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Arch
Pain:
The arch functions as
a shock absorber for our entire body. Each time we step down, we place
up to 5 times our body weight on the foot, depending on whether we are
walking, running, or jumping. If there was no shock absorber in the
foot, the force of each step would fracture or dislocate the bones of
the foot, leg, and lower back. When pain occurs in the arch, it is
telling us it is "sick" and cannot function properly. If left
untreated, this will lead to a fallen arch, which will cause constant
pain throughout the entire foot, and eventually the knee, hip, and lower
back.
Description:
The most common causes of arch pain are:
1. Repetitive
activities, such as walking or running too far; jumping; or standing on
hard surfaces for long periods of time.
2. Injury.
3. The natural aging process.
4. Biomechanical defects of the foot,
or abnormalities we are born with, such as very high or low arches, or
pronation (a turning out of the foot, causing us to walk more on the
inner border of the foot).
Cause:
The normal arch is made up of bones and joints which are held tightly
together, in a precise relationship. When this relationship is subjected
to repeated abnormal weight, or the normal weight of a lifetime, the
force breaks up this normal relationship, causing bones to shift and
joints to buckle. This allows the arch to collapse, and produces pain.
The ability of the arch to absorb the shock of each step is reduced, so
that continued walking will eventually produce pain in the knee, hip,
and lower back. All four of the above categories will eventually cause
this to happen.
Treatment:
Treatment must be directed to supporting the individual bones and joints
which make up the arch, and to aid the arch in its job as a shock
absorber. This in turn alleviates the arch pain, and prevents the
further collapse of the arch. This is accomplished through the use of
orthotics
and proper footwear.
Custom-made orthotics
gently support not only the arch, but each individual bone and joint
which makes up the arch. This not only relieves the arch pain, but
prevents it from returning, and keeps the arch from collapsing further.
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