{"id":7390,"date":"2019-06-14T07:55:34","date_gmt":"2019-06-14T07:55:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=7390"},"modified":"2021-04-13T20:00:53","modified_gmt":"2021-04-13T20:00:53","slug":"14-major-causes-of-foot-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-major-causes-of-foot-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Major Causes of Foot Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Foot pain is a common complaint amongst millions of people every year and the causes of this pain are many and varied. In order to establish the best form of treatment <\/a>for foot pain, it is important to understand the cause to avoid delaying the recovery time and causing the pain to become a recurring issue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most incidents of foot pain come and go fairly quickly with little or no need to seek medical advice, but when foot pain persists for a period of two weeks or more, it might be a sign that something more serious is afoot, and so extra intervention, assessment, and treatment might be necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In mild cases of foot pain, simply wearing awkward shoes or having been on your feet all day could well be the cause. In these cases, finding more comfortably fitting shoes and allowing for a period of rest is the best plan of action. If you suspect the pain to be caused by something more serious, here are 8 causes to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.     Achilles tendinitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tendinitis occurs as a result of the overuse of the tendons <\/a>in a particular part of the body. Achilles tendinitis, unsurprisingly, refers to the overuse and injury of the tendons in the Achilles, otherwise known as the Achilles tendon.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whilst this is something that is commonly experienced by professional athletes, non-athletes and virtually anyone anywhere can be affected by this cause of foot pain. Athletes who train all of the time may find that tendonitis blights them due to the persistent and fairly rigorous use of the muscles.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Long-distance runners can be affected due to the repetitive thud of the feet against the ground, and high jumpers can be affected due to the intense push off that they have to master. For people who don\u2019t regularly participate in athletics or sports though, ill-fitting shoes or regularly wearing stilettos can cause Achilles tendonitis to occur and foot pain to become a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2.     Achilles tendon rupture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rupturing the Achilles tendon<\/a> is reported to be one of the most painful things that can happen to an athlete. In many cases, there are no warning signs which can lead to this and the injury can occur all of a sudden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pain is described as a whip lashing sort of crack in the back of the foot and into the calf, with the lingering pain lasting for months at a time. In many people who rupture an Achilles, the pain can actually be lifelong, even well after healing and recovery have taken place. Football players are often affected by a ruptured Achilles tendon, given the stop-start nature of their sport and the brutality and force with which they perform their movements and changes of direction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a person ruptures their Achilles tendon, surgical intervention may sometimes be necessary to ensure that the tendon heals in the correct place. The foot pain that comes from this injury can be extreme and very demoralizing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Avulsion fracture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is sometimes said that a fracture is much more preferable to a torn ligament <\/a>or a ruptured tendon, due to the fact that the recovery is often more simple and can even be quicker. The breaking of a bone is something the body is more able to heal on its own than a torn or rupture tissue or fiber, that\u2019s just the way it is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This said it doesn’t make the pain any less easy to endure for someone who has suffered an avulsion fracture for instance. This type of pain is easy to misdiagnose and only an X-ray can really determine one way or another whether someone’s foot pain is being caused by a fracture. When a fracture is identified, a person may be asked to wear a protective boot that acts as a cast in order to help the bone heal in the correct way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It isn’t any consolation to someone with a huge boot on their foot that things could’ve been worse, but anyone who has suffered a fracture and a muscle tear will attest to the fact that the bone break is easier to recover from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Bone spurs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bone spurs <\/a>can form in anyone at any time but it is usually older people who fall foul to this particular ailment. The pain caused by bone spurs is only really noticed for the first time when the spur has grown to size or at an angle to begin pressing on nerves or to cause the person an issue withstanding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bone spurs can often mean that shoe fitting is difficult, as well as making standing or any period of time more of an issue than a person would like it to be. Bone spurs usually occur as a result of a bone injury, where the recovery has been affected in some way by obstruction or a lack of proper rest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new bone growth then either forms in the incorrect place or at too quick a pace, resulting in unwanted bone growth. Sometimes, surgical intervention is necessary to shave the extra bone away and reduce the pain caused by it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Broken