Pain or discomfort can be felt anywhere in the foot, including the heel, toes, arch, instep, sole, or ankles. See also:
Foot pain can be caused by: Ill-fitting shoes often cause these problems. Aging and being overweight also increase your chances of having foot problems. Morton's neuroma is a type of foot pain that is usually centered between the third and fourth toes. It results from thickening and swelling of tissue around a nerve in the area. Symptoms include tingling and sharp, shooting, or burning pains in the ball of your foot (and sometimes toes), especially when wearing shoes or pressing on the area. Pain gradually gets worse over time. Morton's neuroma is more common in women than men. Other common causes of foot pain include:
For plantar warts, try an over-the-counter wart removal preparation. For calluses, soak in warm water and then rub them down with a pumice stone. DO NOT cut or burn corns or calluses. For foot pain caused by a stress fracture, an extended rest period is often necessary. Crutches may be used for a week or so to take the pressure off, if your foot is particularly painful. For foot pain due to plantar fasciitis, shoe inserts may help.
Call your doctor if:
Your doctor will perform a physical examination, paying particular attention to your feet, legs, and back, and your stance, posture, and gait. To help diagnose the cause of the problem, your doctor will ask medical history questions, such as: X-rays may be useful in making a diagnosis. For bunions, plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, Morton's neuroma, or other conditions, your doctor may inject cortisone. This will be considered if oral medication, changing your shoes, and other measures have not helped. No more than three injections in a year should be attempted in most cases. A broken foot will be casted. Broken toes will be taped. Orthotics fit by an orthotist or other specialist can help many structurally related problems. Physical therapy is also quite helpful for conditions related to over-use or tight muscles, such as plantar fasciitis or achilles tendinitis. Removal of plantar warts, corns, or calluses may be necessary. This may be performed by a medical doctor or a podiatrist. Surgery may be considered for certain conditions like bunions or hammer toes if the pain interferes with walking or other activities.
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Reviewer Info: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 05/12/2008 |