The feet serve as the foundation of the body. When pain is experienced, it’s therefore extremely important to identify early on what and where the issue is. The causes of foot pain vary greatly, including but not limited to diseases, deformities, improper motion, improper footwear, overuse, injury, infection or inflammation​.

Those who experience foot pain may also notice disruptions of the skin, redness, swelling, soreness, bruising, or numbness. When these symptoms occur, it is important to identify the root of the problem. For example, different foot conditions can affect different areas such as the ankle, heel, arch, ball of the foot or toes.

Common heel or arch pain conditions include plantar fasciitis, bursitis, tight Achilles tendon or nerve impingement. Morton’s neuroma is a condition that often comes with pain experienced at the ball of the foot, as well as sesamoiditis, and capsulitis. The improper mechanics of the big toe joint can not only cause pain in the big toe joint but also can lead to ball of foot pain. Common issues that affect the toes include ingrown or fungal toenails, bunions, hammertoes, blisters, corns and calluses. There are systemic condition that can also be a cause of toe or foot pain including microvascular diseases such as Diabetes, Raynaud’s and Lupus or arthritic conditions such as Gout,​ Rheumatoid arthritis, and Psoriatic arthritis. Common ankle ailments include sprains and tendonitis.

Treatment for foot pain varies for each case, depending on the cause of pain, duration of the condition and the location of the affected area. The most common recommendations for easing the discomfort of foot pain include the following: rest, limit walking activities, replacing shoes, applying orthopedic taping and padding, icing, keeping the foot elevated to reduce swelling and at times oral medication or local cortisone injection.

If you’re experiencing foot pain, we recommend that you meet with a podiatrist and call our office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and suggested treatment plan.