The arch of the foot consists of a longitudinal and a transverse arch and designates the muscles that are important for the correct function of the foot and serve as shock absorbers. The longitudinal arch is kept upright by the plantar aponeurosis tendon plate (aponeurosis plantaris or plantar aponeurosis) and the long tendon ligament and is tensed by the continuation of the long big toe flexor, the long toe flexors and the short foot flexor muscles. The transverse arch is composed of the Musculus tibialis posterior and the Musculus peroneus longus, here too the plantar aponeurosis supports the maintenance of the arch.
Causes
- Descending arch of the footDecreases in various foot malpositions, which can be congenital or acquired. Possible variants are the flat foot, the flat foot or splayfoot. However, too much arch (hollow foot) can also cause problems.
- Hallux valgus (inclination of the big toe)Also belongs to the foot malpositions, which can lead to an incorrect load on the ball of the little toe and thus cause pain in the arch of the foot.
- Inflammation of the plantar aponeurosisThe so-called Fasciitis plantaris, which is often the cause of pain in the arch of the foot, especially in runners, due to constant overloading, incorrect footwear, a foot malposition or an unfavorable running style.
Symptoms
The qualities of pain are manifold.
- If the plantar aponeurosis is affected, there is often stabbing pain, especially at the beginning of exercise or after long periods of rest.
- A fatigue fracture can cause swelling, overheating and redness in addition to the pain in the arch of the foot. A fatigue fracture can easily be confused with rheumatic complaints, as the pain increases only slowly.
- The first signs of a foot malfunction are often hyperkeratosis, i.e. a thickening of the cornea.
- Pronounced foot malpositions can cause back and knee pain because the foot is loaded incorrectly. In addition, the walking distance may be shortened and the feet may become more easily tired.
- In diabetic foot, the pain quality may be rather burning, but numbness or tingling may also occur. The pain also occurs at rest.
