Foot Pain can be due to a problem in any part of the foot. Bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, fascia, toenail beds, nerves, joint, blood vessels, or skin can be the source of foot pain. The cause of foot pain can be narrowed down by location and by considering some of the most common causes of discomfort.
Understanding what is at the source of your pain or condition is the first step in finding a solution that is right for you.
Identifying specific issues with your foot and locating the source of pain is the first step in treatment. From the heel to your big toe the foot is a complex and very dynamic system.
Depending on the cause of your pain specific orthotics and braces can be used to help alleviate pressure and correct conditions in the foot to help your recovery.
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia, a band of tough tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, becomes irritated or inflamed. Heel pain which is often worst in the morning when getting out of bed or getting up from rest, is the most common symptom. Arch pain may also be present in some individuals as the plantar fascia runs from the heel out to the toes.
Heel spurs are abnormal growths of bone that can develop on the bottom of the heel bone (calcaneus). It may be caused by an abnormal gait, structural and functional foot mechanics, inappropriate shoes, or certain activities. Although many people may have heel spurs, only a few these people will present with foot pain. Heel spurs can occur in people with plantar fasciitis, but they do not cause plantar fasciitis. People with flat feet or high arches may be more likely to have foot pain from heel spurs.
A bruised heel is a bruise of the fat pad of the heel. It can occur after stepping on a rock or other hard object or jumping / falling from a height.
A fracture of the heel bone (calcaneus) is usually trauma related. It is most often caused by high impact to the heel, for example, when a person has fallen from a height or been in a car accident. Heel pain, bruising, swelling, limping, or difficulty walking are the main symptoms.
Pain in the ball of your foot is called Metatarsalgia. This condition causes pain or a burning sensation when you apply force to the foot when standing, walking or running. It can also cause related symptoms like numbness or tingling in your toes as well as sharp pain.
Metatarsalgia can develop in a common work environment where the worker is standing or working on concrete or hard surfaces for long periods of time. By not wearing supportive footwear or using supportive insoles / custom orthotics, workers expose their feet to high pressure loads over a long day. The condition can also arise from the deterioration of the foot’s natural fat pads which cushion the foot. Athletes training or competing in improper footwear or increasing their amount of activity too rapidly are also prone to metatarsalgia.
Foot Pain is also related to a number of different conditions in the joints and nerves of the foot. Some of the top conditions we see at Okaped deal with the following injuries or conditions.
Your doctor may refer you to OKAPED to see a Canadian Certified Pedorthist for Pedorthic management of your foot pain. This may include orthopaedic footwear, shoe selection guidance, orthotics and/or foot related products such as a metatarsal pad. If you know your condition and want to learn about new products and treatments please give us a call.