Arch problems can happen suddenly from an injury or maybe the result of structural abnormalities like untreated flat feet. The pain can radiate to other areas of the foot, making it difficult to trace the source without the help of your foot doctor.

Some of the causes of arch pain include the following:

• Structural problems of the foot
• Overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis that may cause tiny tears in the arch tissue
• Arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory problems can contribute to arch pain
• Pulled or strained muscles, ligaments, or tendons can also be a culprit

Some great treatments for arch pain include the following:

•  Change or reduce activities causing the pain—You can decrease pressure on the arches by taking the weight off. Switch to cycling or swimming if high impact activities are causing problems. It will help to allow your arches to rest and heal.
• Wear properly fitted shoes made for the activity—Make sure you always wear the correct style of footwear for the activity. For example, you shouldn’t wear running shoes to play tennis since they have no side support. Replace your worn-out athletic shoes regularly, which is usually about every six months.
• Orthotic arch supports and inserts—Use custom orthotic shoe inserts for proper arch support and treat a wide variety of foot and ankle problems, including hammertoes, ankle stability issues, and the arch and heel pain of plantar fasciitis.

If you are experiencing pain in your arches, feet, and ankles, it often radiates to your knees, hips, and back.  See your foot doctor for a computerized gait analysis and get correctly fitted for the right shoes and custom orthotic inserts. Call Syracuse Podiatry, located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, and Dr. Donal M. Erickson and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.