Heel and arch pain
GuideMidfoot painMidfoot pain is pain in the arch area of the foot, between the heel and the toes. Common causes include arthritis and injuries to ligaments or bones. Stiff, supportive shoes, insoles and easing off activity are the usual first steps, and a podiatrist can help find the cause.GuidePlantar fibromatosis (Ledderhose disease)Plantar fibromatosis (Ledderhose disease) is a benign thickening of the tissue under the foot that forms firm, slow-growing lumps along the arch. Comfortable footwear, adjusting activity and sometimes insoles ease pressure. See your GP soon if a lump grows quickly or looks unusual.GuideBursitis of the footBursitis of the foot is inflammation of a small fluid-filled cushion (a bursa), often at the back of the heel. It usually comes from friction and pressure, and most people improve with easing activity, ice and roomier, supportive shoes. Signs of infection need urgent medical assessment.GuidePump bump (Haglund's deformity)Haglund's deformity, or pump bump, is a bony bump at the back of the heel that stiff-backed shoes can rub and irritate. Comfortable, supportive shoes that don't press on the bump are the usual first step, with other non-surgical care. Surgery is considered only if that hasn't helped.GuideHigh arches (cavus foot)A high-arched foot, or cavus foot, has an arch that stays high when you stand. It can be harmless, but it's sometimes linked to a nerve or muscle condition. Shoe inserts made for your foot can ease pain in adults, and a podiatrist can check for a cause.GuideLisfranc injuryA Lisfranc injury is damage to the ligaments or bones in the middle of the foot, around the arch. It's often mistaken for a sprain, so a painful, swollen midfoot after an injury needs proper assessment. Stable injuries can heal in a cast; unstable ones usually need surgery.GuideArch painArch pain is pain along the inner curve of your foot. It has several possible causes, most often irritation of the band of tissue under the foot, so the cause needs to be worked out. Simple self-care helps many people, and a podiatrist can help if it isn't settling.GuideOverpronationOverpronation means your feet roll inwards too much, and it's often linked with flat feet. If it doesn't hurt, it usually needs no treatment. If it does, supportive shoes, lower-leg stretches and exercises, and sometimes insoles are the usual first steps, and a podiatrist can help find the cause.GuideFlat feetFlat foot means the arch on the inside of the foot is low or missing. It's often painless and needs no treatment, and most young children grow out of it. If it's sore, supportive shoes, insoles and exercise can help, and new or changing flat feet should be checked.GuidePosterior tibial tendon dysfunctionPosterior tibial tendon dysfunction is a strained tendon on the inside of the ankle that helps hold up the arch, and over time the arch can flatten. It's most common in women over 40. Supportive insoles, often with exercise, are the usual first step, and early checking matters.GuideHeel painHeel pain is pain under or behind the heel, and in adults it's most often plantar fasciitis. Most people improve with self-care: stretching, supportive shoes and easing back on what sets it off. A podiatrist can work out the cause and suggest next steps if it isn't settling.GuidePlantar heel painPlantar heel pain is pain under the heel, often worst with your first steps in the morning or after rest. Self-care is the usual first step: easing back, stretching, supportive shoes and ice. If it isn't settling, a podiatrist, GP or physiotherapist can suggest other options.