Foot Arch Pain

Foot Arch Pain

Foot Arch Pain Overview

Each foot contains 24 bones, which form two arches. The longitudinal arch runs the length of the foot, and the transverse arch runs the width. The bones of the arch are primarily held together by the shape with which they fit with each other and by fibrous tissues known as ligaments that serve to hold the bones to each other. The muscles of the foot, along with a tough, sinewy tissue known as the plantar fascia, provide secondary support to the foot. There are also fat pads in the foot to help with weight-bearing and absorbing impact. Arch pain can occur whenever something goes wrong with the function or interaction of any of these structures.

Foot Arch Pain Causes

The arches are the primary structures of the body that absorb and return force to and from the body to the outside world when we are on our feet. When something happens to these structures, pain and injury may result. Foot arch pain is a common problem that many suffer from.

There can be many causes of foot arch pain. Direct force trauma, ligament sprains, muscle strains, poor biomechanical alignment, stress fractures, overuse, or the tightness or lack of tightness of the joints in the foot may all cause pain in the arch.

Injury to the plantar fascia is a common cause of foot arch pain. The plantar fascia is a tough fibrous sheath that extends the length of the bottom of the foot and lends support to the arch. When the plantar fascia is damaged, the resulting inflammatory response may become a source of foot arch pain.

Sprains, strains, bruises, and fractures may be the result of a single stress or a combination of stresses to the foot. A blunt-force injury such as someone stepping on your foot may result not only in a bruise (contusion), but also in damage to the primary and secondary structures of the foot. Many of the muscles of the lower leg and foot attach on or near the arch. Injured or tight muscles may lead to incorrect biomechanics and in turn cause foot arch pain.

Injury to the bones of the foot can be caused by a single blow or twist to the arch or also by repetitive trauma, which can result in a stress fracture. A sprain of the arch occurs when the ligaments which hold the bones together are overstretched and the fibers tear. The muscles of the foot may be strained by overstretching, overuse, overloading, bruising, or being cut by stepping on a sharp object. Arthritis of the arch joints may also occur if the foot is subjected to repetitive movements that stress the arch.

Stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and acute and chronic arthritis are most commonly the result of repetitive micro-trauma injuries. Micro-trauma injuries are caused when the structures of the body are stressed and re-stressed to the point that damage occurs in the tissues. Factors that commonly contribute to this injury can be running on uneven surfaces or surfaces that are too hard or too soft, shoes that have poor force-absorption qualities, or going too hard or too long during repeated exercise bouts.

Foot Arch Pain Symptoms

Foot arch pain and tenderness associated with plantar fascia strains are usually felt on the bottom of the foot and may manifest either as a specific or general area of tenderness. Plantar fascia pain may be increased or decreased by stretching of the arch. Generally, in mild cases of plantar fasciitis, the pain will decrease as the soft tissues of the foot “warm up”; however, pain may increase as use of the foot increases. In more severe cases of plantar fasciitis, pain may increase when the arch is stressed.

A more specific pain (point tenderness) is an indicator that something is wrong in that specific area. Pain with movement of the affected area is also an indicator of the particular body part affected.

Bones and ligaments work together to form joints, and bones are joined together by ligaments. Strains occur in ligaments. In the arch, there are ligaments that are located at the ends of each bone. These ligaments connect the bones to other bones on both ends and on the sides. Point tenderness and looseness of a joint are indicators of a sprain.

Fractures are indicated by point tenderness that may be severe over the area of bone that is affected. There may be a distinguishable lump or gap at the site of the fracture. A rotated toe or forefoot may also be a sign of a fracture.

The groups of muscles that support the arch can be divided into two groups. The muscles on the top of the arch start on the front lower leg and help to lift the arch, and the muscles that help pull the arch on the bottom of the foot are located the on back of the lower leg. Muscle injury may be indicated when pain is felt when the foot is fully extended, flexed, or turned in or out. Foot arch pain may also be felt when working the foot against resistance.

Bruises are the result of a direct-force injury to the body. A bruise can occur to the foot by a variety of causes, such as having your foot stepped on or by stepping on a rock. The tissues that compose the arch do not provide that area of the body much protection. Blows to the foot that result in pain, discoloration, swelling, and changes in how you walk may indicate more serious damage.

