Foot pain can be frustrating and confusing as to how it started, and what the problem is. It can stop you from enjoying your favourite activities when you are used to being pain-free. 

Sometimes walking can be painful and awkward and you find that other parts start hurting also. 

What is hurting in your Arch?

There are many different structures that can be painful, usually as a result of what we call 'overuse'. Apart from the plantar fascia (a fibrous, ligament-like tissue that functions to support the arch of the foot).

You should be able to feel the plantar fascia at the bottom of your foot, especially if you extend the toes. It is a fibrous tissue that inserts into the toes. 

Is it always the Plantar Fascia that is Painful?

No, of course, there are many other structures that can hurt, such as the flexor tendons to the toes. The posterior tibial tendon inserts into the midfoot, a swollen nerve (Mortons' neuroma), or osteoarthritis of the midfoot....

Children's flat feet

Very young children have flat feet. Development of the foot arch takes ten years to fully form. I often get concerned parents who have looked at their children’s gait and foot posture and have wondered if their children’s feet are normal. In most cases they are.

However there are some feet that won’t develop an arch and some feet  that will cause a problem, or is causing a problem, despite being a physiological (normal) flat foot.  

Who should be treated with Orthotic foot supports?

It can be difficult for a parent to know if your child would benefit from foot supports.

There are some clues however for parents: if your child avoids running or other high intensity activities. If they prefer to be sedentary, or complain about growing pains, or pain, trip or fall frequently or have aching feet and legs this can be a sign that they would benefit from arch supports. Children shouldn't be complaining of pain...