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By Dr. Kuvent, June 25, 2010 2:12 pm

“Arch Pain” is a common term used by many to describe symptoms that may occur in the arch of the foot. One of the most common findings in a patient with arch pain is inflammation of the tissues within the midfoot (you know, that portion of the foot further down from the ankle and heel, but closer than the toes). You may know where the arch of the foot is on your own feet, but what is involved in forming this arch? A tight band of tissue called the “plantar fascia” connects the heel bone to the toes, forming the arch. Now, this band of tissue is very important in ensuring that the foot performs as it should mechanically, and it is important in walking because of its role in transferring weight from the heel to the toes with each step. When this arch-forming tissue becomes irritated and inflamed, it causes that infamous “arch pain” and patients may experience severe pain even with the simplest of movements.

Knowing that the plantar fascia is an important structure in forming the arch of the foot should lead you to believe that plantar fasciitis (a commonly used medical term meaning inflammation of the plantar fascia) is the most common cause of arch pain. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain right away in the morning when you first get out of bed or pain with long walks or prolonged periods of standing. If you experience arch pain early in the morning, chances are it is due to the plantar fascia becoming tight while you sleep. Upon waking up and walking to the kitchen for your morning cup of coffee, the plantar fascia is still tight from your slumber and it gets irritated when it stretches out during walking. This in turn makes the already difficult walk (depending on the amount of sleep you get) to the kitchen even more difficult due to intense pain.

The best treatment for plantar fasciitis is often a combination of some simple stretching exercises, anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil, and inserts for your shoes to help support your arches, which reduces the amount of stretching of your plantar fascia. If these conservative treatments aren’t enough to take care of your pain, you should see a podiatrist to discuss other options.

Another cause of arch pain involves collapse of the midfoot, placing excess stress on the arch. This stress affects the plantar fascia, as well as some tendons running along your ach and the joints of the midfoot. Over time, excessive stress on the midfoot joints can result in arthritis.

There is a particular tendon that helps support the arch and prevents it from collapsing. When excess stress is placed on the midfoot, this tendon becomes overstressed, which can result in tearing, inflammation, pain and eventual breakdown of the tendon. This may require therapy, being placed in a cast, or even surgery.

If you are experiencing any of the discussed symptoms of arch pain, make an appointment with your local podiatrist to determine the best course for relieving your pain and making your morning walk to the kitchen easier!

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By Dr. Kuvent, March 17, 2010 9:23 am

          With roughly 52 bones in both of our feet, it’s easy to imagine that each of the joints in our feet must be able to work in a precise, coordinated fashion in order for us to stand and move without problems. This is something that’s easy to take for granted when we’re pain-free. After all, our hands also contain numerous bones and they don’t usually give us trouble, right? Unlike hands, our feet must bear the weight of our entire bodies with each passing step. Consequently, the result of dysfunctional foot joints can become much more devastating. In many such cases, fusing of the joint or joints in question is actually a very feasible solution.

          Depending on the case, there are several regions of the foot where podiatric surgeons consider fusion procedures. One area is within the toes. If you try curling them you may notice that each toe has several small joints which allow the curling motion. When one or more of these joints is fused, it converts the toe to a rigid lever and helps eliminate any grinding or other disease process occurring in that toe. Some indications for this may include traumatic arthritis, hammertoes, a cavus or high-arched foot type, and other various deformities.

          Another possible fusion may include the area between the ball of the foot and the first (big) toe. These procedures may be done for several reasons including stiffness or arthritis in the area as well as revisions for a previous bunion correction or in response to dysfunction of a tendon. If this is done, the doctor will typically fuse the joint in such a way that its position is optimally placed according to your needs and lifestyle. Your X-rays and foot structure will also be taken into account when the decision is made.

          Yet another common fusion site is between the bones of the mid-foot and the long bones of the forefoot. These procedures are similarly done in cases of arthritis, joint mal-alignment, Charcot disease, instability, and in certain bunion cases. Often times, these cases are especially effective in creating stability and providing for a large degree of correction.

          With any surgical procedure, there are certain benefits as well as potential risks. The site of fusion as well as the means of fusion (usually screws, wires, or small plates) will vary from individual to individual. Your local Chandler podiatrist can help answer any questions you might have about fusions and whether or not it might be a good option for you. The post-operative regimens also vary; some procedures will allow you to walk 

          With roughly 52 bones in both of our feet, it’s easy to imagine that each of the joints in our feet must be able to work in a precise, coordinated fashion in order for us to stand and move without problems. This is something that’s easy to take for granted when we’re pain-free. After all, our hands also contain numerous bones and they don’t usually give us trouble, right? Unlike hands, our feet must bear the weight of our entire bodies with each passing step. Consequently, the result of dysfunctional foot joints can become much more devastating. In many such cases, fusing of the joint or joints in question is actually a very feasible solution.

          Depending on the case, there are several regions of the foot where podiatric surgeons consider fusion procedures. One area is within the toes. If you try curling them you may notice that each toe has several small joints which allow the curling motion. When one or more of these joints is fused, it converts the toe to a rigid lever and helps eliminate any grinding or other disease process occurring in that toe. Some indications for this may include traumatic arthritis, hammertoes, a cavus or high-arched foot type, and other various deformities.

          Another possible fusion may include the area between the ball of the foot and the first (big) toe. These procedures may be done for several reasons including stiffness or arthritis in the area as well as revisions for a previous bunion correction or in response to dysfunction of a tendon. If this is done, the doctor will typically fuse the joint in such a way that its position is optimally placed according to your needs and lifestyle. Your X-rays and foot structure will also be taken into account when the decision is made.

          Yet another common fusion site is between the bones of the mid-foot and the long bones of the forefoot. These procedures are similarly done in cases of arthritis, joint mal-alignment, Charcot disease, instability, and in certain bunion cases. Often times, these cases are especially effective in creating stability and providing for a large degree of correction.

          With any surgical procedure, there are certain benefits as well as potential risks. The site of fusion as well as the means of fusion (usually screws, wires, or small plates) will vary from individual to individual. Your local Chandler podiatrist can help answer any questions you might have about fusions and whether or not it might be a good option for you. The post-operative regimens also vary; some procedures will allow you to walk