Foot Arch pain may have a variety of different causes. Proper evaluation and diagnosis of arch pain is essential in planning treatment. A good general guideline is to compare the injured side to the uninjured side. Injury may present itself as a distinguishable lump, a gap felt at that location, or a “crunchy” feeling on that spot caused by inflammation. The type, causes, and severity of pain are also good indicators of the severity of the injury.

Four grades can be used to describe foot arch pain:

• Pain during activity only
  

• Pain before and after activity, and not affecting performance
  

• Pain before, during, and after athletic activity affecting performance
  

• Pain so severe that performance is impossible

Exams and Tests

The doctor will take a brief history to determine how the injury occurred. If necessary, a thorough physical exam may be conducted to evaluate for any other injuries. Taking your workout shoes to the exam may also provide valuable information to the medical practitioner.

• Both feet will be physically and visually examined by the medical practitioner. The foot and arch will be touched and manipulated possibly with a lot of pressure and inspected to identify obvious deformities, tender spots, or any differences in the bones of the foot and arch.
  

• The medical practitioner will examine how the muscles of your foot function. These tests may involve holding or moving your foot and ankle against resistance; you may also asked to stand, walk, or even run. Pain caused by movements may indicate the cause of the pain.
  

• The nerves in the foot will be tested to make sure no injury has occurred there.
  

• An x-ray, MRI, or bone scan of the foot and arch may be taken to determine if there are changes in the makeup of the bone.

Foot Arch Pain Treatment

Self-Care at Home

When you first begin to notice discomfort or pain in the area, you can treat yourself with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Over-the-counter medications may also be used to reduce discomfort and pain.

Rest will allow the tissues to heal themselves by preventing any further stress to the affected area.

Ice should be applied no longer than 20 minutes. The ice may be put in a plastic bag or wrapped in a towel. Commercial ice packs are not recommended because they are usually too cold.

Compression and elevation will help prevent any swelling of the affected tissues.

There are two types of over-the-counter medication that may help with the pain and swelling of arch pain. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) will help with the pain, and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen will help with the pain and battle the inflammatory response. Caution should be taken when using these drugs, and dosage should not exceed the labeled directions. Those who have chronic medical conditions or who are taking other medications should consult with their doctor regarding the most appropriate type of pain and/or anti-inflammatory medications. Arch supports or foot orthotics may also help to ease arch pain.

Medical Treatment

Once the severity and cause of arch and foot pain is determined, a course of corrective and rehabilitative actions can be started.

• Therapists may use machines and/or manual therapies to reduce pain and increase circulation to the area to promote healing.
  

• Maintenance of fitness levels via modification of activity may be prescribed.
  

  • Substitute activities that may aggravate the pain and soreness with other activities; for instance, running causes the body to have multiple impacts with the ground, but the use of bicycling, elliptical trainers, step machines, swimming, or ski machines eliminates impact and allows you to continue to maintain and improve your fitness levels.
    

• Use corrective prophylactic measures.
  

  • Purchase new shoes or replace the insoles of your current shoes.
    

  • Athletic shoes lose the elastic properties of the soles through usage and age. A good rule of thumb is to replace your shoes every six months, more often if there is heavier usage. The use of insoles can increase energy absorption and add support to the foot.
    

  • Corrective foot orthotics may also improve the biomechanics of the foot.
    

• Focus on muscle strengthening and flexibility.
  

  • You may be given exercises to increase the strength and stability of the affected area and to correct muscles that may not be balanced.
    

  • Exercises to increase flexibility will maintain or improve the length of a muscle. Flexibility helps to make a stronger muscle that is less likely to be injured.
    

• Take medications to help reduce foot arch pain and inflammation as prescribed by your doctor.
  

• Follow up with your doctor until you are better.

Foot Orthotics – Give the Gift of Foot Pain Relief

This year give someone you love a gift that will last a lifetime.  Those suffering from foot pain, heel pain, knee pain and back pain would love nothing more to find relief this holiday season.

