Pain in any area of the body is a signal that something is wrong. When it is in your foot, it can interfere with your ability to walk and stand, which may create problems at work and in daily life. There are many causes of foot pain. The first step in successful treatment is to have the cause of your pain properly diagnosed. Then you and you physician can work together to find the best solution. In some cases, treatment is as simple as wearing the right shoes.
Corns, Calluses and Bunions
Corns and calluses can occur anywhere on your feet. According to the National Institutes of Health, they develop as a result of constant friction on the part of the foot that is affected. Your body forms corns and calluses to help protect your skin by making it thicker and tougher. They can cause foot pain if you are wearing shoes that compress them. The problem can be corrected by wearing shoes that fit better. Bunions cause your big toe to point toward the second toe. You can be born with bunions or develop them from wearing tight, high-heeled or ill-fitting shoes. Wearing wider shoes that fit your feet better will usually resolve the pain. If the bunion causes severe foot pain, you may need surgery to remove it. However, this is rare.
Injuries to the Tendons, Ligaments or Bones
Achilles tendinitis, bursitis, plantar fasciitis and stress fractures in the foot are common causes of foot pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. These are all injuries that are usually the result of improper training, overdoing high-impact activities and wearing shoes without the right support. Achilles tendinitis, bursitis and plantar fasciitis are all inflammatory conditions. A foot stress fracture is an actual crack or break in one of the many bones of the foot. For all of these conditions, you will need to avoid the activities that caused your injury until it heals. You will then need to return slowly to your pre-injury level of training and make sure that you train correctly and with the right footwear.
Arthritis
Arthritis can be another cause of foot pain. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout are three of the most common types. Osteoarthritis is a wearing away of the cartilage between the bones. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints and can cause foot deformity. Gout occurs when there is a buildup of uric acid in the body, which is deposited as crystals. Gout usually affects the big toe. All three forms of arthritis have very different treatment approaches depending on the severity of your condition.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a term used to describe nerve damage in the lower legs and feet. As the nerves are damaged, you may develop symptoms such as numbness, tingling, loss of strength and pain, reports the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by many things, including injuries, nerve damage from diabetes or heart conditions, kidney problems, lack of good nutrition, cancer, arthritis and many other diseases. Taking medications to control the underlying cause as well as working with a physical therapist can help you learn to manage your symptoms.
