Foot arch pain isn’t always caused by plantar fasciitis. Tendon injuries, ligament or muscle damage, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, overpronation, and cavus foot can also lead to pain, inflammation, and reduced foot support.
The foot consists of 28 bones, 30 joints, and over 100 different ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Foot pain can derive from any of these structures.
Foot pain can develop very suddenly or gradually over time, and this gives us clues as to the cause of the pain. However, the location of the foot pain is particularly important in determining the cause.
Below we have listed some of the more common causes of foot pain at different parts of the foot. With that said, it is important to note that more rare causes of foot pain exist (that we have not described below) which would require a more thorough physical examination by your sports chiropractor.
Patients often complain of pain in the in their feet from walking. In some cases, the pain might only be experienced while walking. While in other patients, walking might actually cause existing symptoms to become worse afterwards. Where the patient experiences their pain is particularly important in helping us determine the cause.
If the pain is more towards the ball of the foot, then the cause may be linked to metatarsalgia. This condition is quite common for those experiencing pain at the front of the foot.
If the pain is more sharp pain and located in the arch of the foot, then we would consider plantar fasciitis to be a potential cause.
When there is a pain at the top of the foot, patients might also consider the possibility of a condition known as extensor tendinitis. The condition can also cause painful symptoms in the middle of the foot.
Sharp pain with walking in the arch of the foot is likely due to plantar fasciitis
While pain can affect various areas of the foot and even be more aggressive following specific activities, it is also important to consider that there are different types of foot pain too. For example, nerve pain will feel significantly different to ligament pain and thus the type of pain you experience will also give us clues as to what is causing your pain.
Even though plantar fasciitis may be one of the most common reasons for foot arch pain, it is not the ONLY cause of pain in the arch of the foot.
Damage to the tendons, ligaments, or muscles in the arch of the foot can all cause pain symptoms, along with inflammation, tenderness, and other issues to develop.
Apart from plantar fasciitis, patients also need to be wary of a condition known as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.
The posterior tibial tendon runs along the calf and the inner part of the foot, and provides support for the foot arch. When this tendon becomes damaged, its ability to provide adequate support for the arch is reduced and the pain can be similar to plantar fasciitis. The images below show where the posterior tibial tendon runs and where you might experience pain if suffering from this condition.
Two less common conditions that may cause pain in the arch of the foot are overpronation and cavus foot.
