What is Foot Pain?
Foot pain can be described as sharp, stabbing, dull, or stabbing. It may also look like a tingling or burning sensation, which is common in conditions like diabetes that can damage peripheral nerves (peripheral neuropathy). Foot pain can be mild to severe and only appear at certain times of the day or when you do certain activities. Moving your foot or ankle can make or relieve pain. With severe pain from traumatic injuries, it may be impossible to move the affected foot at all.
Causes of Foot Pain
- Aging
- Prolonged Standing
- Obesity
- Foot Deformities
- Injury
- Poorly Fitting Footwear
- Overuse
- Arthritis and Gout
- Broken Bones
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Nerve Damage
- Sprains and Stress Fractures
Foot Pain During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, many women have foot problems like flat feet and swollen feet because they gain weight and their knees and ankles feel more pressure. This can make their heels, arches, and the balls of their feet hurt. But pregnant women can make their feet feel better by wearing comfy shoes and taking care of their feet. To reduce swelling, they can raise their feet, stretch their legs often, wear wide shoes, and not cross their legs when sitting. Following these tips can help pregnant women keep their feet healthy and happy during pregnancy.
Diagnosis for Foot Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis: Tenderness at the plantar fascia insertion point.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Tingling or numbness along the medial ankle.
- Metatarsalgia: Pain in the ball of the foot aggravated by weight-bearing.
- Morton's Neuroma: Mulder's click upon squeezing the metatarsal heads.
- Achilles Tendonitis: Pain and swelling along the Achilles tendon.
- Osteoarthritis: Joint stiffness and crepitus upon movement in affected joints.
Foot Pain Treatment for Various Conditions
Plantar Fasciitis:
- Reduce activity
- Apply ice
- Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
- Wear a shoe with a cushioned sole with gel inserts or heel cups
- Wear supportive shoes, even indoors, and avoid slippers or walking barefoot
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome:
A variety of non-surgical therapies are used to treat tarsal tunnel syndrome, including:
- RICE protocol (rest, ice, nerve compression, elevation of the foot)
- Take an NSAID
- Steroid injection
- Wear custom shoe inserts, especially if you have flat feet
- Use orthosis or cast for immobilization
- Surgery is considered if nerve pain is severe or persistent despite conservative therapies.
Metatarsalgia:
- Wearing metatarsal pads
- Surgery may be considered if other treatments do not provide relief.
Morton's Neuroma:
- Appropriate shoe inserts to decrease pressure on the toe bones
- Wearing spacious, wide-toed shoes
- Steroid injection may be administered if pain persists.
- Surgery involves removing a small part of the affected nerve.
Achilles Tendonitis:
- RICE protocol (rest, ice, compressing the tendon, elevating the ankle)
- Consultation with a doctor regarding heel orthotics and physiotherapy
- Consideration of specialized exercise programs like the Alfredson Protocol.
- Surgical repair is reserved for a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Osteoarthritis:
- Lifestyle changes (e.g., weight loss if overweight, choice of gentle activities like swimming or cycling)
- Take NSAIDs
- Physical therapy
- Use personalized orthoses and assistive devices for mobility
- Surgery (arthroscopy, joint fusion, or replacement) is considered if pain persists.
When to Consult a Doctor?
Even relatively mild foot pain can be quite debilitating, at least at first. It is generally safe to try simple home remedies for a while. Seek immediate medical attention if you:
- You have severe pain or swelling
- You have an open sore or a sore oozing pus
- Have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, and tenderness in the affected area or you have a fever over 100 F (37.8 C)
- Are unable to walk or put weight on your foot
- You have diabetes and have a sore that does not heal or is deep, red, swollen, or warm to the touch.
Home Remedies for Foot Pain
The following steps can help relieve your foot pain:
- Apply ice to reduce pain and swelling.
- Elevate your painful foot as much as possible.
- Reduce activity until you feel better.
- Wear suitable shoes for your feet and the activity you are doing.
- Use pads to prevent chafing and irritation.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Choose comfortable shoes with good arch support and cushioning.
- Ensure there's plenty of room around your toes and the ball of your foot; avoid tight shoes and high heels.
- Warm up before exercising and stretch your muscles to prevent strain.
- Gradually increase exercise intensity to avoid putting too much pressure on your feet.
