The Why may foot pain relate to arches?

Our feet is the foundation of our bodies. The functions of the Medial Longitudinal, Lateral Longitudinal and Transverse Arches of our feet is the weight distribution, balance, propulsion and ambulation. As our body weight transfer through the soles, mainly the heels and toes, our arches flattened slightly.

Types Of Foot Arches

Some of us are blessed with normal ones, while others are affected by either a low arches (Pes planus) or less common high arches (Pes cavus). Inevitably, both sets of arches present their unique set of challenges.

Massage Therapy

High arches are more rigid and commonly cause foot pain, sending people to seek relief at my practice. Upon weight bearing, a pronounced rounded hollow in the feet” sole is visible, and it rolls outward away from the body (supination/inversion) Hence, the concentration of our body’s weight at the heels and balls of the feet is excessive.

Causes Of High Arches

Apart from genetics, neurological and medical conditions are responsible, such as Strokes, Cerebral Palsy, Polio and Spinal Bifida to name a few.

Problems Linked To High Arches

It negatively impacts our bodies because of low shock absorption in exercising, running, jumping and walking. Therefore, we experience stress on our joints and certain muscle are overused. Also, it causes pain at the bottom of our feet, outer ankles, calves, knees and lower back.

Some of my clients reported feeling a pebble in their shoes, Further claims were tingling and numbness of their toes and a sharp burning at the balls of their feet. These are signs of metatarsalgia associated with high arches. Others experience pain at their soles with indications of Plantar Fasciitis. Moreover, hammer toes are present as the middle joints of toes are bended. Besides, high arches are accompanied by instability of the foot. We are prone to injuries, falls and sprains.

Managing High Arches

Includes working on the muscles and joints to re-condition and maintain optimal leg and foot functions, foot exercises and insoles (orthotics) may be require to support, protect, cushion and correct our feet to align with our ankles, knees, and hips. They also improve how we walk (gait), stand and weigh distribution across our feet.

Your massage therapist would refer yo to a qualified podiatrist for postural assessment and custom fit orthotics to prevent long-term complications.

# Massage Invercargill # Painful feet