The arches of your feet absorb stress when you walk or run and stabilize your body when you move. Since they are such an important part of day-to-day life, arch pain can be both frustrating and debilitating. Arch pain is a common foot issue and can be caused by age, injury, overuse, or excessive activity. There are different treatment options available which a foot clinic can prescribe, based specifically on your needs. Along with treatment, a foot clinic can recommend ways to manage your arch pain on your own.

It is best to seek help as soon as you notice symptoms of arch pain. If you are experiencing pain at the bottom of your foot, difficulty standing on tiptoes, redness, achiness, or inflammation, start treatment sooner rather than later. If you spend long periods of time standing, running or jumping, you may be at higher risk for arch pain.

The first thing a foot clinic will do is get at the underlying cause of your arch pain. This could be related to an injury, structural issues such as flat feet or high arches, or some common conditions like plantar fasciitis and overpronation. By identifying what is causing you to experience arch pain, a foot clinic will be better able to provide effective treatment.

Many people will benefit from rest, ice, compression and elevation. In some causes, pain medications may be recommended to help alleviate discomfort. A foot clinic may also use physical therapy to treat arch pain or recommend orthotics for chronic conditions. If you are living with arch pain, improve your quality of life by seeking treatment at a foot clinic near you and learning how you can manage and prevent arch pain in future.