Arch Pain
Pain along the arch of the foot can stem from many sources, from plantar fasciitis and flat feet to benign growths and serious crush injuries. At Cella Foot & Ankle Specialty, Dr. Cella carefully diagnoses the true cause of your arch pain and builds a customized treatment plan to relieve it, helping patients throughout Fair Lawn, NJ walk comfortably again. Because the arch supports your entire body with every step, identifying and addressing the source early is the key to lasting relief.
Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
Whether you are struggling with plantar fasciitis, a stress fracture, tendonitis, or even a cyst, we are here to help. Once your heel pain has a proper diagnosis, Dr. Cella can work with you to establish a customized care plan for your treatment. For chronic plantar fasciitis that has not responded to conservative care, regenerative options such as amniotic tissue injection therapy may be recommended, and supportive custom molded orthotics often play an important role in relieving arch strain.
Flat Feet
Flat foot is a condition in which the arches on the inside of your feet are flattened, causing the sole of the foot to touch the floor when standing upright. Flat feet are often caused by the arches not fully developing during childhood and are considered a very common and usually painless condition, though they can also occur after an injury or as part of the normal aging process. While many people experience no pain or symptoms, some sense discomfort in the heel or arch area. Physical activity can irritate the region and inflame the foot along the inside of the ankle, often because the tendon supporting the arch is being stretched as it weakens. When the arch collapses in adulthood, this may be related to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, which we cover on our ankle pain and sports injury page.
Fibroma
Fibromas are benign, non-cancerous tumors composed of fibrous or connective tissue. A plantar fibroma is a benign nodule that grows in the arch of the foot and often appears in adults between the ages of 20 and 60. Embedded within the plantar fascia, the band of tissue on the bottom of the foot, it is usually slow-growing and often less than one inch in size, though some grow faster and are considered plantar fibromatosis. Fibromas generally do not resolve on their own and may need to be monitored or removed surgically, and Dr. Cella will help determine the right approach based on the size and symptoms of the nodule.
Crush Injuries
A crush injury in the foot is serious and can cause major changes in your day-to-day activities if it is not treated properly. It occurs when the foot is compressed with considerable force between two hard surfaces, which can happen as a result of a car accident, heavy objects falling, or heavy machinery running over the foot. Always seek medical attention in the event of a crush injury, as prompt, expert care is essential to protect the bones, soft tissue, and long-term function of the foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes arch pain?
Arch pain can result from many conditions, including plantar fasciitis, flat feet, tendon strain, stress fractures, cysts, benign growths such as plantar fibromas, and injuries. Because the causes vary widely, an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. It is a common cause of heel and arch pain, often worst with the first steps in the morning, and typically responds to orthotics, stretching, and other conservative measures.
Can flat feet be treated?
Yes. While many people with flat feet have no symptoms, those who experience pain can often be helped with supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and targeted therapy. In cases involving tendon dysfunction, additional treatment may be recommended to support the arch.
Is a lump in my arch something to worry about?
A firm nodule in the arch is often a benign plantar fibroma, but any new or growing lump should be evaluated. Dr. Cella can examine it, determine whether treatment is needed, and rule out other causes.
How is arch pain diagnosed?
Dr. Cella diagnoses arch pain through a physical examination, a review of your symptoms and history, and imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound when needed. Identifying the exact cause allows for a customized and effective treatment plan.
Will I need surgery for arch pain?
Most causes of arch pain are treated successfully without surgery, using orthotics, therapy, injections, and other conservative measures. Surgery is reserved for specific conditions, such as certain fibromas or advanced structural problems, when conservative care is not enough.
How can I prevent arch pain?
Wearing supportive shoes, using custom orthotics when recommended, stretching regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding sudden increases in high-impact activity all help protect the arch and prevent pain from developing or returning.