Oh, Those Aching Arches

Painful arches are a common complaint of runners, basketball players and other active types. What to do about them has kept sports-medicine specialists debating for years. Supporting the arch by taping the foot is one solution. Another is the use of orthoses, special shoe inserts that support the arch. Here, two specialists give advice.

David O. Draper, certified athletic trainer; associate professor of sports medicine and athletic training, Illinois State University, Normal

“In my study (comparing orthotics to taping), soft orthoses tended to support the arch better than taping.

“But I do not rule out taping. If athletes come to me with painful arches, I will first try taping. In some athletes, it works.

“Hopefully, after a week of taping the arch, the pain will go away. If not, I use a soft orthotic which can be placed in the shoe by the athlete. If an athlete has long-term or chronic arch strain, I will refer him or her to an orthopedist or podiatrist for a custom-made, semi-rigid orthotic.”

Eleanor A. Wallen, Burbank podiatrist

“Taping is fine, but it has to be applied constantly and it can lead to blistering. I don’t believe in using a soft orthosis for an athlete. A rigid or semi-rigid gives better biomechanical control. A soft one will not support the foot adequately.

“Activities like aerobics or tennis may require a semi-rigid orthosis. Forward-moving activities like running or walking might do better with a rigid orthosis.

“When buying athletic shoes, athletes with arch problems should look for a firm heel counter and midsole. If problems persist, see a specialist to evaluate the structure and function of the foot. Usually, an imbalance of muscle strength or joint motion is to blame. Exercises to strengthen specific muscles supporting the arch can help.”