What causes arch pain in the bottom of the foot?

Answering this question can be difficult, and the reason is that there are several issues that could be causing your pain. However, you are not the only one dealing with foot pain. 

It’s been estimated that 77% of Americans have experienced foot pain at some point. Additionally, about 50% of adults say foot pain has impacted their ability to do normal daily tasks. This includes activities like walking, working and playing with kids/grandchildren. Physical therapists can help treat your foot pain, but they’ll first need to pinpoint what’s causing the arch pain in the bottom of your foot. 

These three issues could be the source of arch pain in the bottom of your foot

Physical therapists can perform an assessment to determine the cause of arch pain in the bottom of the foot. Such an assessment is likely to reveal one of three causes. These causes include: 

1. Plantar fasciitis — Medical studies report that plantar fasciitis (PF) occurs in 1 out of every 10 people. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, a tendon on the bottom of the foot, is injured or damaged. Often, the pain PF causes is the worst during the first few steps you take in the morning, and it’s typically felt near the heel. Your pain may also get worse after exercising. 

2. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) — PTTD occurs when the posterior tibial tendon is torn or inflamed. Overuse and falls are two common causes of this issue. A collapsed arch is one sign of PTTD. It can also cause symptoms like pain along the inside of the foot and ankle and during activities like walking or running. Researchers estimate that PTTD affects up to 10% of Americans. 

3. Foot overpronation — One study reveals that about 14% of surveyed patients had foot overpronation (FO). This issue is when your foot rolls inward as you walk or run. FO can cause pain along the bottom of the foot. It also typically leads to flat feet, and FO might increase your risk of ankle sprains and other injuries. 

Find help for arch pain in the bottom of your foot at Armor Physical Therapy

You don’t have to search far to get help with arch pain in the bottom of your foot. Our Armor Physical Therapy team is ready and willing to assist you. We offer free screenings that can diagnose the source of your foot pain. Our team can then build you an individualized therapy plan that’s intended to reduce it. 

Are you in the high-risk group for COVID-19? We offer services that can help you get the therapy you need right from home, including virtual care and at-home therapy. 

Are you ready to start getting our help for your foot pain? Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment, no physician referral required!