A pair of custom foot orthotics from Footcare Express is exactly what the doctor ordered. Literally! A custom orthotic device will bring the foot and ankle into proper alignment an in many cases allow a person to walk, run, or bend properly for the very first time in their lives.

Not everyone is able to offer a truly custom foot orthotic and it CANNOT be found in any drugstore or infomercial. To be custom, a mold of each foot must be cast and analyzed by a professional Pedorthist or Podiatrist and then fabricated by an experienced lab technician according to a prescription.

It is very rare for one of our feet to exactly match the other so the chances of your foot or the foot of someone you love to match an orthotic insert that is already made is slim to none.

Here is how Footcare Express can deliver a truly custom fit orthotic to your door for Christmas. First we send our Quickmeasure Kit to be wrapped and placed under the tree. When the gift is opened the recipient will make a custom mold of their foot according to the included instructions and have a perfect foot cast molded in seconds. Then they simply return the foot cast to Footcare Express in the pre-paid packaging and pain relief will arrive in a matter of days.

It is a particularly good time of year to send Custom Foot Orthotics as a gift because many people we love are about to embark on their New Year’s Resolutions of good health through exercise. Orthoses will help prevent the type of injuries suffered from over exertion or bad form.  These injuries include shin splints, ankle sprains and strains, torn ligaments and muscles and knee, hip and back pain.

Everyone can use the gift of proper foot care and pain relief. Whether it is a grandparent who suffers minor pain or stiffness while walking, a nephew looking for an advantage on the soccer field or a runner looking to run pain free, give the gift that will change someone’s life forever.

Get Your Custom Foot Orthotics right here Online! or Call 1-877-OUR-FEET

We carry a full line of custom foot orthotics! Sports orthotics, Dress Orthotics, Causal Orthotics, Express Correct Foot Orthotics and Orthotics for Sandals. Additional we have created the finest high tech pre-designed foot orthotics on the market. Take care of your feet with our custom foot orthotic, arch supports, shoe insoles and footwear! Visit our online Foot Orthotics Store!

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles Tendonitis

The largest tendon in the human body is the Achilles tendon and it is designed to handle over 1,000 pounds of force. The Achilles tendon is also the most often ruptured or injured tendon. Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon resulting from overuse.

Achilles tendonitis can flare up for several reasons including increasing running distances or speed too quickly, attacking hills too aggressively during training, returning to heavy activity too soon after extended periods of rest, and lack of flexibility in the calf muscles. The condition can also appear after sudden calf muscle contraction during activity.

People experiencing Achilles tendonitis may feel dull pain after exercise that increasingly worsens over time. There may be severe pain along the tendon during or following exercise. Sufferers may feel tenderness in the morning in the lower calf or stiffness that will loosen as the area warms up with activity.

There are several treatments for Achilles tendonitis and they depend on the severity of the condition. Rest is the most immediate treatment but anti-inflammatory medication, stretching, message and ultrasound treatments prove helpful. The use of orthoses, more specifically, custom foot orthotics can dramatically improve the condition and prevent future flare ups.

Of course surgery to heal Achilles tendonitis is an option but should be considered as a treatment of last resort. Surgery will reduce friction between the tendon and its covering sheath which may have built up thick tissue. Also during surgery any tears can be repaired. Recovering from such procedures can be slow and will require rehabilitation to strengthen the area and prevent new injury.

Prevention is always the best medicine. It is very important to use the right shoes which will provide cushion and support during activity. A prescribed custom foot orthotic will change the alignment of misaligned heel bone and greatly reduce the chances of of experiencing Achilles tendonitis. A solid routine of warm up, stretch and cool down is always recommended .

Footcare Express: The Nations First One-Stop Footshop

Jose Menuto, 45, an Argentinian real estate contractor and property manager now living in Miami, injured his left leg six years ago while running a 26-mile marathon. “I tried chiropractors, massage therapists, and everything else I could think of, but whenever I ran or felt stressed, my left leg tightened up.” Because Menuto favored his right leg when he ran or walked, he began having problems in his right knee as well.

