What are the main causes of arch pain. How can you treat bottom of foot pain at home. When should you seek professional help for foot arch discomfort. What are the best treatments for arch pain in North Seattle.

Understanding the Anatomy and Function of Foot Arches

Foot arches play a crucial role in our daily mobility and overall foot health. There are two main arches in each foot: the medial arch on the inside and the lateral arch on the outside. These structures are not mere anatomical features; they serve essential functions that impact our entire body mechanics.

The primary responsibilities of foot arches include:

• Supporting body weight
• Absorbing shock during movement
• Maintaining balance
• Providing flexibility for injury prevention

Understanding the importance of these arches is the first step in addressing arch pain and related foot issues. When these structures are compromised or strained, it can lead to discomfort and various foot conditions.

The Impact of Foot Arch Types on Painful Foot Conditions

Your foot arch type significantly influences the types of foot problems you may experience. There are primarily two extreme arch types, each associated with specific foot conditions:

Flat Foot (Pes Planus)

Individuals with flat feet often experience overpronation, where the foot rolls inward excessively with each step. This can lead to several foot conditions:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Bunions
• Hammertoes and overlapping toes
• Posterior tibial tendonitis

The excessive pulling on the plantar fascia due to overpronation can cause pain in both the arch and heel. Over time, this can also contribute to the development of foot deformities like bunions and hammertoes.

High Arched Foot (Pes Cavus)

High arches, typically inherited, create a different set of challenges:

• Increased pressure on heels and balls of feet
• Risk of plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis
• Metatarsalgia
• Calluses on ball and heel of the foot
• Increased risk of ankle sprains
• Arthritis

While high arches can lead to these conditions, it’s important to note that not all of them necessarily cause pain in the foot arch itself.

Effective Home Remedies for Foot Arch Pain

Before seeking professional help, there are several home remedies you can try to alleviate foot arch pain:

Rest and Activity Modification

Taking a break from high-impact activities can provide relief, especially for athletes experiencing arch pain. A few days of rest might make a significant difference in pain levels.

Inflammation Management

Reducing inflammation is key to managing arch pain. Try these methods:

• Ice therapy: Apply an ice pack for 7-10 minutes, three times daily
• Massage: Gentle massage can improve blood flow to the affected area
• NSAIDs: Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as directed by your doctor

Footwear Adjustments

Proper footwear is crucial in preventing and managing arch pain. Ensure your shoes are supportive and stable. Consider replacing the inserts that come with your shoes with over-the-counter orthotics like Powerstep or Redi-Orthotics for added support.

Stretching Exercises

Regular stretching of the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can help alleviate arch pain. It’s important to maintain a consistent stretching routine for optimal results.

Professional Treatment Options for Persistent Arch Pain

When home remedies fail to provide sufficient relief, it’s time to consult a podiatrist. Professional treatment options may include:

Advanced Inflammation Reduction Techniques

• Cortisone injections
• Airheel device to relieve arch pressure
• Foot taping techniques
• Use of a walking boot for immobilization
• MLS laser therapy

These treatments aim to reduce inflammation and promote healing more effectively than home remedies alone.

Custom Orthotics

While over-the-counter inserts can be helpful, custom orthotics provide tailored support for your unique foot structure. These are particularly beneficial for individuals with severe arch pain or chronic foot conditions.

Physical Therapy

A structured physical therapy program can strengthen the muscles supporting your arches and improve overall foot function. This may include specific exercises and stretches designed for your condition.

Preventing Arch Pain: Proactive Measures for Foot Health

Prevention is often the best medicine when it comes to arch pain. Here are some proactive steps you can take:

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your feet
• Wear properly fitting, supportive shoes
• Gradually increase intensity when starting new exercise routines
• Incorporate foot-strengthening exercises into your fitness regimen
• Use arch supports or orthotics if recommended by your podiatrist

By adopting these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing arch pain and other foot-related issues.

