Do You Suffer From Foot Pain?
A normally active person averages 5,000 to 15,000 steps each day. With each step, certain biomechanical actions should take place within one's foot. For a wide variety of reasons such as congenital deformities, mild misalignments, injuries, and ill-fitting footwear, these actions may be compromised causing conditions that often result in mild to severe foot pain.Foot pain affects people of all ages, professions, and lifestyles. Improper bio-mechanical movements can create a strain on the feet that can cause discomfort and long-term damage. Hover over the areas where you experience pain and learn about the possible causes as well as what you can do to relieve your pain.Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation and/or degeneration of the Achilles tendon. This is the large tendon located in the back of the leg that inserts into the calcaneus or heel bone. Pain from this condition can develop gradually without a history of trauma. Achilles tendonitis is usually described as a shooting, burning, or extremely piercing pain. Any pain in this area should not be ignored as it may lead to weakening of the tendon. Once the tendon weakens, rupture is possible. Learn More
Arch Pain & Strain
Arch pain and strain refers to inflammation and/or burning sensations in the arch of the foot. Pain and discomfort in the area of the medial longitudinal arch can be a signal that other conditions exist. Most commonly, arch pain is caused by a structural imbalance during the gait cycle or as a result of a direct injury to the arch. If arch pain persists and it’s left untreated, a bony protrusion or spur can develop as the body’s way of protection. You must see your doctor to avoid unwanted complications. Learn More
Bunions / Bunionettes
A bunion is the most common problem of the forefoot. A bunion is a prominent bump on the first metatarsophalangeal joint or big toe joint. This condition is most common in women; however, men can have bunions as well. Bunions and bunionettes can develop due to a lack of proper biomechanics of the foot, arthritis or improperly fitted footwear - the most common cause. Learn More
Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are caused by an accumulation of dead skin cells that harden and thicken on an area of skin as the body’s way of protecting it against excessive pressure and friction in order to avoid creating a wound. A corn will have a cone-shaped core with an inward point that can press on a nerve below the skin, making it very painful. Corns are usually found on the tops, sides and/or tips of the toes. Calluses are more common on other areas of the foot, such as on the outside and bottom of a bunion or bunionette; the ball of the foot, causing metatarsalgia; the heel, creating heel pain; and any other area of the foot where undue pressure occurs. Learn More
Hammertoe / Mallet Toe
A hammertoe is a toe that is contracted at the middle joint of the toe, potentially leading to severe pressure and pain. Hammertoes may occur in any toe, except the big toe, since the big toe only has two joints and the other toes have three joints. There are two types of hammertoes: flexible and rigid. A mallet toe is a toe that is contracted at the joint at the end of the toe. Mallet toes may occur at any toe. A mallet toe cannot be straightened and is always rigid. Learn More
Heel Fissures
Heel fissures, also known as cracked heels, are a common foot problem. They occur when you don’t treat calluses that form your heels. Over time, the callused skin can become thick, hard, dry and flaky. Eventually, a crack or multiple cracks may develop on your heels. These fissures can form around your entire heel or just on one side of your heel. Learn More
Heel Pain
Heel pain is a common condition in which bearing weight on the heel causes extreme discomfort. There are two categories of heel pain: heel pain syndrome and plantar fasciitis. Excessive impact on the heel of the foot creates a type of pain often referred to as “heel pain syndrome.” This impact produces a bruising-type pain in a specific area. This condition is commonly caused from shoes with little to no shock absorption in the heel; a thinning or shifting of the heel pad tissue; or a sudden increase in activity. Learn More
Heel Spurs
The calcaneous, or the heel bone, is the largest bone in the foot. Upon heel strike during walking, the heel bone absorbs shock and pressure. If this pressure is excessive, the shock cannot be absorbed resulting in injury to the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the band of fibrous tissue located along the bottom surface of the foot that runs from the heel to the forefoot. Excessive pressure from overpronation and other overuse syndromes can also lead to excessive stretching of the plantar fascia, causing injury. Learn More
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the metatarsal region of the foot, which is located just under the metatarsal joints and is more commonly called the ball of the foot. Metatarsalgia is a common condition that affects the bones, joints, and surrounding tissue of the ball of the foot. While it can affect the entire area, it usually occurs under the 2nd, 3rd and 4th metatarsal area. Learn More
Morton's Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is a common foot problem affecting nerve tissue in the ball of the foot, usually occurring between the 3rd and 4th toes. The 2nd and 3rd toes also can develop a neuroma condition, but it’s less common. Morton’s neuroma can make walking difficult. It may feel as if you are walking with a pebble in your shoe. Some symptoms include sharp pain, tingling, burning and numbness to the forefoot. Learn More
Morton's Toe
Morton’s toe is a common forefoot disorder. A person with Morton’s toe has a second toe that is longer than their big toe. Since the joint of this toe is placed in the lead position (instead of the big toe); this toe joint becomes the weight-bearing joint during the propulsion phase of the gait cycle. Therefore, excessive pressure is placed on the second metatarsal joint in the ball of the foot, resulting in pain similar to the discomfort associated with metatarsalgia. Learn More
Overlapping Toes
Many disorders can affect the toes, causing pain and discomfort. These disorders can prevent your foot from functioning the way it should. Overlapping toes are a common deformity, characterized by one toe lying on top of an adjacent toe. It can occur in any of the toes, although the second toe or the fifth toe are more commonly involved. This condition can cause extreme pain and irritation. Learn More
Overpronation / Hyperflexibility
Overpronation, or what is more commonly referred to as flat feet, is a common biomechanical problem that occurs during walking. As a person walks, the arches of the foot collapse as they make contact with the ground, allowing the foot to make full contact with the floor. This arch collapse can cause extreme stress or inflammation to the plantar side of the foot and result in severe discomfort. Overpronation is very common in people with flexible pes planus (flat feet); however, people with hyperflexible pes normal (medium arch feet) are usually overpronators as well. Learn More
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common foot pain complaint. It is an inflammation caused by excessive stretching or use of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a band of fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom, or the plantar side, of the foot. It attaches to the calcaneous, or the heel bone, and extends to the forefoot where it connects to the metatarsal joints. An inflamed plantar fascia can lead to other problems such as heel pain, arch pain and heel spurs. Learn More
Post-Tibial Tendonitis / Dysfunction
The post-tibial tendon runs vertically down the inside of the tibia bone and ankle, wrapping under the arch. The primary function of this tendon is to hold up the arch, as well as being a connector for the leg and foot. The tendon also helps to turn your foot inward while walking. When strain is placed on the post-tibial tendon, the tendon becomes inflamed. Post-tibial tendonitis can lead to heel pain, arch pain, plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Learn More
Shin Splints
Shin splints are a common complaint of lower leg pain. They are characterized by pain in the front or inside aspect of the lower leg due to long-term overexertion of the muscles of the legs. Pain usually develops gradually over time with no history of trauma. The pain begins as a dull ache along the front or inside of the tibia or shin. Small bumps with areas of tenderness may develop along the shin bone as the pain worsens. Small tears in the leg muscles may develop where the muscles attach to the bone, causing severe pain if this problem is not addressed. Learn More