foot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unsurprisingly, a broken foot features on the list of 8 major causes of foot pain<\/a>. When someone claims to have broken their foot, in many cases they may be overplaying one of the other probable causes of foot pain, however, in some cases, they may have hit the nail on the head, or the foot perhaps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soccer players are particularly susceptible to breaking their feet due to the nature of their sport but also due to the flimsiness of the top part of their footwear. There was a famous spate in English football where several footballers who played through the national side all broke their metatarsal bones at the same time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This led to a call for extra protection to be added to the top part of soccer boots but ultimately if someone kicks down or stamps on the top of your foot, you can expect your foot pain to be caused by a broken foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Broken Toe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most people say that when you break a toe, there really isn\u2019t too much you can do about it, and most people would be right. Stubbing a toe can be a really painful thing to do, whether it\u2019s the big toe or the little toe that gets hit with the force. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dropping things on bare feet is also a big offender when it comes to breaking toes. Sometimes, broken toes can heal in awkward ways, leading to disfigurements and further discomfort<\/a>. Unfortunately though, as explained a little earlier, there really isn\u2019t all that much that can be done for a broken toe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It just comes down to treating the pain and trying to make it as comfortable a recovery process as possible. There\u2019s a reason why workmen and workwomen who work in the building trade wear steel toe capped boots. It\u2019s because the foot pain caused by a broken toe can be incredibly horrible to bear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. Bunions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The older we get, the harder it can be to look after our feet properly. That can be due to the fact that it’s harder to bend down and actually get there as we reach our more senior years, but it can also be due to a number of other factors. Bunions occur after rubbing or irritation causes the skin to develop at too quick a pace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not seeing a chiropodist regularly can cause bunions to become a serious problem and whilst they may seem like a mild irritation <\/a>at first, they can develop into serious causes of pain. It isn’t just the elderly who are affected by bunions though. People who wear high heeled shoes may find that the awkwardness of the position of the feet in the footwear causes bunions to develop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pain can range from mildly annoying to incredibly uncomfortable and agonizing. Wear well-fitted shoes and see a chiropodist regularly to avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Bursitis (joint inflammation)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Inflammation can be caused by a number of things including injury and overuse, as well as diet and deficiencies. When bursitis <\/a>is the cause of foot pain, anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to address the pain but unless a good period of rest is assured, the recovery time may be drawn out and more complicated than necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, inflammation can be addressed easily with a few changes to someone’s diet or by working out what deficiencies someone has in terms of vitamins and minerals. Treatment of inflammation, including that which causes foot pain, can range from gentle to intensive, but there has been a recent and growing trend of using essential oils to help combat inflammation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The use of these essential oils, either in diffusers or as topical applications have been shown to help ease the foot pain caused by bursitis. Somewhat counter-intuitively, ensuring regular and robust movements of the joints can actually help to address joint pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. Plantar Fasciitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Plantar fasciitis<\/a> describes a condition affecting the underside of the foot. The plantar fascia runs from the heel to the base of the toes. Runners who up their mileage in preparation for a marathon place extra pressure on the plantar fascia. As a result of the added workload, the plantar fascia sustains micro-tears that lead to inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plantar fasciitis is an incredibly painful condition, and the affected individual may find that they cannot walk properly or run. Unfortunately, once the tendonitis starts, it’s challenging to reverse, and some patients may have to deal with it for the rest of their life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who wear flat-soled shoes such as sandals, also risk exposure to the development of plantar fasciitis. The flat surface of the sandals provides no support to the midsole of the foot, resulting in micro-tears to the ligament. Changing your footwear to shoes that have a comfortable midsole, with plenty of cushioning, may help to provide relief.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. Footwear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, your choice and footwear are a determining factor in the health <\/a>of your feet. Conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis typically occur, due to increased workloads on the feet, combined with poor footwear choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Runners training for a marathon should take special care of their feet with regular massages, and they should also wear comfortable shoes when they are not training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adopting this footwear strategy helps your feet cope with the pressures and demands placed on them during your training. The midsole requires support, especially for those people that suffer from a condition known as “flat feet.