Then, Menuto saw an advertisement for Footcare Express, the nation’s first “one-stop footshop.” After a thorough high-tech examination by a podiatrist who diagnosed him with shin splints, an inflammation of the muscles where they attach to the bone, Menuto was fitted for a pair of functional foot orthotics in less thanan hour. “Within two days I was running entirely differently,” Menuto says. “My muscles and ligaments have relaxed in my left leg. I have much more energy, and I now plan to build back up to running 50 miles a week.”

To help athletes, growing children, diabetics, arthritis sufferers and many people with back, leg or hip or knee problems — Footcare Express, a Miami retail store, uses the services of experienced podiatrists to examine a person’s feet, sophisticated video-motion analysis and computerized scanning to identify problem areas, licensed pedorthists to design and fit prescription foot orthotics and modify shoes, and an in-store laboratory to make the devices — all in about an hour.

“Just as the one-hour optical laboratory made it cheaper and much more convenient for people to order eyeglasses, Footcare Express is re-inventing the process of prescribing and making customized foot orthotics,” says Jarett Reinhartz, managing director and co-founder of Footcare Express. “Nobody else in the country has our equipment, our prescription service and our array of athletic and dress shoes, compression hose, support socks, and skin creams and lotions. That’s why we call Footcare Express the nation’s first one-stop footshop.

What’s an Orthotic

Functional foot orthotics are customized rigid or semi- rigid devices inserted into shoes that place the foot in a more functional position and allow it to strike the ground more efficiently, while adding more stability. Foot orthotics relieve pressure points, support the foot more effectively and assure proper alignment of the feet, ankles, knees and legs. In addition to enhancing performance and increasing energy, foot orthotics reduce the risk of injuries.

Footcare Express serves a broad market, ranging from children who need orthotics to correct a gait or walking problem, adults with foot, leg, hip or back pain caused by biomechanical problems or foot disorders, diabetics who need extra foot protection, patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and athletes who put heavy stresses on their feet. A runner, for example, puts as much as three times the normal amount of force from the body’s weight on the feet.

While only a small percentage of the public wears orthotic devices, many more would benefit from wearing them, says Reinhartz. “If you have chronic back pain, knee problems, high arches or flat feet, changing your gait could remedy the pain.”

Don Bailey, Jr., vice president of Don Bailey Carpets in Miami, began wearing orthotics as a professional football player with the Tampa Bay Bucs and the Indianapolis Colts. “When it was time for a new pair, I went to Footcare Express,” says Bailey, who also broadcasts pregame and sideline radio shows for the University of Miami Hurricanes. “They did a wonderful job, with personal treatment and individualized attention. My wife is a marthon runner who was having problems with her heel and hip, and orthotics helped her, too.”

Traditionally, a patient who needed foot orthotics might wait three to six weeks from an initial visit to a physician to receiving the orthotic device, manufactured from a plaster cast at a lab in another city or state. The cost would be $300 to $1,000, plus professional fees.

An hour-long process
In contrast, Footcare Express completes the process in about an hour, using sophisticated laser scanners and CAD-CAM technology to make the prescribed orthotics at a total cost of $200 to $450. “It’s a different mindset than going to a doctor’s office,” says Reinhartz. “Our store has it all.” Footcare Express has won praise from foot care professionals, as well as its clients. “I am very pleased with the foot orthotics they produce,” says James Losito, D.P.M., professor at the School of Podiatric Medicine at Barry University. “They keep physicians involved in their business, and I approve of their techniques. Their prices are very fair and their products have met with excellent patient compliance.”

Reinhartz projects first year sales of $350,000 with a staff of three. “Our Miami store is an excellent prototype for the foot orthotics store of the future,” he says. “We hope to expand this concept and open similar stores in other markets in Florida and the rest of the United States.”

The idea of Footcare Express originated with Jarett Reinhartz’ father — Harold Reinhartz, D.P.M., a podiatrist with 29 years experience who dreamed about opening a store for most footcare needs. In 1996, Harold and Jarett Reinhartz, began creating a business plan and exploring the industry.

After researching different markets, it became clear that South Florida would be the best fit for Footcare Express. “Miami’s demographics were exactly what we were looking for — a large marketplace with sports teams, college students and senior citizens,” says Jarett Reinhartz.

