The tears cause painful swelling in the ligament. Medical history, physical exam, including range-of-motion tests, and X-ray are used to diagnosis plantar fasciitis, which can last several days or weeks, even months if not treated promptly and properly. The plantar fascia, a ligament connecting the heel to the ball of the foot, loses elasticity and develops tiny tears. Pain, usually with the first few steps in the morning or after sitting for a while, improves as you walk around, but worsens later in the day - unlike osteoarthritis, which can last all day and worsens when moving or walking around. Sharp pain, inflammation and/or tenderness of the sole of the foot near the heel are hallmark symptoms of plantar fasciitis. A correct diagnosis is critical,” says orthopaedic surgeon Steven Haddad, MD, former president of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. The sooner you see a doctor, the better your chances of effective treatment. “These conditions have very different treatments. One of the most common causes of foot pain, though, is plantar fasciitis, affecting some 3 million Americans every year. Other causes include being overweight, standing too long, having arches that are either too high or too flat, or wearing unsupportive, hard-soled shoes. Osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout and other forms of arthritis and related conditions, like tarsal tunnel syndrome - a pinched tibial nerve - all can affect the foot. Pinpointing the cause of heel pain can be tricky, especially if arthritis affects another part of your body. If you stand for long periods of time at home or work, consider using an anti-fatigue mat such as at the kitchen sink.Painful feet can throw your whole body out of whack, especially your knees, hips and back. And the pain can spread. Regular stretching can help keep foot and calf muscles flexible and strong. Avoid unsupportive shoes and sandals like flip-flops. You can prevent arch pain by proper-fitting wearing shoes with good arch support. Look for shoes with extra cushioning and more arch support. Check with your doctor first before starting a new medicine.Ĭhanging footwear. Ice massage such as rolling the foot over a frozen bottle of water can be effective.Īnti-inflammatory medications. Crutches or a boot can help the foot rest as can activity modifications.Īpplying ice to ease pain and inflammation. Generally, our goals in treating arch pain will be to relieve swelling and inflammation and to ease the pressure from the irritated area. We will examine your foot carefully and make imaging tests such as X-rays, CAT scans and MRIs if necessary.Treating Arch Pain Rest and icing the area can ease the pain and swelling.īecause there are many sources of arch pain, a careful diagnosis by a foot doctor is the best way to identify the problem. Inflammation of the tendons in the foot may cause arch pain. Rest and immobilizing the foot will help the sprain heal. Landing awkwardly or twisting the foot can cause a sprain. Sprains.Ī ligament sprain causes pain and swelling immediately after the injury. Rest is important and a walking boot or crutches can take the pressure off of the area. A stress fracture is a tiny fracture in the bone caused by repetitive overuse and causes pain that worsens with activity. Overuse can cause the midfoot bones to become damaged. A night splint that keeps the tissue stretched can be helpful as can custom-fitted orthotics to redistribute pressure. The pain from plantar fasciitis can be relieved with stretching exercises and anti-inflammatory medication. Inflammation of the plantar fascia causes arch pain first thing in the morning when rising from bed as well as after long periods of standing. Several foot problems can cause arch pain including: Plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a thick tissue on the bottom of the foot that connects the toes to the heel bone. Its job is to help the foot support and distribute the body’s weight.Īrch pain is usually caused by inflammation of the soft tissues in the midfoot called the plantar fascia. The foot’s arch is formed by the tarsal and metatarsal bones and is strengthened by tendons and ligaments.
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