When to Seek Professional Help for Arch Pain

While many cases of arch pain can be managed at home, certain situations warrant professional attention. Consider consulting a podiatrist if:

• Pain persists for more than a week despite home treatment
• You experience severe pain or swelling
• You notice changes in foot appearance or structure
• Pain interferes with daily activities or sleep
• You have a medical condition that affects foot health, such as diabetes

Early intervention can prevent minor foot issues from developing into more serious conditions.

Advanced Treatment Options for Chronic Arch Pain

For cases of chronic or severe arch pain that don’t respond to conservative treatments, more advanced options may be considered:

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)

This non-invasive treatment uses shock waves to stimulate healing in the affected area. It’s particularly effective for chronic plantar fasciitis, a common cause of arch pain.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP therapy involves injecting a concentration of the patient’s own platelets to accelerate the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. This can be beneficial for chronic arch pain caused by tissue damage.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

In rare cases where conservative treatments fail, minimally invasive surgical procedures may be recommended. These can include plantar fascia release or tendon repair, depending on the underlying cause of the arch pain.

The Role of Biomechanics in Arch Pain Management

Understanding and addressing biomechanical issues is crucial in managing arch pain effectively. Biomechanical factors that can contribute to arch pain include:

• Gait abnormalities
• Leg length discrepancies
• Muscle imbalances
• Joint hypermobility or stiffness

A comprehensive biomechanical assessment by a podiatrist can identify these issues and inform a tailored treatment plan. This may involve gait analysis, custom orthotics, and specific exercises to correct biomechanical abnormalities.

Are biomechanical issues always visible to the untrained eye. No, many biomechanical problems require professional assessment to identify. A podiatrist can use various tools and techniques, including video gait analysis and pressure mapping, to detect subtle abnormalities that may be contributing to arch pain.

Correcting Biomechanical Issues

Addressing biomechanical problems often involves a multi-faceted approach:

1. Custom orthotics to provide proper support and alignment
2. Targeted exercises to strengthen weak muscles and improve flexibility
3. Footwear recommendations based on individual foot type and gait pattern
4. Gait retraining to correct movement patterns

By correcting underlying biomechanical issues, many patients experience significant long-term relief from arch pain and related foot problems.

Lifestyle Modifications to Support Arch Health

In addition to medical treatments and biomechanical corrections, certain lifestyle changes can significantly impact arch health and pain management:

Dietary Considerations

While diet may not directly cause arch pain, it can influence factors that contribute to foot discomfort:

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods
• Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake for bone health
• Stay hydrated to support overall tissue health

Exercise and Activity Modifications

Adjusting your exercise routine can help manage arch pain:

• Incorporate low-impact activities like swimming or cycling
• Practice proper warm-up and cool-down techniques
• Gradually increase exercise intensity to avoid overuse injuries

Workplace Ergonomics

For those who stand or walk for extended periods at work:

• Use anti-fatigue mats in standing areas
• Take regular breaks to sit and elevate feet
• Wear appropriate, supportive footwear for your work environment

Can workplace modifications really make a difference in arch pain. Yes, improving workplace ergonomics can significantly reduce the strain on your feet and alleviate arch pain, especially for those in jobs that require prolonged standing or walking.

The Impact of Systemic Conditions on Arch Pain

While many cases of arch pain are due to local foot issues, systemic conditions can also play a role. Understanding these connections is crucial for comprehensive treatment:

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This autoimmune condition can affect the joints in the feet, leading to arch pain and deformities. Early diagnosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis are essential for preserving foot function.

Diabetes

Diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation in the feet, potentially leading to arch pain and other foot complications. Proper diabetes management and regular foot checks are crucial.

Obesity

Excess body weight places additional stress on the feet, potentially leading to arch collapse and pain. Weight management can be an important part of arch pain treatment in these cases.

Pregnancy

Hormonal changes and weight gain during pregnancy can lead to arch pain and flattening of the feet. Special consideration for footwear and support may be necessary during this time.

