Help with Pain in Arch Area and Heel (Flat Feet)

Updated on May 07, 2012
M.A. asks from Lawrenceville, GA
7 answers

I have been experiencing pain in both feet and it is mainly in my heels and the arch area. When I stay up on my feet or walk a lot it is quite noticeable. I would like to know if anyone has experienced this and what should I do about it. I know that insoles might help but I've not found any that are firm and provide arch support. Any advice would really help. Thanks

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J.G.

answers from Atlanta on

I suggest that you look into orthotics. They are much better than the inserts you buy in the store because they are made to correct this type of problem or prevent it from worsening.

There is a store called Star Shoes in Lawrenceville on the corner of Sugarloaf Pkwy & Five Forks Trkm Rd in the Publix Shopping Center. Our office is next door to them and I know the owners personally, Don & Janice. They are the nicest people and would be happy to answer any questions you have about your problem! They are very specialized for these types of problems!!! Best of Luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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R.P.

answers from Atlanta on

do not wear open heeled shoes for a while.
do strech exercises with rubber band or without several times a day, it really does work
there are two tennis shoes that can help go to hwy 124 snellville shoe show there is someone in there that can show you the paticular STYLE and brand of shoes, be prepared for the $100 price- worth it to get well!
don't waste your money on inserts
take ibuprofen
if you don't take measures to heal this you can develop
bone spurs, you don't want this to happen!
Take care

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L.M.

answers from Atlanta on

Try strecting your feet and also run a can over your foot and also see a dr

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L.K.

answers from Atlanta on

I have high arches and get foot and leg pain if I don't wear shoes with good arch supports. Wal-mart sells a shoe insert specifically designed for arch support. It's about $6. Also, be careful about the kinds of shoes you wear and try to elevate your feet when sitting. Good luck.

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K.B.

answers from Atlanta on

Plantar fasciitis might be the cause of this. It is caused by wounding the tough fascia connective tissue on the bottom of your foot. This band runs from your heel to the ball of your foot. It supports your arch and it transmits your weight across the bottom of the foot with each step you take.

If the plantar fascia gets bruised or over-stretched, the inflammation causes the heel and foot pain. It can also get partially detached from the heel and a calcium deposit can form - a heel spur.

Causes
1. Over-pronation: Excessive rolling of your foot and ankle with each step. This can be corrected by wearing motion control running shoes or orthotics.
2. Wearing old shoes: Shoes lose their support and cushioning after 500 miles. If your shoes are a year old and you wear them regularly, they are dead. Get rid of them or you risk injury.
3. Overstriding: taking too long of step in front of your body can also contribute to tight calves and plantar fasciitis.

Treatment
1. Rest: Once you have plantar fasciitis, you should back off of your walking distance and not walk or run through the pain.
2. Icing: Use an ice pack on the foot for 15 minutes after walking.
3. Self-Massage: Massage the foot before getting out of bed in the morning. Use long strokes from the ball down to the heel.
4. Night splint: This device holds your foot flexed at night so that the plantar fascia doesn't tighten up and cause that horrible pain as you stretch it first thing in the morning, which can in fact re-injure it.

Stretches
Once the pain and swelling have begun to subside, perform these static stretches three times a day. Continue to use this stretch to prevent recurrence of plantar fasciitis and heel spur.
1. Plantar Fascia Stretch
2. Rolling Stretch
3. Step Stretch

Good Luck!

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M.W.

answers from Atlanta on

This condition is called plantar fascitis. I had it for a period of several months a number of years ago. It comes from the tendon that runs the length of your foot from heel to toe being inflammed and tightening up when you're sitting down. Then when you stand up, it *hurts*.

What helped me was each time I went to stand up, whether in the morning getting out of bed or anytime just from a chair, I would stretch my foot (or feet, if both are involved as mine were) out *before* I got up, pushing my heel out and stretching my leg to its full length.

I would then flex my feet forward and back several times before I actually stood up. When you do stand up, give your feet a few seconds to stretch further before moving. That also helps alleviate some of the pain.

My doctor told me to take Ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory, twice a day for about 10 days. If my condition had not improved then, I was to see a podiatrist (foot doctor). Thankfully, in my case, it *did* get better. But it does take time and a little bit of TLC for yourself to give those tendons time to heal.

I know that time and TLC are not plentiful commodities in the life of a mom, especially with young children, but you've got to take care of yourself first if you want to be able to really take care of your children as you'd like.

Good luck!

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D.F.

answers from Gainesville on

Treatment for Arch pain is dependent on the cause. There are many causes of arch pain, such as inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament, flat feet, structural imbalance or a trauma injury to the foot are some of the most common causes.
http://www.comfortor.de/footproblem.html

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