Arch Disorders

Arch disorders have many various causes and can cause problems as a person gets older.

Arch Disorders

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What is a Foot Arch Disorder?

The arches of the feet are a crucial part in supporting your body’s weight and movement. They help in maintaining balance when standing, running, jumping, pivoting, turning, and more. With an arch disorder, a person’s mobility is impacted, along with the health of the feet.

As the arch of the foot is made up of the tarsal and metatarsal bones along with a number of tendons and ligaments, any symptoms of an arch disorder should be treated by a professional. Our board-certified podiatrists can examine your arch and discuss treatment options if needed.

Causes of Arch Disorders

Arch disorders could be present from birth, but normally manifest in teenagers or may even show up later for the first time in adults. Arch pain can be the result of:

Foot Deformities

An arch disorder may be present from birth and would become a problem as the child gets older. This could include problems like:

High arches:

High arched feet (Also known as Cavus feet) is as the name implies, a disorder caused by an abnormally high arch of the foot. This causes excess amounts of weight to be placed on the ball and heel of the foot, which can cause pain and other complications.

Flat Feet:

This is the opposite condition from high arches as the feet have little-to-no arch. This causes the feet to plant fully on the ground with no space for an arch. It can cause pain in the feet and structural deformity that can lead to problems in other parts of the body as well.

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction:

This condition leads to changes in the posterior tibial tendon that runs from the calf muscles to the inner portion of the foot, which in turn affects its ability to support the arches of the foot.

Injury and Trauma

Arch disorders can be caused by injury and trauma that may affect the structure of the feet, causing arch pain, like:

Bone fractures:

Stress fractures in the metatarsals can cause arch disorders. It can be helped with orthotic shoes and physical therapy.

Ligament and tendon tears:

Trauma that causes these tears could include lacerations or extreme sports injuries. It may need surgery and further therapy to set it right.

Nerve tears:

This is also associated with trauma and would need surgical help.

Other Causes

Arch disorders and pain can also be caused by several other facts, including:

Plantar fasciitis:

The band of tissue that connects the front of the feet to the back can get inflamed and traumatized due to over use or trauma.

Lifestyle, illnesses and habits:

Arch disorders could be caused by lifestyle, illnesses and habits.

Obesity:

Excess weight can put more pressure on the feet causing arch disorders, like flat feet and plantar fasciitis.

Playing high intensity sports:

Extreme sports can cause tendon and ligament tears, which affects the arch. Intense sports like long distance running and over-exercising can cause arch pain.

Age:

As a person grows older, the ligaments, muscles and tendon weaken and may even fall, causing arch disorders.

Illnesses:

Certain conditions can affect the feet and cause structural deformities of the feet, giving rise to arch disorders, like RA and diabetes.

Symptoms of an Arch Disorder

There are multiple symptoms of an arch disorder and can vary from person to person:

Leg cramps
Muscle pain
Aching or tired feet
Calluses on the side or ball of the foot or heel
Shortened foot length
Pain in the arch, ankle, heel or outside of foot
Heel tilts inward
Shoes don’t fit properly
Pain when walking, standing, exercising, or playing sports
Changes in gait
Claw-like or bent toes
Toe drift

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact us to make an appointment with one of our board-certified podiatrists for an evaluation.

Treatment Options for Arch Disorders

There are number of treatment options available for arch disorders:

Bracing:

Our providers may recommend bracing your foot and ankle to ease your arch pain and symptoms.

Custom orthotics:

Custom-designed arch supports are molded to the contours of your feet and help support your arch. While they won’t cure your disorder, they can reduce your symptoms and provide you with the support you need.

Physical Therapy:

Our board-certified podiatrists may pair you with one of our physical therapists to discuss exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons in your feet.

Good Shoes:

Wearing flip-flops or walking barefoot can worsen your arch disorder. Wearing supportive shoes in and outside of the house is imperative to give your feet the support they need.

Surgery:

In only very severe cases will surgery be an option. Surgical remedies will be considered if the patient has tried all the conservative treatment options to no avail.

Conclusion

Arch disorders can affect a person’s quality of life in the long term if not treated. If you have foot pain, swelling, or other arch disorder symptoms that affect movement and quality of life, call us today. Our board-certified podiatrists can help.

FAQs - Arch Disorders

How do you treat arch pain?

There are many options to alleviate arch pain, including custom orthotics, pain relievers, physical therapy, braces or splints. Surgery is also an option in severe cases.

Can a podiatrist help with an arch disorder?

Yes, podiatrists specialize in the feet and lower extremities, including the arches. They can evaluate and diagnose your arch disorder and provide treatment options to alleviate your pain.

What are symptoms of an arch disorder?

Symptoms vary for each individual but often include leg cramps, pain in any area of the foot, muscle pain, calluses on the foot, or claw or bent toes. Those impacted by an arch disorder also can struggle to find shoes that fit properly.

Written by Dr. Gary B. Briskin, DPM, FACFAS

ABFAS^® Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery and Co-Director of University Foot and Ankle Institute

Board-Certified Podiatric Foot and Ankle Specialist, Dr. Gary Briskin, DPM, FACFAS, began his medical training by serving a residency at Flint General Hospital in Michigan. Once completed, he established a practice in Century City Hospital, where he soon became chief of podiatric surgery.

Dr. Briskin is a Diplomat of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He also serves as an assistant clinical professor at the UCLA School of Medicine and is co-founder and co-director of University Foot and Ankle Institute.

The UFAI Education Team

The UFAI Education Team is comprised of leading foot and ankle specialists at University Foot & Ankle Institute, dedicated to advancing patient care through education, research, and innovation. With decades of combined experience, our board-certified podiatrists provide expert insights into the latest treatments and surgical advancements. Committed to empowering patients with reliable information, our team ensures that every article reflects the highest standards of medical excellence.