No, that’s not a typo in the headline: as much of the country prepares for college basketball’s endless bracket selections and sneaked mid-day game viewings, we here at Tanglewood Foot Specialists are preparing for Arch Madness, a period we’ll devote to improving your foot health and comfort.
If there’s nothing wrong with the arch of your foot, then chances are, you don’t spend that much time thinking about it. If, however, you’re experiencing unexplained foot pain, one place you may want to focus on is the curves of your feet.
Oh those crazy arches—Why are they so troublesome?
No two people have identically shaped arches and feet, yet many people buy identical shoes; while some people will fit their store-bought kicks perfectly, others will not receive the support they need and will experience discomfort. In order to help your arches fit comfortably in your shoes, you may want to be fitted for custom orthotics.
Of course, orthotics aren’t the solution to all arch problems; when your pain is chronic or severe, you may need additional treatment. Luckily, many of our patients find relief with non-invasive, regenerative medicine therapies such as Shockwave Therapy. Plus, if your arch has fallen and you have diabetes, plantar fasciitis may not be the source of your discomfort, and your treatment may need to be more complex. In such cases, you may be experiencing the onset of Charcot foot, an advanced symptom of neuropathy. This arch problem is not just an annoyance—it is a serious complication that can lead to ulcers and possibly even amputations, so if you suspect your foot has changed shape, you must see your Houston podiatrist immediately.
Understanding arch pain and heel pain
In addition to indicating arch problems, pain in this part of your foot could be a sign of another problem—plantar fasciitis, a condition that can also result in heel pain. This injury, the result of torn or inflamed plantar fasciia bands (the connective tissue on the bottom of your foot), is usually identified by crippling heel pain, but can also manifest as arch pain. When the condition first develops, the pain is usually worst in the morning, when you first step out of bed. But, without treatment, the pain can get worse, becoming chronic and showing up all throughout your day.
Anyone can be affected by the heel pain and arch pain of plantar fasciitis. But this concern is more common in women than men, for several reasons. First, women tend to wear less supportive foot wear, and often cram their feet into high heels that put lots of strain on the feet. Also, women are more likely to have high arches than men. And that shape of foot can increase the strain on your plantar fascia, resulting in inflammation, as well as heel pain and arch pain.
Other causes of heel pain and arch pain
In our Houston podiatry practice, plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel and arch pain. But wait, there’s more: other conditions can contribute to these symptoms. You see, pain in your arches could be a sign of a bruise, sprain or fracture. So, unless you come into the office for a comprehensive examinaton, it may be very difficult to figure out why your feet are hurting you.
Stop the arch madness and see your Houston podiatrist!
During the heat of March Madness, staying on your couch with heel pain may not feel like such a problem. But once your bracket's busted? Or when the games are done, and there's no longer a reason to stay glued to your couch? All of a sudden, that heel and arch pain is going to feel like a much bigger problem. So, here’s our suggestion: while you prepare to follow your favorite basketball teams into the Sweet 16 and beyond, let's prepare your feet for months of comfort after the champions have been crowned. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Andrew Schneider today to address any arch pain or heel pain issues. If you come in when the plantar fasciitis pain is intermittent, we can provide relief with non-invasive interventions. That way, you can experience comfort for the madness of the weeks and months ahead.
