Foot pain, even when minor, can make a person’s daily life very uncomfortable. Of course, for a more serious condition whereby pain is intensified, an individual might be faced with losing the ability to walk. Foot pain is certainly not uncommon and in fact, on any given day, millions of people struggle to get around. Although frustrating and perhaps even frightening for some, there is good news in that today, innovative tests can be performed to confirm a diagnosis, followed by multiple treatments being available.
We wanted to take the opportunity to offer an overview of some of the more common reasons for foot pain but also some of the treatments that doctors would recommend. Obviously, there are additional causes of pain and remedies beyond those mentioned but the information provided in this article offers a good overview of why people live with a condition such as this and what methods of relief might be available to them.
It is important to understand that when talking about foot pain, this could be pain that affects the entire foot, one or more toes, the ankle, heel, ball, or arch. For this reason, if a person developed pain that did not cease within a few days, noticed pain worsening or additional symptoms developing, or got no relief even after a number of different treatments, seeing a specialist is highly recommended.
Current Statistics
Before addressing causes and treatments, we also wanted to provide some current statistics specific to foot pain. Unfortunately, there is not a tremendous amount of statistical information available but what was discovered makes it clear just how prevalent this problem is for people.
- The most common reason people go to a doctor for medical care is directly linked to orthopedics, specifically foot pain
- Orthopedic problems are so severe for more than seven million people in the United States that hospitalization is necessary
- An orthopedic impairment affects every one of seven people in the US
- Musculoskeletal disorders, which encompass both foot and ankle, cost the US close to $850 billion every year
Categories for Foot Pain
While there are specific reasons for foot pain, each falls within a unique category as shown below.
- Acquired – Pain of this type would be the result of physical stress, small changes within the foot pertaining to its mechanics, and even wearing improper shoes
- Arthritis – Among all the different causes of pain affecting joints, arthritis is at the top of the list. When connected to one or both feet, it would be expected for the person to have arthritic pain in other joints of the body as well.
- Congenital – In this case, the cause of foot pain would be something inherited, which might be passed down from the previous generation or even generations before
- Infection – While a fungal infection of the foot is relatively common and more of an annoyance due to creating unsightly toenails and being slightly difficult to treat, a viral or bacterial infection is not as common and is usually associated with some degree of pain.
- Neoplastic – The cause of foot pain for this category would be tumors, which could be non-cancerous or cancerous, and develop because of tissue that grows abnormally
- Trauma – As the category name implies, foot pain would be the result of some type of trauma or injury
Common Causes of Foot Pain
As mentioned, foot pain affects different parts of the foot to include the ankle and there is a long list of possible causes. Because of that, it would be impossible to list everything in a single article but we did provide information about many of the common reasons an individual would start to experience foot pain.
- Bunions – When the big toe joint becomes misaligned, the joint becomes tender, swollen, and starts to slant to the outside of the foot. In most cases, bunions are a genetic problem but shows that have narrow toe room would cause the bunion to worsen. The only viable treatment is with corrective surgery in which the bunion is removed and joint realigned.
- Hammertoe – Most often, an imbalance of the muscles cause hammertoe, which manifests with the toe joint in the middle of the digit drawing up to the point of the bone pushing up against the skin. While all toes could be involved, hammertoe is most often seen in the second toe. As with bunions, wearing the wrong shoes would cause the problem to worsen and surgery would be required.
- Heel Spurs – Foot pain caused by heel spurs is often serious enough to leave the person somewhat debilitated. These spurs are actually bone growths that develop when the plantar tendon pulls taut from the heel bone, leading to bone calcification that becomes a spur. There are a number of treatments that would not only reduce pain but in some cases, eliminate it altogether.
- Ingrown Toenails – Usually, an ingrown toenail is caused by the nail being cut in a curvature manner rather than straight across. With this, the corner of the nail begins to put pressure on the side of the skin, which actually grows up around the nail. However, a fungal infection, improper foot structure, injury, genetics, and shoe pressure are also causes. Initially, foot pain would be minimal but if an infection sets in, it can become quite intense. Again, there are preventative measures and treatment to include surgery in more severe cases.
- Neuromas – As tissue between the third and fourth toes rubs against nerves, they become irritated, followed by non-cancerous growths forming. Abnormal bone structure and poor-fitted shoes are typically the cause but regardless, several non-invasive treatments would provide relief although surgery is necessary in some instances.
- Plantar Fasciitis – Often referred to simply as heel pain, when the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed this could develop. Repeated pressure and improper stretching prior to walking or running are usually the cause. While foot pain can be extremely bad, especially first thing in the morning, it is usually alleviated with shoe inserts, stretching, and lots of rest.
- Sesamoiditis – When the sesamoids (two very small bones) located beneath the first metatarsal bones become inflamed or even rupture, foot pain would ensue. While this condition sounds horrific, often shoe inserts and proper-fitting shoes is all that is needed for correction.
- Stress Fractures – Although a stress fracture of the foot could occur from stepping on the foot wrong, wearing extremely tall heels day after day, and other simple things, it is most commonly seen in serious walkers and joggers. This type of fracture is small so foot pain is not too bad but if not treated, the tiny crack could become a full fracture of the bone. At that point, the fracture may or may not need to be pinned but regardless it would have to be immobilized with a cast for up to eight weeks while healing.
- Tendonitis – This condition involves tendons becoming swollen and irritated from overuse or repetitive motion. Most people think of tendonitis affecting the elbows of tennis players but when connected to the foot, the problem could be very serious. For instance, in the case of Achilles tendonitis, along with pain radiating down the back of the calf and into the foot, if severe, the Achilles tendon could actually rupture. Another type is called Posterior Tibial tendonitis. While considered rare, if not diagnosed and treated early, it could be completely debilitating.
- Flat Foot – There are some people with this condition that experience little to no foot pain but for many pain exists. With flat foot, there is no arch or at minimum, a very slight arch. The condition itself would not produce foot pain but because the foot’s structure is abnormal, over-pronation is a common problem that leads to injury.
Many additional causes of foot pain exist from those mentioned above. While some of the causes provided below are considered common, most are considered relatively rare. Regardless, they all produce foot pain to some degree and most produce secondary symptoms such as inflammation, redness, tenderness, and immobility and/or flexibility problems.
- Charcot Foot (Diabetic Foot)
- Claw Toe
- Clubfoot
- Corns
- Hallux Rigidus (Stiff Big Toe)
- In-Toeing
- Lederhose’s Disease
- Morton’s
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Torn Achilles Tendon
- Vertical Talus
Treatment for Foot Pain
As shown, someone suffering from foot pain has multiple non-invasive and surgical treatment options. In fact, getting relief for many causes and degrees of foot pain is available using conventional medication or alternative medication if preferred. With people having a positive outcome using natural or homeopathic treatments, most medical doctors recommend them for foot pain prior to suggesting prescription medication or medical procedures.
Below we listed options used today to treat foot pain but remember the exact treatment would depend on a number of factors to include the cause, severity, additional foot problems, overall health, and even personal preference.
- Alternating cold and heat
- Bracing
- Cortisone Injections
- Magnetic Insoles
- Rehabilitation/Physical Therapy
- Shock Wave Therapy
- Shoe Inserts
- Stretching Exercises
- Surgery
- Topical creams, gels, and lotions
Conclusion
No matter the reason a person has foot pain there is no reason that relief cannot be achieved thanks to innovative treatments for both conventional and alternative medicine. While many causes of foot pain are nothing to be concerned with, there are times when the underlying cause could be something quite serious. Therefore, it would be essential to work with a reputable doctor or foot specialist if any concerns arise pertaining to foot pain.