How does addressing systemic conditions impact arch pain treatment. Treating underlying systemic conditions can significantly improve the effectiveness of local arch pain treatments. In some cases, managing the systemic condition may resolve the arch pain without the need for foot-specific interventions.

Emerging Technologies in Arch Pain Diagnosis and Treatment

The field of podiatry is constantly evolving, with new technologies emerging to improve diagnosis and treatment of arch pain:

3D Printing for Custom Orthotics

Advanced 3D printing technology allows for the creation of highly customized orthotics that precisely match the contours of an individual’s foot. This can provide superior support and comfort compared to traditional orthotics.

Wearable Technology for Gait Analysis

Smart insoles and other wearable devices can provide real-time data on gait patterns, pressure distribution, and foot function. This information can be invaluable for diagnosing biomechanical issues and monitoring treatment progress.

Regenerative Medicine

Stem cell therapy and other regenerative medicine techniques are showing promise in treating chronic foot and arch pain by promoting tissue repair and regeneration.

Virtual Reality in Physical Therapy

Virtual reality systems are being used to create immersive environments for gait training and rehabilitation exercises, making therapy more engaging and potentially more effective.

Are these new technologies widely available for arch pain treatment. While some of these technologies are becoming more common in specialized podiatry practices, their availability may vary depending on your location and the specific clinic you visit. It’s always best to consult with a podiatrist to understand the most appropriate and available treatment options for your specific case of arch pain.

Long-Term Management and Prognosis of Arch Pain

Managing arch pain often requires a long-term approach, especially for chronic cases or those related to structural foot issues. Understanding the prognosis and developing a long-term management plan is crucial for maintaining foot health and preventing recurrence of pain.

Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments

Regular follow-ups with a podiatrist are important for:

• Assessing the effectiveness of current treatments
• Making necessary adjustments to orthotics or exercise routines
• Addressing any new foot health concerns promptly

Adapting to Changes in Foot Structure

As we age, our feet can change shape and size. This may necessitate updates to orthotics, footwear choices, and treatment plans. Staying proactive about these changes can prevent the recurrence of arch pain.

Maintaining Overall Foot Health

Long-term management of arch pain also involves maintaining general foot health:

• Regular foot care routines, including proper hygiene and moisturizing
• Prompt attention to any new foot issues or injuries
• Consistent use of prescribed treatments or supports

Prognosis for Different Types of Arch Pain

The long-term outlook for arch pain can vary depending on its cause:

• Acute injuries: Often have a good prognosis with proper treatment and rest
• Chronic conditions (e.g., plantar fasciitis): May require ongoing management but can often be controlled effectively
• Structural issues: May need long-term use of orthotics or other supports, but many people achieve significant pain relief and improved function

What factors influence the long-term prognosis of arch pain. The prognosis for arch pain depends on several factors, including the underlying cause, the individual’s overall health and lifestyle, adherence to treatment plans, and the timely implementation of appropriate interventions. Early diagnosis and consistent management typically lead to better long-term outcomes.

By understanding the complexities of arch pain and adopting a comprehensive approach to its management, individuals can significantly improve their foot health and overall quality of life. Whether through conservative treatments, advanced medical interventions, or lifestyle modifications, there are numerous effective strategies available to address arch pain and promote long-term foot health.

Best Treatment for Pain in Arch of Foot in North Seattle

While one of the most common complaints in my podiatry office is heel pain, a close second would be arch pain. Arch pain doesn’t just plague runners and other athletes, but people who are less active as well.

So, you’re probably wondering–what’s causing my foot arch pain?

Let take a closer look at the purpose of the arch.

Purpose of Your Foot Arch

First, you really have two arches in your feet. One is the medial arch found toward the inside of your foot and the other is the lateral arch on the outside of your foot. These foot arches have a big job to do. They have to hold up your weight, absorb shock when you walk, run, or jump, and maintain your balance. Your arches also allow your feet to be flexible so that you don’t injure yourself when you move.

