Foot Pain

Foot pain is a common grievance and a popular reason patients seek out a podiatrist. There are many causes and different types of foot pain. Here are just a few:

Plantar Fasciitis: The band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed

Causes: Excessive pronation, high arches or flat feet, ill-fitting shoes

Complaint: Heel pain that is at its worst first thing in the morning when getting out of bed

Heel Spurs: Abnormal bone growth on the bottom of the heel bone

Causes: Abnormal stride, ill-fitting shoes

Complaint: Foot pain while walking or standing

Metatarsalgia: Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot

Causes: Strenuous activity or ill-fitting shoes

Complaint: Persistent pain

Stone bruise: A deep bruise of the fat pad on the heel or ball of the foot

Causes: Impact injury or stepping on a hard object

Complaint: Persistent pain

Turf Toe: Pain at the base of the big toe due to physical activity

Causes: Strain from hyperextension of the big toe

Complaint: Toe Pain

Toe Sprain: Damage to the tendons or soft tissue of the toe

Causes: Stubbing your toe

Complaint: Pain and swelling

Foot pain is not normal and should not be ignored. There are a number of diagnoses made from a foot pain complaint. Your physician will be able to recommend treatment once the problem is identified.  

Image by Corey Balazowich. Cold Feet. (2007). Flickr.