Understanding Foot Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Foot pain refers to discomfort or soreness experienced in the feet, which can stem from various causes like improper footwear, injuries, or underlying conditions.

Foot Pain FAQ

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What is foot pain?

Foot pain refers to any pain or discomfort in one or more parts of the foot, such as your toes, heels, arches, or soles. Many causes are mild, but see a doctor if it lasts more than a week. Your feet bear weight when you’re standing and when you walk to where you need to go. Because of this, foot pain is common.

Why does my foot hurt a lot?

Because most of us use our feet every day, foot pain is common. But in addition to overuse, you can develop foot pain from sporting injuries, underlying health conditions and wearing shoes that don’t fit properly. There are several ways to treat foot pain, but it’s important to identify the underlying cause first.

What causes pain in the bottom of your foot?

Pain in the bottom of your foot, including arch pain and ball of foot pain, might develop because of: Plantar fasciitis (commonly causes arch and heel pain). Morton’s neuroma. Flat feet (fallen arches). Sprains or strains. Bunions. Corns and calluses. Osteoarthritis. Bursitis. Plantar warts. Pain on the outside of your foot could indicate:

How do you know if you have foot pain?

Heel pain is a common symptom of: Plantar fasciitis. Achilles tendonitis. Bursitis. Heel fracture. Achilles tendon rupture. Ingrown toenail. Bunion. Gout. Hammertoes. Broken toe. Raynaud’s syndrome. Nerve pain might feel like a burning, tingling or electric shock sensation. Nerve pain in your foot could indicate: Burning feet syndrome.

What causes pain in the bottom of the foot?

Pain in the bottom of your foot is often caused by exercise, such as running, wearing shoes that are too tight or a condition, such as Morton's neuroma. Some people also have a foot shape that puts extra pressure on the bottom of the foot. Hard or cracked skin or a verruca can also cause this type of pain.

Why does my foot hurt so much?

Some people also have a foot shape that puts extra pressure on the bottom of the foot. Hard or cracked skin or a verruca can also cause this type of pain. Your symptoms might give you an idea what's causing it, but do not self-diagnose.

How do you know if you have a fractured foot?

The cause of your pain can often be identified by the location of the pain and other symptoms you might have. If you have severe pain anywhere in your foot after a fall or accident, you could have a fracture. It will usually feel hot and swollen, and you might be unable to walk.

What does it feel like if your toes hurt?

The pain is varied and can range from mild to severe discomfort and is often made worse with standing or walking. It is sometimes described as a burning or aching sensation, sometimes sharp, shooting pains. You may experience tingling or numbness in your toes.