How Your Foot Arch Type Can Cause Painful Foot Problems

Your foot arch type often dictates what types of foot problems you are more likely to develop.

Flat foot or Pes planus

People with flat feet are more prone to develop several different foot conditions including:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Bunions
• Hammertoes and overlapping toes

When the arch of the foot is flat you’re more prone to overpronate or roll your feet in every time you take a step. This overpronation leads to excessive pulling on the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot. It can cause pain in your arch and your heel—these symptoms are most commonly seen with the conditions plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

Overpronation also leads to foot deformities such as bunions and hammertoes. These conditions develop over time—the big toe moves towards your little toes causing the bump on the side of your big toe. Your little toes can develop into hammertoes or overlap as a result.

Posterior tibial tendonitis is another condition that causes arch pain. A person with this condition also has a flat foot but it develops when the collapse of the arch is more severe. This condition needs immediate attention to avoid rupture of the tendon.

High arched foot or Pes cavus

Like most flat feet, high arches are inherited. People with high arches place more pressure on their heels and balls of their feet. While people with flat feet tend to develop plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis due to overpronation, people with high arches are also at risk but for a different reason—they place more pressure on the heels of the foot when they walk or run. Again, pain can be felt in the heel and in the arch.

Other conditions common among people with a high arched foot are:

• Metatarsalgia
• Calluses on ball and heel of the foot
• Tendency to sprain their ankle when high arches aren’t flexible
• Arthritis

However, none of these conditions necessarily cause pain in the foot arch.

Treating Foot Arch Pain At Home

Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to treat pain in the arch of your foot.

Rest

If you’re noticing pain in the arch of your foot, take a break from your activities particularly if you’re an athlete. See if a few days of rest make a difference.

Treat Your Inflammation

Pain is caused by inflammation. You can treat it by:

• Icing – use an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas and ice for 7-10 mins three times a day
• Massage can bring blood to the inflamed area to help heal it
• Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) per your doctors instructions

Change Your Shoes

Improper shoes can often cause arch and heel pain. Your shoes should be supportive and not flop around. To find out if your shoes might be the problem, check out my video “How to Test Any Shoe for Stability.” A word of caution–just because your shoes are made by a well known company doesn’t mean they’re more stable. 

Add An Insert to Your Shoes

In addition to buying more supportive shoes, replace the insert that comes with your shoes with an over-the-counter insert such as Powerstep or Redi-Orthotics.

Stretching

Many people who experience arch pain have very tight calf muscles and a tight Achilles. Stretching at home is an essential part of any treatment plan. However, it’s important to stretch enough. See below for more information about stretching.

Treating Foot Arch Pain At the Office

While some people can get relieve from their arch pain using in home remedies, most people will need to see a skilled podiatrist to get better. That’s where we come in.

Reducing Your Inflammation

While icing and anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce inflammation, often you’ll need more to get your pain and inflammation done. This is essential to get better in moderate to severe cases.

Here are the in-office modalities we use:

• Cortisone injection
• Airheel- this device relieves the pressure on your arch
• Taping the foot- this takes the pressure off your arch
• Walking boot- sometimes this is necessary to immobilize the foot
• MLS laser therapy – this therapy heals the pain and inflammation at the cellular level and is very effective for recurring heel and arch pain.

Treating Abnormal Foot Mechanics

While all the methods above are critical to decrease your pain in the short term, you’ll likely need to treat your abnormal foot mechanics. We use traditional custom orthotics and Custom 3D Printed Orthotics to properly align and support your feet. Dr. Berg will determine which orthotics are best for your condition and level of activity.

In addition, if you’re diagnosed with posterior tibial tendonitis you’ll need a special brace to keep your arch from collapsing, It’s called an Arizona brace.

Treating Tight Calf Muscles and Achilles

Of all the factors causing foot problems, a tight calf/Achilles is one of the most destructive. While stretching is a critical component to your recovery from foot arch pain, stretching enough is often difficult. That’s because you need to stretch for long periods of time to make a difference – around 30 minutes.

