Medical Centric

FOOT PAIN

Men's Health, Women's Health / By

FOOT PAIN

Foot pain is a condition characterized by pain and discomfort in a specific area of the foot.

  • The foot is a complex anatomical structure made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, multiple muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatics.
  • There are also fat-pads in the foot to help with weight-bearing and absorbing impact
  • The foot is the foundation of movement carrying us from one place to another every day
  • Foot pain can affect any part of the foot, from the toes to the Achilles tendon located at the back of the heels.
  • When little discomfort or pain is experienced in the foot, it is an indication that something is wrong. Something might be wrong with how the foot is interacting with external influences or with the interaction of internal structures of the foot.
  • How and when that occurs, and the location of the pain may help in determining the cause and severity of your condition.
  • Delayed treatment of some foot pain can lead to complications, chronic long-term pain, and even disability

CAUSES

Foot pain may be caused by many different diseases, injuries, improper footwear, or even due to overuse

Some causes of foot pain may include:

  • Bunions
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Bone spurs
  • Gout
  • Flatfeet
  • Diabetic neuropathy
  • Tumors
  • Arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Ingrown toenails
  • High heels or poorly fitted shoes
  • Haglund’s deformity
  • Plantar Warts
  • Stress fractures
  • Tendinitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Hammertoe and mallet toe
  • Corns and calluses
  • Broken foot
  • Morton’s neuroma
  • Bursitis
  • Metatarsalgia
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Osteomyelitis
  • Plantar Warts
  • Ligament Sprains

SYMPTOMS

  • Pain and tenderness
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Numbness/ tingling in the affected area

It is important to seek immediate medical help if foot pain is accompanied by:

  • Severe pain or swelling
  • An open wound or wound that is oozing out pus
  • Inability to walk or put pressure on the foot
  • Signs of infections such as redness, warmth, and tenderness
  • Fever over 100 F

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

To make a diagnosis, the doctor may ask questions about your pain. Questions may include:

  • The onset of pain
  • If there is any pain with movement of the affected area
  • If the pain changes your motion
  • If it is affected by weight-bearing

The doctor may also carry out a physical and visual examination of your foot at rest, and with weight

During the physical examination, the doctor will touch and inspect the foot to detect obvious deformities, swelling, tenderness, or any differences in the bone of the foot and the arch.

The doctor may also examine your skin for any signs of bruising, break in the skin, or infection

Imaging tests such as an X-ray, MRI scan or bone scan of the foot may also be carried out

The doctor may order a blood test to rule out other diseases

TREATMENT

Mild foot pain may resolve with home treatment including:

  • Resting the foot
  • Icing the foot for regular periods of 20 minutes each
  • Compressing the foot with an elastic bandage
  • Elevating the foot above the heart level

In severe cases, treatment options may include:

  • Prescribed anti-inflammatory medications
  • Physical therapy to relax, improve blood flow, and help the foot heal properly
  • Immobilization of the foot
  • Laser or light therapy, electric stimulation, or even surgery in rare cases

Follow up with your doctor until you are better