A high-tech approach
One of Footcare Express’ distinguishing characteristics is its high-tech approach to correcting foot problems. After a physical examination of the foot, a computerized gait analysis is performed using the new F-Scan equipment. Paper-thin, disposable sensors placed in a person’s shoes feed information into a computer, which generates a three-dimensional image of the reactive forces between the foot and footwear as they occur. Next, a video motion analysis is used to study the person’s gait while walking or lightly jogging on a treadmill.

Finally, a laser scanner generates a three-dimensional computerized image of the feet showing any pressure points or potential problem areas. That computerized file is transmitted to the store’s own orthotics mill, which manufactures the device, according to specifications from a licensed physician, who dispenses custom-designed orthotics and modifies over-the-counter footwear to meet an individual’s needs.

“I enjoy helping people with diabetes, arthritis and other foot problems, as well as the many athletes, children, teenagers and other adults who can benefit from wearing correctly designed footwear,” says Dr. Reinhartz. “When someone is in pain, it’s important to bring them relief as quickly as possible.”

In addition to custom-made functional foot orthodics, Footcare Express offers high-end athletic and comfort shoes such as Saucony, Asics, New Balance, P.W.Minor and Softspots, as well as other foot- related products. The store itself, at 7756 SW 88th Street, was designed by Sandy Samole, president of the Interior Design Association of Florida.

“It’s an ongoing process to keep your feet healthy and working properly,” says Reinhartz. “We’re here to help keep you going strong.”

Casual and Dress Foot Orthotics

Walking, working or playing our Casual and Dress custom foot orthotics are the best!

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Footcare Express Annouces New Pedorthist

AVENTURA, FL (January 4, 2008) – Footcare Express, a team of physicians, pedorthists, and biomechanical experts, proudly announces that they have expanded their team of pedorthists with the addition of Vahe Mike Sarkisian to their Aventura, Florida office.

In his role as a Pedorthist, Sarkisian will be seeing patients and filling a variety of physician prescriptions.  Sarkisian will be responsible for measuring, designing, fabricating, fitting and servicing pedorthic devices ordered by a physician.  Sarkisian joined Footcare Express in 2007 as a Lab Supervisor with 11 years of financial business experience and two years of pedorthist experience behind him.

His recent career experience hailed from Pedorthics at Eneslow Foot Comfort center and XL Health Inc. in New York, one of the nation’s largest Diabetic Preventive Care centers, where he fitted and cast patients for shoes and other orthotics, custom footwear and braces as a practicing pedorthist. Sarkisian graduated with a BBA in Finance Investments from Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business, CUNY, New York, NY and became a certified Financial Advisor.  Upon completing Eneslow Pedorthic Institute and the New York College of Podiatric Medicine course, Mr. Sarkisian became a certified Pedorthist in 2005.

Offering a variety of services, including a full service podiatry practice, Footcare Express also includes an extensive retail business and a Pedorthic facility.  The Aventura-based facility is fully accredited by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics which ensures that Footcare Express provide the highest standards in fulfilling patient prescriptions for therapeutic footwear and/ or other durable medical equipment including but not limited to foot orthotics, braces and other foot and ankle related modalities.  The physicians and pedorthists at Footcare Express work with various NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL teams and players, including several colleges and universities.

Footcare Express also has its own on-site state-of-the-art Custom Foot Orthotic Laboratory that allows the doctor and technicians to use technology to digitize the foot, allowing for a more accurate replica of the foot, making prescriptions more accurate as well.  Doctors and technicians use the latest technology to diagnose and treat foot problems including the F-Scan, which allows the clinician a split-second perspective on all phases of the walking cycle or gait cycle and through Video Motion Analysis, which captures the gait cycle using fame-by-frame imaging.

Footcare Express opened its Aventura-based office in 2000.  In just 6 short years, Footcare Express has successfully launched a retail portion of its business and increased its availability with various professional sports teams. The company prides itself on offering the most advanced services in the industry.  Footcare Express is a family owned business founded by Dr. Harold Reinhartz and his son Jarett Reinhartz.  Dr. Charles Mutschler is the Medical Director of Footcare Express.  For more information onFootcare Express please call 877.687.3338 or visit www.FootcareXpress.com.

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