Foot Pain Causes — Foot problems can get worse with the wear and tear of age, with genetics and foot type also playing a role. If you have a family history of arthritis or bunions, for example, then you’re more at risk to develop them. Your foot shape, like flat feet or a high arch, may also make you prone to certain problems.
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), an “astounding 81 percent of obese Americans say they suffer from foot pain and at times experience multiple foot and ankle conditions,” and an additional 60 percent of obese Americans said that foot pain restricts their regular activity.
Common causes of foot pain
Achilles Tendinitis: Irritation and swelling of the Achilles tendon, which runs along the back of your ankles from your heel to your calf.
Bunion: A bony bump that forms on the base of the big toe, leading to pain and stiffness.
Hammertoe: A bend in the middle of the toe, created by an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments. It’s most common in the second, third, and fourth toes.
Metatarsalgia: Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. This is prevalent in high-heel wearers.
Osteoarthritis: Joint damage, typically caused by use over time. One of the most common types is hallux limitus, causing stiffness and pain in the big toe.
Plantar Fasciitis: Straining or inflammation of the fascia, the tough tissue on the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes. If you’re hobbling out of bed in the morning, this could be your issue, as the fascia tightens overnight.
If you experience foot pain, please contact the office so that we can diagnose it and connect you with a podiatrist, if necessary. Foot pain can cut you off from activities that keep you healthy and happy.
5 Minutes of Prevention
Just as regular exercise keeps our bodies in shape, a stretching routine helps ensure that all those joints and ligaments stay in good working order.
Stretches for foot health
Stretches for foot healthToe Wiggle
Move, stretch, and spread your toes to strengthen the muscles in your foot, which can help stabilize your toes and slow the development of hammertoe.
Wall Stretch
Put your palms against a wall. Place one foot back, heel to the floor, and lean forward into the wall to stretch the back of your leg, from your calf through your heel. Repeat on the other side. This can help with plantar fasciitis and tendinitis.
Bare Feet are (usually) a bad idea
Being barefoot puts a lot of strain on your feet’s ligaments and joints because they relax and collapse a bit, and there’s nothing to help absorb your body weight.
Get more foot care tips and learn about foot pain causes from the APMA.
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