Plantar fasciitis is definitely the most common source of arch pain. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only issue that can cause your pain.
Physical therapists can help you learn the cause of foot arch pain that’s not related to plantar fasciitis. These specialists can also help you find effective ways to treat your foot pain.
These three issues are not plantar fasciitis and can cause foot arch pain
Physical therapists are musculoskeletal experts, and this means they know all about the structures in your foot. Their knowledge of the feet allows them to rule out plantar fasciitis and determine what is causing your foot arch pain. Three of the issues that your physical therapist could identify include:
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) — The posterior tibial tendon connects the calf muscles to the bones on the inside of the foot. This tendon’s primary function is to support the arch of the foot. PTTD occurs when this tendon is damaged or inflamed. The damage is often caused by an injury or overuse. Medical studies reports that women and overweight people are more likely to develop PTTD.
- Overpronation — This foot issue occurs when your foot rolls inward too much as you move. Overpronation typically leads to your heel striking the ground first during walking. Then, your foot rolls inward onto the arch. A study of foot disorders reports that nearly 14% of the people studied had overpronation.
- Flat feet — One study reveals that almost 27% of the patients surveyed had flat feet. This issue is also called fallen arches. It occurs when the arch of your foot is flatter than normal allowing more of your foot to touch the ground. Often, flat feet are a result of a development issue during childhood, but it can also be caused by injuries or the wear and tear that comes with age.
How can a physical therapist treat foot arch pain that’s not caused by plantar fasciitis?
There are several treatment options your physical therapist can offer for foot arch pain. Some of the most commonly used techniques include:
- Therapeutic foot exercises
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Functional dry needling
- Athletic performance training
- Virtual therapy
- At-home care
Find help for your foot arch pain that’s not caused by plantar fasciitis at Border Therapy Services
Not sure where to find help if your foot arch pain isn’t being caused by plantar fasciitis? Our physical therapists at Border Therapy Services can help treat many sources of foot arch pain. We’ll start by doing a free screening to determine what is causing your pain. Next, our team will create an individualized therapy plan for you that’s designed to decrease your pain and prevent its return.
Contact us today for more information about our foot pain therapy services or to schedule an initial appointment.