How to Treat Painful Arches

If your arch pain began slowly and gradually after many days of vigorous exercise, or if you just woke up one morning with a sudden severe ache, you need to find out the cause in order to relieve the pain and discomfort. A wide array of conditions can contribute to arch pain making it hard to pinpoint the cause on your own, so if the following simple methods are ineffective, see your foot specialist for a more definitive diagnosis and treatment.

Arch pain can be caused from a muscle or ligament strain or sprain, structural flaws, stress fractures, overuse injuries, various forms of arthritis, and muscle stiffness. Once the cause of your arch difficulties has been determined, a proper treatment plan can be implemented. However, you can try the following methods to help reduce the pain until you can be properly evaluated.

Simple treatments for treating arch pain include the following:

  • Adequate foot support—Always wear shoes that are appropriate for the activity and make sure to replace them regularly when they show signs of deterioration. Some people have success using store bought arch supports, but for the best results, the custom made orthotic shoe inserts available from your podiatrist can be molded to your precise foot shape.
  • Treat pain and swelling—A quick way to reduce pain and swelling is by applying ice to the area several times a day for ten minute intervals. Over the counter medicines like ibuprofen will eliminate much of the pain.
  • Physical therapy—Poor blood circulation can also contribute to arch pain. Massage and physical manipulation will increase blood flow and help healing to occur faster. A variety of strength and flexibility exercises can also help alleviate foot and ankle pain.

If improvement isn’t occurring after a couple of weeks and you continue to feel arch pain, see your podiatrist for an evaluation and other treatment options. At E.J. Nemet Podiatry in Twinsburg,  E.J. Nemet, DPM, treats a variety of foot and ankle conditions, including sports injuries, pediatric foot problems, diabetic foot complications, nerve disorders, and toenail and skin conditions. With advanced technologies and a dedicated staff, Dr. Nemet provides expert and compassionate care to patients in the Twinsburg and Beachwood areas. To contact us or to schedule an appointment, please call (234) 212-9940.

Common Foot ConditionsE.J. NEMET DPM, LLC