What are the Common Causes of Arch and Heel Pain?

Arch and heel pain can be quite debilitating. As is often the case, in order to find relieve from the pain, it is first important to understand what causes it. One of the most common causes of arch and heel pain is plantar fasciitis, though individuals suffering from flat feet may also experience chronic pain. In addition, arthritis has been found to be a leading cause of arch and heel pain. Though there is no cure for arthritis, in some cases, the pain may be managed through lifestyle changes and certain prescription medications.

One of the most common causes of arch and heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, which is a tendon that supports the arch and runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. Typically, individuals who have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis experience burning in both the arch and heel of the foot, which often is most painful in the morning and decreases in severity over the course of the day. In many cases, performing a series of stretches can be effective in the treatment and prevention of plantar fasciitis. In addition, wearing proper footwear and resting the foot when appropriate may alleviate symptoms.

Those who suffer from flat feet may also experience high amounts of arch and heel pain. Though flat feet is often first diagnosed in childhood, in some cases it can develop sporadically, and even occur in the elderly. Those who have been diagnosed with flat feet, and experience high amounts of arch and heel pain, must often use specific shoe inserts in order to relieve the pain. In other cases, over-the-counter pain medications, such as aspirin, may be enough to provide relief.

Arthritis is another common cause of arch and heel pain. When associated with arch and heel pain, arthritis occurs when cartilage in the foot erodes or otherwise changes. The strain associated with these changes often leads to severe pain, which at times can be debilitating. Some research has suggested that individuals who experience high amounts of foot pain, stress, and other types of foot problems through their life are at an increase risk for the development of arthritis of the foot. As there is no cure for arthritis, it is important for those who believe they may be at risk for the development of the condition to seek medical attention in order to prevent further damage.