherwise injure you.
The arch of your foot has its limits, however, and arch pain can be a sign that you’ve passed those limits and injured yourself. Pay close attention to any pain you are feeling in your foot. What may seem at first to be simple soreness from being on your feet all day could be a sign of a more serious stress injury or repeated motion injury. Arch pain could also be a result of a fall or impact injury, so be sure to seek proper treatment. For a full length insole, try our Tuli's Plantar Fasciitis Insoles.
Causes
Foot Arch Pain
The most common cause of arch pain is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the fibrous band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. Sufferers of plantar fasciitis typically feel pain early in the morning when they first get out of bed. Another common cause of arch pain is fallen arches or flat feet. Fallen arches result in the sole of the foot becoming flat so that the entire sole of the foot touches the ground.
Fallen arches can lead to pain in the ankles, knees, feet, and even in the legs. While fallen arches are often inherited, for some it develops as a result of wear and tear on your feet. Wearing shoes without proper metatarsal support, or arch support, can overstretch the tendon that supports the arch causing the arch to flatten out.
Symptoms
Foot Arch Pain Symptoms
Arch pain symptoms could include any of the following:
- A dull, constant ache if the ligaments have been stretched
- Swelling or tenderness in the foot
- Redness or bruising in the event of a more serious injury
- Difficulty putting weight on the foot
- Sharp pain when the foot is turned or manipulated
- Tenderness when pressure is applied
Because the arch of the foot is such a complex structure, arch pain could be an indicator of several different types of injuries. Chronic illnesses such as arthritis could also cause arch pain, and depending on the cause or source of your pain, you may experience discomfort in a variety of different areas. Ask a doctor if you believe you may have injured your foot arch.
Treatments
Foot Arch Pain Prevention and Treatment
In addition to relieving the pain by providing better arch support for your feet, many doctors advise stretching and strengthening the muscles that surround the damaged or weakened tendons. This advice can prove especially effective in preventing the possible side effects of fallen arches, including: inflammation and discomfort in the ligaments of the sole, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, calluses, and bunions. Like plantar fasciitis, left untreated, fallen arches can cause a domino effect that impacts your legs, hips, and back.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELIEF
Support Products:
 The effectiveness of the Tuli's The X Brace lies in its ease of use, simplistic design. The unique “X” design of our patented foot brace provides support and reduces arch pressure very similar to how Low-Dye taping works but without all the expertise, time and tape necessary. |
 The X Brace +PLUS offers an added strap to ensure optimal position and worry-free, all-day wear. No adjusting is necessary. |
Cushion Products:
 Sometimes weakened muscles due to the heavy strain caused by standing or walking for long periods of time just need a little support. |
 Designed specifically for plantar fasciitis. Tuli’s Plantar Fasciitis Insoles are full-length premium arch supports designed specifically for plantar fasciitis for use by men and women. The unique design provides comfort with every step. |
FOR LONG-TERM HEALING
Stretching and Strengthening Products:
 ProStretch® Plus ★★★★★ Delivers a technological advanced stretch that makes increasing strength and flexibility in the calves, hamstrings, Plantar fascia, and toes easier and more effective. |
 StretchRite® Stretching Strap ★★★★★ Before you get out of bed in the morning, stretch your calf muscles, arch, and Achilles tendon by reaching for your toes and gently flexing your foot. This helps loosen the plantar fascia that tightens overnight. |
 ProStretch® Footy Massage Ball ★★★★★ The ProStretch Footy massage ball features tiny knobs that connect deeply with the plantar fascia to provide relief for both, muscle tightness, and soreness. |
PLEASE NOTE: The information on this website and article is for information only and should not be used as a substitute for consulting your doctor. Consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and rehabilitation.
