About 18 months ago I started martial arts (taekwondo). In the last 8 months or so I have developed arch pain. It is now to the point that I have to wear supports all the time.

Any suggestions on how to help with this. I have heard that there are exercises that help but I can't find a discription of them.

look up plantar fasciitis exercises. low intesity stretch that I recomed is with your leg strait lift your toe towards your nose as high as you can going hold for 30seconds at least repeat 3-5 times and do that 3-5 times per day.

Hope this helps

Dear CJ
Technique number 1: While still in bed or on a flat surface, extend your right leg and bend your left leg at the knee, so that the left foot is facing the inner part of the right knee (almost like a figure four postition). Concentrating on the right leg, take a towel and wrap it around the ball of your foot (like a stir-up) and grab each end of the towel and pull towards you. The goal is to use the towel to pull your foot towards you. Your leg should stay in an extended position. Hold each stretch for at least 10 seconds and perform 30 repititons and then do the same exercise on the left leg.

Technique number 2: You will need to position yourself in front of a wall for this one. Place both hands on the wall, bring your right leg forward (as though you are performing a lunge), bending at the knee, then, the left leg should be brought back and remain in an extended position. Both feet should be parallel and pointing forward. Once you are in position, you must lean forward and you will find that you are stretching the left leg. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds and repeat at least 30 times each.

I would recommend that you follow-up with a podiatrist, in order to ensure an accurate diagnosis. You may have plantar fasciitis however, the diagnosis of trauma, should also be taken into consideration.

Good-luck and thank-you for contacting foot.com,
Sbarlizo, DPM, C Ped
foot.com expert