The foot is an important structure that allows humans to walk as well as maintain balance. The anatomy of the foot is crucial and helps to ensure that walking and engaging in other activity without pain is possible. When the structures of the foot develop abnormally or become irritated and inflamed, chronic pain can develop.
Pes Planus
By adulthood, most people have developed arches in their feet that aid in normal walking and prevent pain in the foot. Pes planus is a condition in which arches do not develop and the feet remain abnormally flat. MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, notes when flat feet allow flexibility, they are considered normal. The flat feet associated with pes planus are inflexible and cause pain. Foot pain, ankle pain and lower leg pain may also develop as a result of pes planus. The pain caused by pes planus can usually be alleviated with the insertion of an arch-supporting insert into the shoe and pain relievers. If the condition is severe, surgery may be needed to correct the structure of the foot.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. The inflammation occurs as a result of small tears in the fascia that are caused by repetitive stretching or tension on the plantar fascia, according to MayoClinic.com. Those with plantar fasciitis experience pain in the foot that develops gradually and may be more severe in the heel. MayoClinic.com notes that approximately 90 percent of cases resolve with anti-inflammatory medications, pain medications, physical therapy and orthotics. In cases where pain is severe, surgery may be used to detach the plantar fascia in an effort to relieve pain.
Hammer Toe
Hammer toe is a condition in which the toe is abnormally bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. The condition usually affects the second, third or fourth toes. The most common causes of hammer toe are ill-fitting shoes and muscle imbalances, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Symptoms of hammer toe include the development of corns and calluses on the affected toes and pain in the foot. Early treatment for hammer toe consists of foot and toe exercises and wearing properly fitting shoes. If these treatment methods are ineffective, surgery can be used to fix the joint and correct the hammer toe.
