It is not unusual to experience pain in arch of foot, heels or toes.
These pains are typically associated with wearing the wrong shoe for the activity.
Originally, all shoes were created for protection.
They provided warmth in the winter and allowed for walking on rocky surfaces, without injury.
Over the years, they have become decorative fashion accessories.
While fashion shoes may still provide some protection or warmth, they don't provide the support that your feet need to be healthy.
There are dozens of different bones in your feet.
Because they are small, they are easily broken and fractured.
The fractures often take longer to heal, because immobilizing the feet is so difficult.
There are more than a hundred muscles, tendons and ligaments in your feet and ankles, along with 33 different joints.
Sprain, strain and stress can cause pains in any or all of them.
The arches are created by the interlocking bones, strong ligaments, tendons and muscles.
Excessive strain on the tendons and ligaments can lead to fallen arches or "flat feet", which will result in pain in arch of foot and other areas.
People have different sized arches.
Some are born with flat feet, in which there are practically no arches.
Some people have high arches.
In other people they are low.
Shoes are not designed to support high arches.
Additional insoles are needed to provide the support.
When people have low or no arches, they can benefit from additional insole support, as well.
If the arches are not properly supported, walking puts too much stress on them.
It pulls the muscles and tendons tight with each step.
Obviously, this continuous stress will result in pain in arch of foot areas.
If only one of your feet is affected, you may have one leg that is longer than the other.
The longer leg will get more pressure from impact during walking.
That explains why you would have discomfort only on the one side.
Most people have slight differences in the length of their legs and the size of their feet.
The difference may cause no problem at all, when a person is young, but as they get older, they may start to experience hip, knee, ankle and back pains.
Consulting a podiatrist can help resolve the problems, if arch supports and insoles are ineffective.
Only in rare cases does pain in arch of foot and heel require surgery.
Most often, wearing appropriate shoes and extra insoles takes care of the problem.
When you are walking, wear walking shoes.
For running, wear running shoes.
Instead of flip flops during the summer, wear "Crocs".
Doctors say they are better for the health of your feet.
If you must be on your feet all day, wear dress shoes that are designed for comfort.
You don't have to sacrifice style to get comfort.
You just need to look for good quality footwear; no more "Pay-less".
If changing your shoes doesn't work, consult a podiatrist about pain in arch of foot or any other problems that you may have with your feet.
It's worth the cost of an office visit.