Arch Pain and Plantar Fasciitis

Are you suffering from arch pain?

Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of arch pain and also the most common condition presenting to our clinic. Every day we see between five and ten cases of this condition. That being said, it is a very complex condition that needs to be correctly diagnosed and treated specific to each person.

The Plantar Fascia is a thick fibrous band of tissue in the bottom of the foot which runs from the heel to the base of the toes. When placed under increased stress, the Plantar Fascia can stretch and tear, resulting in degeneration of this tissue.

In many cases, the pain is felt in the arch. The tears are soon covered by scar tissue, which is less flexible than the fascia and hence aggravate the problem. Continuous straining of the fascia at the heel bone may eventually lead to the development of bony growth on the heel (heel spur).

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Other less common causes of arch pain

• Plantar fascial tear

• Plantar fascial fibromatosis, also known as Ledderhose's disease

• Abductor hallucis strain

• Posterior tibial tendonpathy

• Dorsal midfoot interosseous compression syndrome (DMICS)

• Plantar midfoot ligament strains

• Accessory navicular bone

• Stress fracture of the navicular

• Avascular necrosis of the navicular (Köhler disease)

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What does it feel like to have plantar fasciitis caused arch pain?

• Pain on the sole of the foot along the arch

• Pain that is can be worse the first few steps in the morning and after rest periods during the day

• Pain often aggravated by prolonged standing, walking or running, especially on hard surfaces

• Burning, numbness and throbbing under the foot when resting at night

• A ripping or tearing sensation along the arch

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Potential causes of plantar faciitis related arch pain:

•  Over-pronation (arch collapse)

•  Tight calf muscles and Achilles tendon

•  High arches and rigid feet

•  Barefoot on hard surfaces or incorrect or worn out shoes

•  Jobs that require lots of walking on hard surfaces

•  Over training or sudden increase in training

•  Weight gain

With our tools and expertise, we are able to assess and decide which of these factors are causing the injury. 

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How can we fix arch pain due to plantar fasciitis?

At Motion Mechanics, we have all the necessary tools and treatments necessary to effectively treat heel pain in any patient, of any age, from any cause. Treatments for your pain may include:

• Foot strapping to decrease the strain on the Plantar Fascia

• Further calf, Achilles tendon and arch stretches

• Foot strengthening exercises

• Ice massage, arch massage, dry needling and other forms of physical therapies

• Reducing your training load and intensity (try alternative exercises like swimming, cycling and upper body weights which have less impact on the feet)

• Footwear changes (correct support and midsole cushioning, small heel height)

• Customised Foot Supports (Orthotics) to reduce over-pronation and cushion the feet

• Night socks or splints to improve ankle flexion

• Moonboot to further immobilise foot and reduce strain on Plantar Fascia

• In very few cases, surgical intervention is necessary

Even though arch pain is a very common condition it can be very complex in nature. It is very important to get a correct diagnosis and a treatment plan which will suit your individual situation. If you have tried various treatments, without much success, then it is time to give us a call and speak to the feet experts.