Pain in the bottom of the foot is not uncommon and generally occurs in one foot at a time. According to the Mayo Clinic, most foot pain is due to poorly fitting shoes, injuries and overuse, but structural defects and conditions such as diabetes and arthritis also can lead to foot problems. Treatment is usually conservative and involves activity modification and shoe inserts.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a tough band of tissue that extends from the ball of the foot to the heel and assists in giving the foot its arch. Inflammation of this tissue due to traumatic injury or overuse is called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis generally develops over a period of time and affects one foot at a time. According to the Mayo Clinic, the sharp pain near the heel is worst with the first few steps after awakening, although it also can be triggered by long periods of standing or getting up from a seated position. Plantar fasciitis is treated with ice, stretching and activity modification. A physician will occasionally prescribe shoe inserts, called orthotics, and a splint to wear at night.
Morton's Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a thick bundle of nerves located between the third and forth toes in the ball of the foot. The symptoms of a Morton's neuroma are burning pain in the ball of the foot, numbness and tingling in the toes. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Morton's neuroma is aggravated by prolonged standing and relieved by removal of the shoes and forefoot massage. Treatment usually involves activity modification, changing to shoes with more room in the toes and orthotics to ease the pressure on the ball of the foot. If these conservative treatments fail, a cortisone injection or surgery maybe suggested by a physician.
Heel Spur
Bones spurs are generally developed as a result of a chronic stress placed on an area of bone, such as the edge of the heel. Bones spurs are usually asymptomatic until they achieve a size that begins to impinge on joint movement, or press into soft tissue and cause damage. Treatment of heels spurs involves removing the chronic stresses that resulted in the bone formation in the first place. This is usually accomplished with orthotics and activity modification. A physician may use injections to decrease the initial inflammation.
