8 Common Causes Of Foot Pain

By Author: Monica Quinn
Total Articles: 102
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The foot is a complex and incredibly functional part of the body that is subjected to enormous stress daily. It contains 33 joints, 26 bones, and more than a hundred muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Even small changes in any of these structures can cause pain and discomfort. If your feet hurt, it is important to find out the cause and see a doctor. In this article, we have gathered eight common causes of foot pain that you shouldn’t ignore.

1. Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, which connects the heel to the ball of the foot. This is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The main symptoms include:
- Heel pain, especially when taking your first steps in the morning
- A burning sensation or tightness in the arch of the foot
- Increased pain after standing or walking for long periods

Causes of plantar fasciitis can include excessive strain, wearing uncomfortable shoes, or being overweight. Treatment includes stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotics, and, in some cases, corticosteroid injections. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you ...
... can search for "foot dr near me" to evaluate your condition.

2. Arthritis
Arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease that can affect the feet and cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. The most common types of foot arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis is age-related wear and tear of the joint cartilage
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints
- Gout is a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints that causes severe pain

Treatment for arthritis depends on the type but usually includes medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgery.

3. Ingrown toenail
An ingrown toenail is a common problem in which the edge of the nail plate grows into the skin, causing pain, redness, and inflammation. In most cases, this condition occurs on the big toe. The main causes of ingrown toenails:
- Incorrect nail trimming
- Tight or uncomfortable shoes
- Toe injuries

In the early stages, the problem can be solved by softening the skin, trimming the toenails properly, and taking adequate foot care. However, if infection does occur, surgical removal of part of the nail plate may be necessary.

4. Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is a pain in the ball of the foot caused by overuse of the metatarsal bones. It is most common in people who run, jump, or walk a lot in high-heeled shoes. Symptoms include:
- A burning or stabbing pain in the forefoot
- Increased pain when walking or standing
- Feeling like you have a stone in your shoe

Treatment for metatarsalgia includes orthotics, rest, shoe changes, and physical therapy.

5. Morton's neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a thickening of the nerve between the third and fourth toes that causes burning pain, tingling, and numbness. Causes of this condition include:
- Wearing tight shoes for long periods
- Too much pressure on the forefoot
- Foot deformities such as flat feet or pes cavus (high arch)

Treatment may include corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and wearing orthopedic shoes. In advanced cases, surgery is necessary to ease the symptoms.

6. Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the tissue that connects your calf muscle to your heel. This can cause pain, swelling, and redness at the back of the heel. The main causes of this condition are:
- Excessive physical exertion
- Wearing uncomfortable shoes
- Trauma and inflammation

Treatment includes cold compresses, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and customized exercise programs.

7. Diabetic neuropathy
People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing diabetic neuropathy, which is nerve damage in the feet due to high blood sugar levels. The main symptoms of this condition include:
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in the feet
- Loss of feeling
- Pain that gets worse at night

Diabetic neuropathy requires monitoring of blood sugar levels and comprehensive treatment by an endocrinologist and neurologist.

8. Cracked heels
Cracked heels can not only be an aesthetic problem but also cause pain. Causes include dry skin, vitamin deficiency, or excessive strain on the feet. Deep cracks can cause inflammation and even bleeding. Treatment includes skin moisturizing, pumice stones, special creams, and foot baths. In more severe cases, medical intervention may be required.

Greetings, my name is Monica. I graduated from New York Medical College and work as a nurse in Queens Hospital at the moment. The thing I love the most is morning jogging, because it is a wonderful way to keep myself in tonus. I like to communicate with people who care about their health. I became a vegetarian five years ago. Now my daily menu consists mainly of vegetables, fruits and different cheeses. I am a member of water polo team and I love gardening. I like to see how huge flowers grow out of the tiny petal, it dazzles me because I love spending my time outdoors. My goal is to visit all the USA parks, and then all over the world)