What causes arch pain?
The arches in your feet support your body weight while absorbing shock every time you take a step. As a result, they’re susceptible to pain from many possible causes.
You may develop arch pain from:
- Ligament sprains and muscle strains
- Biomechanical misalignment
- Stress fractures
- Overuse injury or direct trauma
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Shoes with lack of arch support
- Foot deformities such as hammertoe, flatfoot, or clubfoot
One of the most common causes of arch pain, however, is damage to the plantar fascia, which is a band of connective tissue that runs from your heel to your toes. The plantar fascia helps absorb shock, and it’s also responsible for supporting your arch.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the plantar fascia, is known for causing pain in your heel, arch, or both. The most common causes of plantar fasciitis include:
- High-impact activities like running
- Starting a new activity or increasing your current activity
- Tight calf muscles that affect foot flexion
- Tight Achilles tendon
- Lack of arch support
- Tendency to roll your feet
- Shoes with little cushioning
- Being overweight
How is arch pain treated?
Treatment depends on the cause of your arch pain, but conservative measures are used first unless you have a ruptured ligament or fracture. One or more of the following treatments are advisable:
- Rest
- Activity modification
- Orthotics
- Splinting
- Better shoes
- Exercise to stretch and strengthen muscles
- Injections of cortisone to relieve pain and inflammation
What is the Topaz procedure for plantar fasciitis?
When conservative measures don’t relieve your symptoms, the doctors at Metropolitan Foot and Ankle Specialists may recommend treatment using the Topaz technique. During this procedure, a needle-like wand is inserted numerous times into the affected fascia or tendon, creating a grid-like pattern around the damaged tissues.
As the Topaz emits radiofrequency energy, it causes microscopic trauma, which improves blood supply to the injured area and triggers your body’s natural healing process. Over time, new tissue growth replaces old tissues, and damaged tissues are restored.
The process takes about 20 minutes and the doctor performs it while you're sedated. Afterward, you’ll wear a walking boot for about a week; then you should be able to switch to athletic shoes with orthotics.
To get relief from arch pain, call Metropolitan Foot and Ankle Specialists or book an appointment online.
