If your arches hurt while running on a treadmill, you most likely have plantar fasciitis. A puncture wound to the foot could also be causing discomfort on your arch while running. Entry holes for puncture wounds can be too small to see, so consult your doctor if you're experiencing arch pain for professional diagnosis and treatment advice.
Identification
Plantar fasciitis will cause arch pain near the heel of your foot while running on a treadmill, but the pain will be more severe when you stop exercising. You will experience a burning sensation at the arch of your foot. The pain from plantar fasciitis is most noticeable during your first steps when you wake up in the morning; it will diminish as you start walking. A puncture wound into the arch of your foot, meanwhile, can also cause pain while running on the treadmill. The pain can range from mildly irritation to debilitating. If you're able to run on treadmill at all, your puncture wound would is causing mild to moderate discomfort.
Cause
The plantar fascia is a shock absorber at the bottom of your foot that supports your arch. If your footwear does not offer proper arch support, if you regularly walk barefoot or you're a regular runner, your risk of plantar fasciitis increases. Running puts a lot of impact stress on the arch of the foot, which repetitively stretches and can tear the plantar fascia. These tears result in arch pain and inflammation, MayoClinic.com explains. Tight calf muscles and a high arch can also make runners prone to plantar fasciitis. If your pain is due to a puncture wound, the most common culprits are nails, glass, toothpicks, needles and seashells. If both arches hurt from puncture wounds, shattered glass is most likely the problem. An object that penetrates to the bone will make it almost impossible to put pressure on the foot, but an object that breaks just the top layer of skin will only cause irritation while running on the treadmill.
Treatment
Stop running and rest your foot if you're experiencing pain on the treadmill. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve pain from plantar fasciitis; if pain is severe, your doctor may inject corticosteroids for long-term relief. Stretching the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon and calves can help with plantar fasciitis, MayoClinic.com advises. A physical therapist may also have you strengthen your calf muscles; a podiatrist may prescribe an orthotic device for additional arch support. Surgery is only needed for severe cases of plantar fasciitis. A puncture wound, meanwhile, should be treated within the first 24 hours after you suffer it; it should be thoroughly cleaned and X-rayed. If the object is still in the foot, surgery will be necessary. Since objects entering your foot are not clean, your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic and give you a tetanus shot, if needed.
Prevention
Wear shoes that provide cushioning for shock absorption and that allow you to fully bend at the balls of the foot. Consult a podiatrist to identify potential problems and determine the best style of footwear for your feet. Avoid wearing high heels when not running. Replace your running shoes after 500 miles of use. And while some puncture wounds might be unavoidable, wearing shoes with soles thick enough to absorb sharp objects before they can penetrate your skin can help keep them to a minimum.
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