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By lifting the midsole, you provide support to the heel and ball of the foot, minimizing the chances of developing a conditional like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women that wear high heels should also consider wearing comfortable shoes when at home. The use of high heels causes numerous problems with the feet, including nerve damage at the front of the toes and plantar fasciitis.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11. Peroneal Tendonitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Peroneal tendonitis<\/a> describes a condition affecting the outside of the foot. The peroneal tendon runs from the outside of the knee down through the calf, connecting to the underside of the foot below the small toe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who wear flat shoes or walk on cold surfaces run the risk of developing peroneal tendonitis. This inflammatory condition creates symptoms of pain underneath the ankle. Peroneal tendonitis is not as severe a disorder as plantar fasciitis, and with regular therapy, it’s possible to recover the ligament to full health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who notice the onset of peroneal tendonitis should immediately stop wearing all flat shoes, and trade them in for a pair of comfortable running shoes with added support and the midsole. Placing your foot on the ground, and tilting it to the side, resting on the ridge of the foot, helps to stretch out the area where the peroneal tendon passes through the ankle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Massaging the outside of the calf muscle, towards the top near the knee, may also help to relieve symptoms. If you don’t experience any relief from these exercises, make an appointment with a physiotherapist to help you recover from the effects of peroneal tendonitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12. Over-Exertion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Runners who overexert themselves while training for a marathon, are at a higher risk of developing some form of tendonitis, that may cause foot pain. In preparation for a marathon, runners often increase their mileage every day until the event. As a result, they may more than double or triple their distance over the week. The effects of this training take its toll on the body, and the runner may start to develop symptoms of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or peroneal tendonitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When increasing your training protocol, it’s vital that you take into account your recovery. After a heavy training session, it’s important to bathe and soak your feet in Epsom salts, to remove any additional inflammation occurring during your training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Epsom salts<\/a> help to reduce the swelling in the ligament and heal the micro-tears that occur during the training process. Wearing compression socks also helps to reduce the effects of plantar fasciitis and peroneal tendonitis. Compression socks increase blood flow to the feet, assisting with recovery. Consuming supplements like fish oil, zinc, and magnesium may also help to reduce inflammation and prevent foot pain.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

13. Cramping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cramping is one of the more common causes of foot pain, affecting all people from all walks of life. One of the most common reasons for the occurrence of cramping is dehydration. Our body is more than 60-percent water, and if we experience the onset of dehydration, it causes problems with the muscular system, resulting in cramping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s vital that you maintain your hydration during the day, especially when the weather is hot. Medical professionals recommend that people consume eight 8-oz glasses of water during the day to maintain hydration levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cramping may also occur due to mineral deficiencies in potassium<\/a>, calcium, and sodium. Sodium is vital for maintaining electrolyte balance, and when we are low in sodium, we can expect further cramping. Fortunately, it easy to maintain levels of these minerals using supplements. Visit your favorite online health retailer and pick out an affordable supplement containing all three of these minerals to support your electrolyte levels and prevent dehydration.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

14. Arthritis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Arthritis <\/a>is a condition affecting millions of Americans, and it typically occurs alongside other conditions like osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative bone disease. Osteoarthritis causes the formation of osteophytes, otherwise known as bone spurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These spurs cause pain when the joint rubs against the osteophytes in the affected area. As a result, the patient may lose the full range of motion, in the affected joints around the ankles, toes, and heel. Osteoarthritis causes the leaching of calcium from the bones, which results in the formation of these osteophytes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who are dealing with arthritis find that it is an irreversible condition, and they have to manage the effects as they arise. Doctors may issue the patient with prescription-strength painkillers and anti-inflammatories to prevent inflammation in the affected joints of the ankles, knees, and hips. However, it’s important to note that this condition is irreversible, and the patient may end up needing the use of an assistive walking device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

<\/div>