We provide our patients with an Achilles splint to use while sitting watching TV or reading.

If you’re experiencing arch pain, call us at 206-368-7000 or request an appointment online.

Arch Pain- Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Arch pain is common in everyone, not just athletes. The arch of the foot absorbs the shock when you walk and bears your weight when you stand. Standing for long periods of time can predispose you to pain in the arch of the foot. Arch pain can also be caused by injury to the foot, as well as the wrong footwear, standing incorrectly, and flatfoot.

Arch pain refers to pain between the ball of the foot and the heel. The arches of the foot are made of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Overuse, injury, weight gain, flatfoot, as well as other medical conditions can all cause pain in the arch. The most common causes of arch pain in adults include:

• Plantar Fasciitis
  This condition is more common in the heel, but it can occur in the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the arch becomes irritated and inflamed. The pain from plantar fasciitis is very localized to the arch and is worse in the morning when you get out of bed. After walking around for a few minutes, the arch stretches, and the pain is relieved.
• Pinched Nerve
  Nerves in the feet can get pinched, and this causes pain in the arch. The pinched nerve is actually located below the ankle, but the pain radiates to the arch of the foot. The pinched nerve causes sharp pains, aching, or foot cramps. Pain occurs at any time, even while at rest.
• Tendinitis
  Tendinitis is inflammation or strain of a tendon. This will cause pain while walking. Tendinitis is more common in those with flatfoot, as they are more likely to strain the tendons in the foot. Pain occurs in the arch, the bottom of the foot, the inner part of the ankle, and on the top of the foot.
• Sprains
  Though not as common as ankle sprains, arch sprains can cause significant pain. Because these can be difficult to diagnose, early evaluation by a foot and ankle specialist is necessary to prevent long term problems.
• Stress Fractures
  Stress fractures occur when your bone swells from overuse and cracks. Pain and swelling will typically be felt at the top of your arch, making closed shoes and walking uncomfortable.
• Arthritis
  Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that can occur anywhere in the body. Arthritis in the arch is often associated with bone spurs and can cause aching and throbbing pain with every step.

Arch Pain Treatment

Foot pain is never normal. If you suffer from occasional arch pain, you may find relief with some home remedies, such as rest, icing the foot, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. If your pain persists or worsens, you are unable to bear weight because of the pain, or you develop redness or swelling to the foot, it’s time to make an appointment with your 1Foot 2Foot podiatrist. After diagnosing the underlying cause of your pain, your podiatrist will develop a treatment plan that may include the following:

• Specialized athletic strapping
• Modification of activity
• Foot-type specific arch supports or custom orthotics
• Bracing or cast protection
• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy
• Steroid or amniotic injections
• Regenerative medicine techniques such laser or shockwave therapy
• Surgical intervention

Recovery time will depend on the cause of your arch pain and the treatment necessary to resolve it. Your podiatrist will be able to provide you with an estimated recovery time once an accurate diagnosis is made.

Arch Pain Prevention

You can prevent arch pain in a few different ways, First, ensure you are wearing the proper footwear for your activity and that the shoe fits properly. Avoid going barefoot, as the lack of arch support while barefoot can trigger arch pain. Maintain a healthy weight to alleviate some of the stress on your feet. Warm up before exercising. Your podiatrist can show you stretches that you can incorporate into your routine. Lastly, take your time and pace yourself and rest when you need to.

Conclusion

Occasional arch pain is common; however, if the pain and discomfort persist, it is time to seek medical intervention. The award-winning podiatrists at 1Foot 2Foot know how to relieve your arch pain and will develop a treatment plan specifically for your foot condition. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Pain. What is this? How can you help someone in pain? — Health Olympus

Pain has been known to the world since the beginning of life. Every living organism, when exposed to excessive environmental factors (high and low temperatures, trauma, chemical damage, etc.), must react and defend itself. It is pain that is the red flag that the body throws out so that the human consciousness reacts and reduces the volume or strength of the damaging effect. Thus, pain is a shield that reduces damage. After all, if we did not feel that we burned our finger, we would burn out completely. But, unfortunately, pain is not only protective.

