3 ways PT can help arch pain in your inner foot

When your feet are in pain, it can make you want to just lie around and stay off them as much as possible. Pain can stem from any part of your foot, including the arch, which is responsible for your support and balance.

Arch pain in your inner foot can make you wince from the ache with every step. While it may be tempting to just grin and bear the pain in hopes that it goes away on its own, it’s important to be proactive about treatment to reduce the risk of further damage or an overall negative impact on your quality of life. That’s where physical therapy comes in.

Read on to learn about the possible causes of arch pain in your inner foot, the benefits of seeking physical therapy treatment and possible ways that a physical therapist can help alleviate your foot pain. 

Possible reasons for arch pain in your inner foot

The arch that runs down the inside of your foot is called the medial arch. It plays a large role in supporting your body while you stand, walk and exercise while also working to absorb shock during movements to minimize the impact. 

Arch pain in your inner foot could be the result of a medical condition or injury, including:

• Plantar fasciitis — There’s a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes, called the plantar fascia. The tissue can become inflamed when it’s overstretched or overused, known as plantar fasciitis. It’s one of the most common causes of heel pain, though the pain can spread throughout your arch.

• Muscle strain — There are muscles in your legs that assist with your arch support and movement. When these muscles become strained, the pain can be felt in your inner arch, especially when your feet are extended or turned either in or out.

• Flat feet — The structure of your feet play a large role in potential foot pain. People with flat feet, also known as fallen arches or pes planus, can feel arch pain in their inner foot because the sole of their foot hits the ground with every step. 

There are also some factors that could increase the risk of inner arch pain, including:

• Obesity.
• Age.
• Stress.
• Improper footwear.

Why you should seek physical therapy for arch pain in your inner foot

Physical therapy can help with pain in nearly every part of the body, including your feet. When your arch pain in your inner foot is preventing you from carrying out your daily routines, physical therapy treatments can help alleviate your pain and improve your foot’s overall function.

The benefits of using physical therapy to treat arch pain in your inner foot include:

• Pain management.
• Accelerated healing process.
• Increased muscle strength and flexibility.
• Improved stability and balance.

3 ways physical therapy can help arch pain in your inner foot

When it comes to choosing treatments for the pain in your inner foot, your physical therapist will recommend techniques that not only reduce your pain but also improve the quality of your foot by boosting its strength, flexibility and function. They will design a personalized treatment plan based on the cause and severity of your pain. 

Here are three possible ways that physical therapy can alleviate your inner arch pain:

• Manual therapy — When it comes to pain in the muscles of your inner foot, your physical therapist will likely use a manual therapy technique called soft tissue mobilization. It involves them using their hands to gently loosen the tight tissue to release the tension.

• Exercises — Your physical therapist will walk you through safe and effective exercises that will alleviate the pain while also building up the area’s strength and mobility. They can also walk you through stretching techniques to improve your foot’s flexibility.

• Recommendations — There are small changes that you can make in your daily living that can alleviate the arch pain as well as reduce the risk of future pain and injury. A physical therapist can make recommendations for proper footwear and assistive devices (if necessary) that will provide additional support and comfort.

Specialists in Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation can provide PT for arch pain in your inner foot

Arch pain in your inner foot can make it difficult to walk just a few steps, let alone carry out your regular physical tasks, such as exercising or running errands. The good news is that SSOR can provide the physical therapy you need to alleviate the pain with techniques like manual therapy, targeted exercises and footwear recommendations. 

Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.