- Summary
- Symptoms
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Summary
The arch of the foot is a complex, weight-bearing structure that accepts and transfers load, can adapt to uneven terrain and provide shock absorption. Many different injuries and conditions can cause arch pain. This article serves as a guide to the conditions described in the Myfootshop.com Foot and Ankle Knowledge Base.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary with each injury or condition. This article is a guide to conditions found on this site.
Description
The arch of the foot consists of multiple bones called tarsal and metatarsal bones. Tarsal bones are strong, load-bearing bones that interlock like a jigsaw puzzle, connected by dense ligaments and surrounding tendons. Motion in the arch takes place in a series of joints called the midtarsal joints. longitudinal arch and transverse arch.
The following is a list of common arch conditions. Click on each highlighted link for more information.
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Arthritis of the arch. A diffuse enlargement of the top of the foot in the elderly signals diffuse osteoarthritis of the arch.
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CT Band Syndrome. The way the calf delivers load to the arch can affect arch pain significantly.
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Cuboid syndrome. The humble cuboid bears significant load and can cause lateral foot pain when overused.
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Flatfeet. Arch pain often is associated with flat feet, a condition caused by many factors.
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Gout. Although more common in the forefoot, gout should be considered in the differential diagnosis of arch pain.
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Peroneal tendonitis. Characterized by sharp pain on the lateral foot at the onset of activity.
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Posterior tibial tendonitis. Patients often describe achy pain in the medial arch.
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Stress fracture. Midtarsal and metatarsal stress fractures are often the cause of nonspecific arch pain.
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Tarsal coalition. Stiffening of the arch with the onset of symptoms in the late second decade or early third decade of life.
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Tarsal tunnel syndrome. An entrapment of the posterior tibial nerve with pain that radiates into the arch.
When to Call Your Doctor
Arch pain that does not respond to a reasonable period of conservative care should be evaluated by your podiatrist or orthopedist.
Author(s) and date
This article was written by Myfootshop.com medical advisor Jeffrey A. Oster, DPM.
Competing Interests - None
Cite this article as - Oster, Jeffrey. Arch Pain. https://www.myfootshop.com/articles/arch-pain
Most recent article update - November 10, 2020.
Arch Pain by Myfootshop.com is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License.
