Conditions

You’re enjoying your daily walks and suddenly, a sharp stabbing or pulling pain hits right under your arch. You thought this would go away on its own. But day after day, the pain is turning your pleasant walk along the East Coast Park into a painful ordeal, literally. Now, at this stage, most people start to frantically Google, only to find different information and solutions, which aren’t always helpful. And that’s because arch pain can be due to multiple causes, considering that there are four layers of structures under the arch.

Understanding Your Foot Arch

The best way to appreciate the intricate structure of the foot is to look at it like a Roman arch. With its keystone in place, the structure is so stable that it can sustain heavy loads without collapsing.

Our foot arch is built similarly, except that it’s composed of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They work together to form that stable platform that supports our body weight and absorbs the shock of every step. Our arch also helps to bridge and transfer forces from the heel to the toe when we move. Therefore, if any component of this structure is compromised, the result is often pain when we walk.

Foot pain is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide, with a prevalence rate of up to 36%¹. From a dull ache that comes and goes to sharp pain that makes walking difficult, the experience can vary from person to person. In a city like Singapore, where people are often on the move for work, school, or daily errands, even minor foot issues can start to interfere with daily life. That’s why it’s important to recognise foot pain symptoms early, understand the underlying cause, and seek timely care from a podiatrist.

Heel pain can affect people across different age groups and lifestyles, often starting off mildly before becoming more noticeable in daily routines. For some, it might appear after long hours on their feet. For others, it develops without a clear reason but continues to linger with time.

The discomfort might be linked to a range of factors, including certain conditions and everyday habits. Plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and stress on the Achilles tendon are some of the possible sources of heel pain. At the same time, prolonged standing, walking on hard floors, or wearing unsupportive footwear might increase the pressure on your heels. Even walking barefoot at home can contribute to discomfort over time.

Since heel pain can stem from different causes, recognising what might be contributing to yours is a practical first step. In the next section, we look at the types of heel pain and how they might present.