Arch Pain

Foot Problems Slideshow

• Arch Pain Overview
• Arch Pain Causes
• Arch Pain Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Arch Pain Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Follow-up
• Return to Participation and Prevention
• References
• Author and Editor

Arch Pain Overview

Each foot contains 24 bones, which form two arches. The longitudinal arch runs the length of the foot, and the transverse arch runs the width. The bones of the arch are primarily held together by the shape with which they fit with each other and by fibrous tissues known as ligaments that serve to hold the bones to each other. The muscles of the foot, along with a tough, sinewy tissue known as the plantar fascia, provide secondary support to the foot. There are also fat pads in the foot to help with weight-bearing and absorbing impact. Arch pain can occur whenever something goes wrong with the function or interaction of any of these structures.