Learn about the top reasons for foot pain. From improper footwear to overuse injuries, discover how to identify and address common sources of discomfort.
Foot pain can range from uncomfortable to debilitating. It’s never a nice experience, but with many potential causes of pain in your feet, it’s usually important to determine the underlying issue so that you can get the right treatment. How you deal with pain in your feet will depend on the reason why you’re experiencing it. Feet can be quite susceptible to pain compared to other areas of the body, since they support 1.2 times your body weight when you are walking, and cushion up to a million pounds of pressure during an hour of exercise. So, what could be behind your painful feet?
Flat Feet
Flat feet are a common condition that leads to your feet pressing flat on the ground, without a natural arch. This is usually a condition that people are born with, although your feet can become flatter over time if there is increased pressure put on the soles of your feet or after an injury. If you have flat feet, custom orthotics can reduce the pressure on your arches and pain in your feet by providing the proper support and can help alleviate your foot pain with pedorthic care. CWG Footcare offers complete pedorthic care including services for a wide range of different foot conditions such as custom orthotics and footwear modifications.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons, which are the thick fibrous cords that connect muscles to bones. Tendonitis in your feet can occur in different areas, including the arches of your feet and your heels. If you experience pain or discomfort in your feet while walking or running, it could be a sign of tendonitis. Tendonitis can also specifically affect the tibialis anterior tendon, which runs along the inner side of the ankle and the arch of the foot. For individuals experiencing symptoms in this area, it might be beneficial to learn about tibialis anterior tendonitis, a condition that can cause significant discomfort and impact mobility. Treatment typically involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, specialized footwear or orthotics to alleviate strain on the affected tendon.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that can lead to painful feet. It occurs as the result of inflammation or irritation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a connective tissue that runs from the heel to the toe. If you have this condition, it will usually lead to pain in the soles of your feet, often close to the inside of the heel. It will usually be more noticeable first thing in the morning when you get out of bed, and generally gets better over time.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are a common cause of painful feet, particularly on the outside of the feet. This pain occurs due to tiny cracks in the bones of the feet, usually as a result of repetitive action or overuse. If you have a stress fracture, the pain will usually be more apparent when you put pressure on the foot.
Gout
Gout is a condition that occurs due to crystal deposits in your foot joints. This condition is a type of inflammatory arthritis and occurs when the body does not produce the right amount of uric acid. This leads to gout crystals forming, and eventually settling in one joint of the foot at a time. Gout commonly impacts the big toe, but it can also affect smaller toe joints, ankles, and knees. It can sometimes lead to lumps forming under the skin, which can lead to more pain, cause damage to the cartilage and bones, and reduce the normal functioning of the affected joint.
In Conclusion
Foot pain can be caused by many problems from minor issues to more serious conditions. If you are experiencing pain in your feet when standing, walking, or running, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional to determine the best treatment option for you.
