Understanding Foot Pain and Related Injuries

By middle age, an estimated 25 percent of all adults are living with some kind of foot pain. However, foot discomfort is not a uniform condition. Pain can afflict different regions of the foot, resulting in a spectrum of symptoms and directing the course of medical care.

Causes can range from age-related and chronic health conditions to footwear choices, such as tight or worn out shoes, and job-related factors, like standing too long without a break.

Our feet act as the body’s shock absorbers. Consisting of 26 bones and nearly 100 muscles, they support your body weight as you walk and stand. From the shape of your toes to the Achilles tendon, they help you stay balanced and stand upright.

When a foot injury occurs, not only is this alignment thrown off, but they are no longer able to absorb the force from your steps or standing for long periods of time. In turn, daily activities can result in significant pain or become far more difficult.

When receiving treatment for foot pain, understand some common injuries and symptoms in relation to their location.

Heel Area

Generally, the heel of your foot can be susceptible to:

• Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the band of tissue running from the heel to the toes.
• Stone Bruise: Occurs on the ball of the foot or the heel’s fatty portion, typically as a result of stepping on a hard, sharp object or an impact injury.
• Heel Spurs: A bone growth occurring at the base of your heel that can stem from poor posture, walking incorrectly or wearing poor-fitting shoes. Individuals with a high arch or flat foot are more prone to developing this condition.
• Heel Fracture: Can occur after a sudden impact, resulting in a combination of swelling, bruising and pain.

Ball of the Foot

This area of your foot is susceptible to a range of conditions, including:

• Metatarsalgia: Inflammation of this area can result from wearing poorly fitting shoes or performing a strenuous activity through work or sports.
• Neuroma: Also known as Morton’s neuroma, this occurs when the tissue around the nerves passing through your toes increases in thickness, resulting in numbness, burning or tingling. Causes range from unsupportive shoes to an overuse injury from running.
• Sesamoiditis: A form of tendonitis affecting the ligament connecting the two largest toes.
• Freiberg’s Disease: A condition restricting blood supply to the area around the second and third metatarsal bones. You’ll experience pain, stiffness and swelling of the area.

Foot Arch

Pain starting in the arch of the foot often concerns the muscles and tendons. Injuries may be a result of overuse or wearing unsupportive shoes for an activity. Plantar fasciitis can also affect the arch.

However, individuals may also be experiencing what’s called “fallen” arches, when this area starts to flatten out as a result of standing or walking for long periods of time, causing foot pain and balance issues.

The Toes

Toe conditions may seem insignificant, but can radiate pain throughout the foot. Issues include:

• Gout: A type of arthritis resulting in pain and swelling as crystals gather in the toe joints.
• Bunions: Occur along the edge of the foot and stem from poor joint alignment.
• Hammertoes: Occur when the toe bends along the middle joint as a result of imbalanced muscles or poorly fitting shoes.
• Claw Toe: This condition, which occurs when your toe points upwards or downwards but won’t straighten, is often the result of nerve damage, potentially from diabetes.
• Hallux Rigidus: Stiffness affecting the big toe as a result of arthritis.
• Sprains and Fractures: Can occur when you stub or jam your toe, accompanied by pain and swelling.

Other Foot Issues

Beyond the area-specific conditions, you may experience pain or numbness in your foot from:

• Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis
• Nerve damage or neuropathy
• A broken bone, such as the fifth metatarsal along the foot’s outer edge
• Tendonitis

If you have foot pain, you may be steered toward physical therapy treatment. The team at Integrated Rehab is here to assist with your recovery, with exercises and routines designed to strengthen the area and prevent recurrence.

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, contact us today.