Arch Pain is a common foot problem, especially among athletes.You will experience pain at any point between the heel, and the ball of the foot. Arch pain is a result ofstrain or inflammation of the plantar fascia,the longligament at the bottom of the foot that connects your heel to the front of your foot. Plantar Fascia, a thick band of tissue, supports the arch of your foot and acts as a shock absorber, helping you walk.It transfers your body weight from heel to toe. Everyday life can cause a lot of wear and tear to Plantar fascia ligaments. When too much pressure damages your Plantar Fascia ligament, it results in heel pain and stiffness.

Causes

• Wearing ill-fitted shoes
• Standing or walking for an extended period
• Overuse of feet during sports or work
• Overweight
• Ageing
• Direct force trauma
• Muscle Strain
• Pronated Foot
• Flat Feet
• Physical Stress
• Neurological Condition
• Stress fractures
• Arthritis
• Structural foot problems
• Tight Achilles Tendons
• Sudden weight gain

Symptoms

• Pain and tenderness – the underside of the foot, between the heel and ball
• Burning sensation at the centre of the arch
• Pain may increase when you try to extend, flex, turn in and out fully
• Pain may increase with activity

Treatment

• Initially, you can treat your Arch pain at home. Give your feet some rest. Apply ice bag wrapped in a towel for 15 to 20 minutes, three or four times per day to help reduce swelling and pain.Do not apply the Ice pack directly against the skin.
• Replace worn-out shoes.
• Try reducing or changing your physical activity.
• Do stretching exercises.
• Anti-inflammatory (nonsteroidal) drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen may soothe pain in the ligament.
• Use insoles to support your arches. Rest your leg when the pain increases after physical activity. Apply ice to reduce pain and swelling. Use compression bandage. Raise your legs using a pillow while you sit or sleep.
• Use night splints or braces to keep your feet in position to reduce pain and swelling while you sleep.
• Use special orthotics customised for your foot type to relieve pressure and balance the foot
• Surgery for severe cases
• Consult a healthcare provider for effective treatment of Arch Pain

Recovery

People usually recover from Arch Pain without needing to undergo surgery. But it may take several months. Home treatment,  medical treatment and lifestyle changes can help you recover from Arch Pain completely.

Prevention

Specific lifestyle changes can help prevent Arch pain, such as

• Wearing shoes with excellent arch support
• Replacing your athletic footwear regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Before a strenuous activity make sure you do warm-up exercise such as stretching your calf muscle, Achilles Tendon and Plantar fascia