Let’s touch on a few definitions of “pain”.

Pain is an unpleasant or painful sensation, an experience of physical or emotional suffering. Serves as a signal of real or perceived tissue damage or psychological distress; pain can also be caused by disorders in the functioning of the nervous system. It is one of the symptoms of a number of diseases.

Pain is a kind of mental state of a person, determined by a combination of physiological processes in the central nervous system caused by a strong stimulus.

These definitions show that pain is always subjective. Only the sufferer feels it, and no one, even an experienced doctor, can see it and fully appreciate it.

Personally, I like this definition. Pain is a psychosocial phenomenon that disrupts a person’s habitual lifestyle and is associated with unpleasant subjective sensations.

Pain is often caused by a disease or injury. Having cured this condition, the doctor, according to the logic of things, should remove the pain. But some diseases are not completely reversible (curvature of the spine, chronic herpetic neuropathy, cicatricial deformities, amputations of body parts) and lead to chronic pain or, in simple words, to a constant sensation of pain of varying degrees of intensity. In this case, pain is no longer one of the symptoms of a causative disease, it itself manifests itself as a powerful damaging factor and leads to serious changes in the physiology of the body, as well as in the psychosocial background of the individual. The work of all human organs and systems is changing (sleep disorder, intestinal disorders, fluctuations in blood pressure, increased stress on the heart). The psyche of the individual changes significantly. People lose their jobs, family relationships are disorganized.

In this situation, the pain itself needs to be treated. The red flag has already been thrown away, the person has realized where and how it hurts. Perhaps even the cause that provoked the pain disappeared.

Everyone knows the names of drugs for pain relief. They are available in tablet and injectable form and belong to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The drugs act on the entire body, regardless of the form of administration. The mechanism of action is associated with blocking the enzyme COX 1 and COX 2 and reducing the inflammatory response.

In ordinary acute conditions (bruises, injuries), these drugs are successfully used. However, complications rarely occur. Painkillers do not always help in an acute process, for example, in radicular syndrome, the cause of which is the infringement and injury of a large nerve trunk that exits through narrow foraminal openings. There is severe back pain that is not amenable to conventional treatment.

A key feature of the use of NSAIDs is the need for good blood flow in the area of ​​pain. Inflammation and pain go hand in hand. And where inflammation is present, blood flow is always reduced. Accordingly, only a small concentration of the drug will fall into the zone of inflammation and pain. Skin patches also cannot deliver the drug to the focus of pain, since the depth of penetration of drugs through the skin is very low, only 1-2 centimeters. For example, with radicular syndrome, pain is localized at a depth of up to 11 centimeters from the skin. Increasing the dose of the drug in injections or tablets will not have an effect, but will only increase the toxic effect (stomach ulcers, blood clotting disorders, kidney and liver damage).

The only effective way to deliver the drug to the site of pain in this case is an injection into the area of ​​inflammation itself. For this, deep blockades are used.

Blockades differ in their method and purpose. Some doctors perform therapeutic blockades “blindly”, using only the patient’s anatomical landmarks. The effectiveness of such a blockade is always low, the likelihood of complications increases and there is no diagnostic value at all. After all, the doctor in such a case does not know where the tip of the needle is and, accordingly, where the drug will be delivered.

Modern algology routinely uses visualized (“visible”, not blind, accurate) therapeutic and diagnostic blocks. The doctor performing the procedures has special equipment in his arsenal (ultrasound scanner and / or C-arm X-ray machine, neurostimulator, radiofrequency destruction device), as well as specialized certified training in working with chronic pain. Due to this, the doctor sees the tip of the needle in the deep tissues of the patient at the time of injection and injects the drug exactly on target. Needle position control is carried out in real time, which eliminates complications from manipulation. Due to the local administration of the drug, the effect on the body is reduced to zero. Therefore, these procedures are not contraindicated even for patients with pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, liver, cardiovascular and hematopoietic systems of the body. The therapeutic effect is long-lasting and, if necessary, increases with the help of ablation techniques (temporary shutdown) of the nerve fiber.

