The 6 Most Common Causes Behind Foot Pain

More than half of the American population suffers from chronic pain, and foot pain accounts for one of the leading causes. Understanding where the pain is coming from and what is causing the pain is key to healing.

We have put together a list of the six most common causes behind foot pain and what they mean. Let's take a look!

1. Plantar Fasciitis

This ailment is one of the most common forms of foot pain according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. The pain from Plantar Fasciitis is localized to the bottom of your foot between your heel and toes.

Here are some risk factors:

• Tight calf muscles
• Repetitive activity
• Obesity
• High arches

These risk factors increase your chances of developing Plantar Fasciitis. Physical therapy helps decrease inflammation and pain.

2. Bunions

Bunions are a deformity that develops on the large toe joint. This painful condition can cause pain when walking, swelling, and tenderness around the big toe and foot.

Many factors can contribute to bunions such as a family history of bunions. Women are more likely to suffer from bunions as certain types of shoes can cause them.

Treatment is possible for bunions without surgery. Wearing  properly fitting shoes is key to help relieve pain and reduce further growth. Applying ice for inflammation and pain can help as well.

3. Diabetic Neuropathy

In cases of people with diabetes, blood sugar fluctuates frequently. As time goes on, high blood pressure episodes can lead to nerve damage, especially in the feet.

The symptoms of  diabetic neuropathy are tingling and pain in the feet as well as numbness. Maintaining healthy blood sugar is one way to combat this ailment.

Because the feet can often go numb it is important to check for cuts or injury regularly to avoid infection or further injury. Diabetic footwear can be worn to help alleviate pain from the condition as well.

4. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

You might have heard of the condition carpal tunnel in the past regarding wrist and arm pain. Tarsal tunnel is similar in that the tarsal nerve becomes compressed by tissue or bone.

The symptoms of the condition are burning, tingling, and shooting pain felt on the inner foot. Anti-inflammatory medication is sometimes used for pain. Casts might be used to restrict movement in extreme cases.

5. Turf Toe

Turf toe is caused by a sprain at the base of the big toe. When the ligaments become torn from overextension severe pain occurs. With this condition, your mobility may become limited.

Walking, running, and jumping can worsen the condition and make healing take longer. Anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce swelling and pain. After a few days, the pain should subside. However, if it doesn't, it could mean that there is a fracture.

6. Heel Spurs

Heel spurs occur when calcium builds up in the foot between the heel and arch. Often the growth is visible and tender to the touch. The pain can be sharp and stabbing, often making it difficult to walk or put pressure.

This condition is more common as we age but can also be brought on by improperly fitting footwear, trauma, and athletics. Rest and icing can help reduce pain; however, more involved medical treatment is sometimes needed.

Managing Your Foot Pain

When you suffer from foot pain, it affects every aspect of your life. From waking up in the morning to just walking down the street, the pain is present. That is why it is so important to take care of your feet.

If you would like to learn more about keeping your feet healthy and happy,  shop footwear designed by a team of Foot Health Professionals, for pain mitigation, premium comfort and the structural support you need!