Top 7 Causes for Foot Pain

It is important to know what it is like to have a normal foot without pain in order to be able to recognize that you have a problem when your foot hurts. You should head to a podiatrist when you feel that something is not right but here are the top 7 causes of foot pain.

7. Fallen Arch

If you have constant pain in your ankle or in the arch of your foot, you may have a fallen arch. It happens when the tendon between the inner aspect of your foot and calf muscles is injured. The condition may require surgical intervention. (1, 2, 3, 4)

6. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

You may have heard of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the wrist. This is a similar condition but in the foot. Its symptoms include heel pain due to compressing the nerve on the inner aspect of the ankle. (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)

5. Cuboid Syndrome

The cuboid is one of the foot bones. The main symptom of cuboid syndrome is a pain in the outer middle areas. Most cases are associated with fallen arches but you can get it if you twisted your ankle, especially if you weren’t wearing shoes. (11, 12, 13, 14)

4. Arthritis

Arthritis is common in older adults and professional athletes who don’t get enough rest between seasons. It develops due to the overuse of joints leading to severe damages to the entire structure of the joints, including foot joints. (15, 16, 17, 18)

3. Metatarsalgia

The most common symptom of Metatarsalgia is heel pain. The metatarsal heads are located at the end of the smaller toes. You will feel pain in this area if these joints are inflamed or swollen. Orthotics and well-cushioned shoes may help prevent metatarsalgia. (19, 20, 21, 22)

2. Turf Toe

Turf toe is a form of arthritis in the joint of the big toe. It also can be classified as a metatarsalgia. High heels are the most common cause of developing turf toes. It is also common among football players.
Avoid wearing too high heels in order to prevent any degenerative changes that may affect your big toe. (23, 24, 25, 26, 27)

1. Calluses

Calluses are more common than you think. People who didn’t experience any foot problems usually experience calluses. It is the way the skin protects itself when you increase the pressure on your foot. They are blisters that found mostly on the ball of the foot, but they can appear anywhere on the foot. (28, 29, 30, 31, 32)