Therapy
- Orthopedic insoles, especially for foot malpositions
- Physiotherapy/foot gymnastics, which is intended to strengthen the foot muscles
- Comfortable, if necessary also orthopedic footwear, with sufficient space for the toes
- Relief and protection, also supported by tape or plaster bandages
- Cooling with an ice pack (wrapped with a cloth, the ice should not be directly on the skin) for acute pain or to reduce swelling
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol
- In severe cases cortisone injections or surgery can be performed
- For heel spurs, additional X-ray radiation or shock wave therapy is used.
Preventive measures can be taken. Even children and young people should wear comfortable, suitable shoes. If a foot malposition is already known, orthopedic insoles should be prescribed in time and worn regularly before pain in the arch of the foot occurs. Regular barefoot walking trains and strengthens the foot muscles. Good control of diabetes and weight can also prevent pain.
When to see a doctor?
The specialist should be consulted if the pain continues or increases for more than three days. If the pain in the arch of the foot is accompanied by overheating, malpositioning, difficulty walking or discoloration, it should be clarified by the doctor.
Prognosis
The prognosis depends on the cause of the pain in the arch of the foot.
- Foot malpositions If they are treated in time they have a good prognosis. But even without treatment there is often an improvement in children up to school age.
If the malpositions do not develop until adulthood, therapy is usually necessary.
- Hallux valgusIn childhood, an improvement of the malposition can often still be achieved with splints, whereas in adulthood surgery is often the only therapeutic option. After surgery, the ligaments and tendons first have to get used to their new position, but the long-term prognosis of the operated hallux valgus is good.
- Fasciitis plantarisConsistent adherence to treatment measures often leads to an improvement in symptoms. Complete healing can take up to six months.
After that it is important to slowly accustom the foot to new strains in order to prevent further overstrain. It is recommended to continue with stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Heel SpurGood prognosis with improvement in 80-90% of cases after weeks and months. Patience and consequent application of therapeutic measures often bring relief.
- Fatigue fractureFatigue fracture also has a favorable prognosis and is improved by professional treatment and physiotherapy. Healing can take up to six months.