Nine Conditions that Cause Foot Pain

Almost everyone has a foot problem during their lifetime because feet are often neglected, leading to major problems later. In addition to heel pain from heel spurs, there are other causes of foot pain. When you are experiencing discomfort in your feet, it is important to visit a knowledgeable podiatrist for an examination that may include X-rays to determine what the problem is in the feet. A podiatrist will look at the X-rays and your feet to find these issues that will require some type of treatment to reduce your discomfort along with improving your mobility.

Foot Issue 1: Plantar Fasciitis

When you are feeling overall pain across the bottom of a foot, you probably have plantar fasciitis. This is a painful condition that is caused by overall inflammation in the bottom of the feet, requiring pain medications and rest.

Foot Issue 2: Hammertoes

Hammertoes are a type of toe deformity that causes the toes to curl downward, leading to pressure on the toes while walking barefoot or wearing shoes. Choosing roomier shoes or wearing orthotic devices inside the shoes is recommended for this condition.

Foot Issue 3: Bunions

If the side of your foot hurts, then you may have a bunion. This condition is caused by wearing tight shoes that change the shape of the joint at the base of a big toe. Wearing shoes that fit properly can help you to overcome this painful problem.

Foot Issue 4: Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is caused by a transmittable fungal infection that will make the skin on the feet feel itchy. The application of medications that contain antifungal ingredients can eliminate the fungus, but you should also get rid of any contaminated socks or shoes.

Foot Issue 5: Blisters

Blisters on the feet are common after strenuous physical activity, such as hiking. You are more likely to develop one or more fluid-filled blisters when you have moisture inside your socks or your shoes.

Foot Issue 6: Plantar Warts

Plantar warts occur on the bottom of the feet, leading to sole or heel pain. These thick growths are caused by the human papillomavirus, but a surgeon can remove warts with a special freezing method.

Foot Issue 7: Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails are one of the most common causes of foot pain with millions of cases each year. This condition occurs when a toenail grows into the side or the corner of a toe, leading to inflammation.

Foot Issue 8: Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the large toe of one or both of the feet. However, the discomfort from gout can radiate to other areas of the feet. You should take anti-inflammatory medications while monitoring your diet to overcome gout.

Foot Issue 9: Neuropathy

Diabetics can develop neuropathy of the feet that causes radiating pain or numbness that is especially noticeable at night. Regular foot care is essential for diabetics to avoid having this condition, and diabetics should monitor their blood sugar levels frequently.