Your feet are intricate structures that take a large amount of stress from your body during exercise and daily activities. Your foot is comprised of 26 bones, 33 joints and 112 ligaments, as well as a large network of tendons, blood vessels and nerves. As a result of this complex structure, your foot is prone to pain and injury.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is marked by inflammation in the ball of your foot, and occurs frequently in individuals who engage in sports that involve large amounts of jumping and running. Wearing shoes that do not fit properly and that do not absorb shock properly can also lead to metatarsalgia. If you have metatarsalgia, you may notice a sharp, aching pain in the ball of your foot. You may also notice burning, shooting pains or numbness near your toes. Pain is likely to increase when your feet are flexed or when you are standing, walking or participating in physical activity. Your doctor will take a medical history, examine your foot and take an X-ray to rule out a stress fracture. This condition is treated by rest, ice, over-the-counter pain medication, wearing appropriate shoes or using arch supports.
Morton's Neuroma
If you have Morton's neuroma, you are likely to feel like you are constantly walking with a marble or other small object under your foot. This condition is a benign thickening of the tissue that surrounds the nerves that control your toes. Symptoms include pain, numbness in the toes or a burning pain that radiates through your toes. Morton's neuroma is diagnosed through a physical examination and X-rays to rule out a stress fracture or arthritis. Treatment includes avoiding the use of high heels or tight shoes, steroid injections or using orthotic devices to help alleviate pain.
Hallux Rigidus
This disorder is a form of degenerative arthritis, and causes stiffness and pain at the base of your big toe. Over time, it may become more and more difficult to bend your big toe. Symptoms include pain and stiffness, difficulty performing weight-bearing activities, and swelling and inflammation of your big toe joint. Treatment includes injection therapy, physical therapy, medication, shoe modification and orthotic devices. In a majority of cases, surgery is the only way to completely reduce your pain.
Bunions
Bunions are a foot deformity that can lead to pain on the side of your big toe. A bunion is a combination of bone and tissue which causes the base of your big toe to protrude outwards. Bunions can be hereditary, or occur as the result of arthritis or wearing ill-fitting shoes. Symptoms include pain, soreness, inflammation, redness, burning and numbness. A physical examination and X-ray can help assess your bunion. A majority of bunions continue to progress over time. Treatment includes injections, taping, medication, icing, orthotic devices, as well as footwear and activity modification. Surgery is the only way to completely eliminate bunion pain.
