Our feet do a lot of work every day. Walking, running and even standing can result in bottom-of-foot pain that make these everyday activities painful or impossible. Bottom of foot pain can be caused by several conditions. If you experience pain on the bottom of your feet that prevents walking or movement, contact a health care provider.
Flat Feet
A flat foot---or being flat footed---is a condition in which the arches of the feet touch the floor when standing. The Mayo Clinic states that pain experienced from being flat-footed is felt in the heel or arch area. Other symptoms include swelling on the inside of the ankle and difficulty standing on tiptoe. The variation in foot type among individuals makes having flat feet fairly common. It's also common for the arches of the feet to fall due to age-related weakening of the posterior tibial tendon. People most likely to experience fallen arches or flat feet---aside from those who have always had the condition---include those who are obese, people with injury to the foot area and those who have rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment for pain due to fallen arches or flat feet can include wearing shoe inserts or surgery to repair the tendons at the bottom of the foot.
Metatarsalgia
The Mayo Clinic states that metatarsalgia is a condition where there is inflammation and pain on the ball of the foot. Other symptoms of metatarsalgia include sharp, aching or burning pain around the second, third or fourth toes. Pain may also get worse when standing up or attempting to walk or run. Pain and numbness in the toes may also be experienced. According to the Mayo Clinic the problem may develop when the impact pressure or the mechanics of the feet affect the way the body weight is distributed. These factors can put additional pressure on the metatarsals---the bones that run from the ball to the toes. This excess pressure can lead to inflammation and pain, felt mainly in the heads of the metatarsals. Several factors, including activity level, foot shape and poorly fitting shoes, can influence the development of metatarsalgia. Treatment includes icing the affected area, resting and using metatarsal pads to cushion the bones.
Neurogenic Ulcers and Peripheral Neuropathy
Neurogenic ulcers, also called diabetic ulcers, typically develop on the bottom of the foot, causing pain. Neurogenic ulcers occur in people who have peripheral neuropathy, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Although peripheral neuropathy is common in people with diabetes, other factors such as alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies and autoimmune diseases can also cause this condition. Peripheral neuropathy is characterized by nerve damage, typically in the hands and feet. Because parts of the feet may become numb due to this nerve damage, people with this disease may be less likely to notice injury on the bottom of their feet. When these injuries become infected, ulcers may form. The Mayo Clinic recommends that people with peripheral neuropathy check the bottom of their feet often for any signs of infection or injury.
