Experiencing foot arch pain? While plantar fasciitis is a common culprit, you may have already ruled it out. Pain in the arches can have a major impact on your life. In addition to persistent discomfort, you may also feel restricted in your foot movements. Limited motion in your feet can make simple activities like walking difficult. The challenges of foot arch pain can make finding relief a top priority. To ensure that you seek the right kind of care, it can help to understand the underlying cause of your symptoms. Knowing that your foot pain is not caused by plantar fasciitis can help narrow your search. By learning more about other potential causes, you can have a better understanding of what might be the reason for your pain. This knowledge can be crucial when looking for specialized treatment.

Top causes of foot arch pain that are not plantar fasciitis

• Tendinitis — Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon that connects muscle to bone. The arch of the foot is supported by several different tendons working together. When these tendons are irritated, they can cause pain and swelling. Overuse and repetitive motions are common risk factors for tendinitis. By avoiding these risks, you can help prevent tendinitis. Treatment options typically revolve around rest and therapeutic stretching.
• Fallen arches — Fallen arches, also called flat feet, occur when the arches of the feet collapse. Sometimes the tendons do not pull together properly, resulting in little to no arch in the foot. This condition can be present from birth or caused by a later condition. Injuring the tendons and bones in your feet can lead to collapsed arches. If you have fallen arches, the soles of your feet may come into almost complete contact with the ground. The change in arch formation can lead to gait issues and pain throughout the foot. Because fallen arches are a visible condition, they are fairly easy to identify. If you have flat feet and do not have plantar fasciitis, fallen arches are likely the cause of your pain.
• High arches — The shape of your feet has a major influence on the way you stand. If your feet have abnormal contours, they can have a significant impact on your whole body. Postural issues often lead to foot pain, and these issues are in turn often linked to foot structure. This is part of why fallen arches can lead to persistent pain. In the same way, high arches can also cause painful symptoms. High arches put extra stress on the bones in the middle of the foot. Pain around these bones can radiate throughout the foot and ankle. For people with high arches, weight-bearing activities may lead to nagging discomfort. Wearing custom orthotics and participating in physical therapy can be essential to managing your pain.
• Muscle strains — Did your arch pain begin after a strenuous activity? You might have strained a muscle in your foot. Strained muscles in the arch can lead to pain and discomfort until you recover. Besides plantar fasciitis, muscle strain is one of the most common causes for foot arch pain. Treatments include rest, stretching and manual therapy. Manual therapy techniques can help relieve your pain and lower your recovery time.
• Nerve compression — Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a kind of nerve compression that affects the feet. The tarsal tunnel is a tunnel in the ankle that is similar to the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The tarsal tunnel includes important arteries, veins and the tibial nerve. When the tibial nerve is compressed, you may experience pain radiating throughout the foot. You might experience a painful tingling and numbness in the arches of your feet. Like plantar fasciitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause foot arch pain that persists until it is treated. Physical therapy treatments can address nerve compression at the source by reducing inflammation.

Address your foot pain with help from Lattimore Physical Therapy

Whether your foot arch pain is caused by plantar fasciitis or not, physical therapy treatments can be highly beneficial. At Lattimore Physical Therapy, our expert team can treat a wide range of foot conditions. We utilize innovative research-backed modalities to keep each patient comfortable and healthy. In addition to treating your current symptoms, we can help you reduce future complications. Your physical therapist can educate you on top prevention strategies. With the right treatment and guidance, you can experience lasting relief for your arches.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.