How To Prevent Arch Pain With Proper Foot Care

Your arch consists of ligaments, fascia, bones, muscles, and tendons that work together to provide stability for the bottom of your foot and to bear your weight. That's why it's imperative to prevent any future issues through proper foot care. At Centreville Foot & Ankle & Sports Medicine, serving Centreville, VA, and the nearby region, Dr. James Hurst can help with preventative measures or intervention when a foot problem develops.

Wear Supportive Footwear

Whenever you go shoe shopping, choose shoes that offer adequate arch support. They should also fit your foot properly, so you're receiving support in the correct places. This can also alleviate other foot problems, like bunions.

Use Arch Supports

If you have shoes without adequate support, you can purchase inserts to provide the necessary support.

Buy New Shoes as Needed

Depending on how often you wear your shoes, the quality, and how active you are in them, you may need to purchase new shoes every eight to 12 months. 

If you're unsure if you could use new shoes, check the outsole wear. You also want to be mindful of how they feel on your feet. If they're starting to get uncomfortable, it's time for a new pair.

Limit Flip-Flops and Going Barefoot

Though occasionally going barefoot or wearing flip-flops is fine, on a normal basis, you want to wear a supportive pair of shoes. And neither of these options provides that. When you aren't wearing shoes that support your arch, it could fall as a result of the supportive tissue in your feet weakening. Once the arch falls, it could cause you to have arch or heel pain.

Maintain a Healthy Weight 

As previously noted, your arches give support to your entire body. You're putting excessive stress on them when you weigh more. That's why we recommend managing your weight so you can achieve a healthy weight and stay there.

Get Out and Exercise

When you live a sedentary lifestyle, your foot muscles may not work enough to maintain their strength, which could cause arch pain. That's why you should exercise daily or at least make sure you're on your feet and moving for much of the day.

Correct Overpronation

Pronation is when your foot turns inward, and it can stress your arch. Therefore, if you notice this problem, you should visit our office in Centreville, VA, for an appointment to correct it.

Contact Us for More Information

Centreville Foot & Ankle & Sports Medicine, serving Centreville, VA, and the general vicinity, would like to stress the importance of proper foot care to prevent arch pain. Fortunately, Dr. Hurst can help with prevention, and treat it when necessary. Call us at 703-830-3338 today.