An absolutely important aspect of the procedure is its diagnostic value. The doctor establishes a preliminary diagnosis of the cause of pain, conducts an accurate blockade. The result of the blockade is evaluated, and the doctor, knowing the area of ​​the previous impact, can always change his tactics and the place of impact for the best result with a second blockade. This is especially important in the treatment of chronic (long-term disturbing) pain.

In conclusion, I would like to note that prolonged pain is now in itself a cause of disability. With the right approach, together with the patient and an interdisciplinary team of specialists, it is possible to return a person in pain to a full life, work and joy.

Author of the article:

Vodolazsky Nikolay Yurievich

Head of the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care end unknown

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Why teeth hurt in braces

// ✅ Content checked by doctor

In modern dentistry, bracket systems are widely used today to correct occlusion and other dental anomalies. This technique is very effective and shows good results not only in children, but also in adults, even with advanced defects.

Contents

• Main causes
• How long the pain lasts and what sensations are present
• What to do to reduce pain

Unfortunately, braces are not without drawbacks. Many patients complain that after installing the system, their teeth start to hurt . Let’s figure out what are the main causes that can cause pain, what to do to reduce it, and how a dentist can help.

Next, consider the main reasons why discomfort occurs.

Main causes

• The pressure exerted by the arc. Any correction of malocclusion is carried out due to the continuous pressure of the bracket design on the teeth. The impact force is constant, and the pressure will continue until until the teeth in the row are in their correct positions .
  This process is quite complicated and cannot be painless, especially in the early stages. The patient may feel aching pain in the jaw, which creates discomfort during chewing and talking, increased salivation.
  There are cases when severe pain is observed when the bracket system is incorrectly installed . This leads not only to pronounced sensations, but to the aggravation of malocclusion, dysfunction of the jaw joint.
• Injuries of the oral mucosa. In some cases, the design of brackets can injure the mucous membrane, which makes it difficult for the patient to maintain hygiene, and this in turn provokes the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
  The inflammatory process leads to the development of periodontitis and gingivitis. In this case, soft tissue edema develops, sores appear in the mouth, an unpleasant odor is felt .
• Carious lesions of the teeth. This is another cause of pain when wearing braces. Caries develops with insufficient oral hygiene and plaque deposits. The initial stages of the disease may not be noticeable, especially since part of the surface of the teeth is covered with a bracket system.
  The gradual destruction of the enamel leads to an increase in sensitivity and the development of uncomfortable sensations . Therefore, during the control visit to the orthodontist, the doctor examines the teeth for the presence of caries.
• Increased tooth sensitivity . Various factors lead to it: frequent polishing of tooth enamel, consumption of products with a high content of organic acids, too hot or cold food, improper installation of the braces arc. The influence of one or more factors cause pain when wearing braces. Therefore, the patient needs to visit a dentist who will prescribe the necessary procedures or a course of remineralization therapy.

How long the pain lasts and what sensations are present

Normally, after the installation of the system, moderate soreness and discomfort is allowed in the first few days . Then, the patient adapts to the new design and does not experience discomfort.

The main symptoms are:

• Pressing pain when the whole jaw is affected by the wire. It has a moderate character, the intensity gradually decreases.
• Burning sensation and tissue swelling – possibly on the first day after the installation of the correction arc. The reason may be an allergic reaction to the material of the braces.
• Soft tissue discomfort or pain 5-6 days after system installation. It develops as a result of injury to soft tissues by parts of the structure. Prolonged irritation of the mucosa requires a mandatory visit to the doctor.
• Sharp pain on contact with sour, cold or hot food.

What to do to relieve pain

If the pain does not improve after a few days of insertion, should seek medical attention . The orthodontist will examine the structure, which may need to be loosened.