In This Issue:
Suffering With Arch Foot Pain?
Know Someone in Pain?
Patient Appreciation Week
PT Spotlight of the Month
Your Success Story
ARC Locations

Suffering With Arch Foot Pain?

If bunions aren't getting you down, maybe the arch of your foot is causing you pain. Arch pain or arch strain occurs when the tissues in the middle of the foot become inflamed and results in a burning sensation.

The arch of the foot is shaped by a firm band of tissue that joins the toes to the heel bone. This band of tissue plays a vital role in the proper mechanics of the foot and assists in the transfer of weight from the heel to the toes. Thus, when this tissue becomes inflamed, even the slightest movement can cause pain.

There are many different factors that can lead to arch pain. Often arch pain can result from a direct cause such as a foot injury or a structural imbalance of the foot, such as flat feet or a low or high arch. However, the most frequent cause of arch pain is a common condition known as plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that results from excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. This is a wide band of fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom surface of the foot. The inflammation of the plantar fascia usually causes pain to occur in the heel and arch areas. If Plantar fasciitis isn't effectively treated promptly, further strain can be placed on the arch and a heel spur (a bony growth) may develop on the bottom of the heel.

The most common symptoms of arch pain are tenderness and pain in the arch region of the foot. Pain is usually severe when pressure is applied to the foot after a prolonged period of rest, such as after waking up from sleep.

The most common treatments used to help alleviate arch pain include:
Wear supportive shoes. Avoid wearing high-heels as these shoes place a particular amount of stress on the arch region. Instead, wear footwear that properly fits your foot and provides it with proper support including shock absorbing soles, and a moderate, supportive heel. Furthermore, you should wear shoes to support your feet as much as you can. Also, limit the amount of time you walk barefoot, and walking barefoot on hard surfaces.
Insoles are special insoles you can insert in your shoes known as orthotics help to alleviate pain by providing your foot with the support it needs to move normally.
Stretching your calf muscle and Achilles tendon causes you to flex your foot, which in turn allows you to stretch the arch. Stretching encourages circulation.
Ice massages before bed can help ease sore feet and reduce inflammation. Another effective massage is to rub the bottom of your foot by moving it back and forth over a rolling pin. This helps ease pain caused by plantar fascia.
A night splint can help stretch the plantar fascia while you sleep and prevent stiffness.
To help ease the pain you can take nonsteroidal anti-inflamatory medication such as ibuprofen. Acetaminophen is also often recommended.

If the above treatments fail to help your arch pain, or pain increases, its time for you to visit your doctor - or even better - a podiatrist. Remember, if you want to help heal your feet, you need to be good to them.

Read more Dave Wilson Articles

Refer them to ARC- the best compliment you can give your therapist!

Be on the lookout for an email invitation to
ARC's 1st Annual Patient Appreciation Week!
--Local businesses with goodies and food samples
--Our massage therapist will be giving sample massages
--Sign up to win great raffle prizes.
--If you are a current patient, look for special raffle prizes
just for attending your appointments that week.

YVONNE MLYNARCZYK
Woodridge Clinic

What do you like most about being a physical therapist?

"Each day and each patient bring new opportunities. In almost 25 years, I have never had a boring day at work. It is rewarding to help patients improve their well-being and achieve their goals. My P.T. knowledge has helped me take better care of myself and motivates me to continue to do so."

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

"I enjoy cycling, rollerblading, tennis, skiing (cross country and downhill), snowshoeing, paddling (canoe or kayak), gardening, and quilting."

What is your favorite place to vacation?

"I like active vacations, usually involving mountains or water. Favorite spots have included St. Lucia, the northern coast of Kauaii, Jackson Hole (Wyoming), and Mount Rainier."

Share your success story with others! Let others know how you were helped by ARC to give hope to those looking for a way to become PAIN-FREE!

Click to email your success story!

We are located in the Loop, by O'Hare, and in Western Suburbs.

Click to find directions to the location near you!