Foot Pain Symptoms

Introduction

People often can not enjoy an active lifestyle due to foot pain. Some foot pain is temporary; however, some become chronic. As such, it is important to know how to handle foot pain and treatment options.

What is Foot Pain?

The human foot is a complex body part made of 26 bones joined via several muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. The foot bearing the entire body weight is often prone to various stresses that affect them and causes foot problems, restricting a person’s mobility.

What are the causes of foot pain?

People often complain of foot pain due to several reasons, such as:

• Lifestyle choices

A major cause of foot injury happens due to wearing shoes that don’t fit properly. For example, a pair of ill-fitted shoes fail to provide proper support to the feet and may cause irritation, soreness, and inflammation to the foot joints and skin. Wearing high-heeled shoes for a longer period can also result in foot pain. 

Athletes or people who are into high-impact exercises, like running, aerobics, jogging, etc., can also suffer from foot pain due to injuries sustained from these activities.

• Medical issues

People can also suffer from foot pain due to several medical issues, like:

1. Arthritis
2. Diabetes mellitus
3. Foot ulcers or sores
4. Clogged or hardened arteries in the legs and feet

The following health conditions can also cause foot pain.

1. Obesity
2. Pregnancy
3. Foot injuries like tendinitis, fracture, or a sprain
4. Ingrown toenails
5. Corns
6. Calluses
7. Gout
8. Bunions
9. Warts
10. Plantar fasciitis
11. Morton’s neuroma
12. Hammer’s toes
13. Athlete’s foot
14. Haglund’s deformity

When to consult a doctor if someone has foot pain?

People suffering from chronic foot pain often show different signs.

Symptoms of foot pain

1. Sudden and acute pain
2. An injury
3. Unable to stand or walk properly after an injury
4. Many health conditions restrict blood flow to the foot and cause pain
5. Open wound
6. Discolouration or inflammation of feet along with foot pain
7. Unusual fever along with foot pain

If a person is suffering from any of the above-mentioned situations, they should consult a physician immediately.

What are the risk factors that may cause foot pain?

According to experts, the following risk factors may cause foot pain: 

1. Walking barefoot
2. Weak foot muscles
3. Flat feet
4. Have very high arches

According to physicians, foot pain can occur in different areas of the foot, causing several foot problems. Like:

1. Plantar fasciitis
2. Bunions
3. Tarsal tunnel syndrome
4. Posterior tibial tendonitis
5. Metatarsalgia
6. Morton’s neuroma

Arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is one of the most common causes of foot and ankle pain.

Depending on the cause and severity of the foot pain, the following treatment options can be used:

1. Application of ice on the affected area
2. Use of pain medications
3. Use of foot pads
4. Ample rest and positioning of affected foot in an elevated angle
5. Stretching
6. Postural support
7. Physical therapy
8. Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Chronic foot pain can lower the quality of life. Consultation with physicians is highly advisable for foot pain-related diagnosis and treatment without delay. The Yashoda Group of Hospitals provides high-quality healthcare services in diverse specialities.