Foot Pain

The foot is made of 26 bones all this combines together to form two crossing arches of the foot. The interaction of the foot with the lower leg forms the ankle of the foot. The ligament is a touch band tissue that holds the bones of the foot together. The muscles of the foot and tissue called plantar fascia provide secondary support. At the base, there are also fatty layers that help to bear weight and absorb shocks. When you feel uneasiness or pain, it means something is wrong. How and when this happens can often help determine the cause and severity of the disease.

Injuries, excessive use or conditions that cause inflammation of the bones, ligaments or tendons in the foot can lead to foot pain. The most common cause of foot pain is arthritis. Injuries that affect the nerves of the feet can lead to a serious burning pain, numbness or tingling (peripheral neuropathy).

What are the Causes of Foot Pain?

1. Plantar fasciitis. One of the most common causes of foot pain is plantar fasciitis. Planar fasciitis occurs as a result of irritation of a thick band tissue referred to as the plantar fascia, which passes through the bottom of the foot. This connects the heel bone to the toes. Individuals with plantar fasciitis have pain across the bottom of the foot, usually near the inner part of the heel. The discomfort that accompanies plantar fasciitis is more common in the morning after waking up and with intense exercises like running, though pain can be felt in the heel during simple walking.

2. Metatarsalgia. This is a condition which is used to describe a painful foot condition in the area just before the toes or the ball-of-the-foot. It is referred to as metatarsalgia because the bones of this region were called metatarsals. With prolonged jumping or running activities, an increased stress load is exerted in this region. As time goes on, the metatarsal bone becomes swollen and leads to pain.

3. Turf Toe. Turf toe is a sprain which appears underneath the big toe. This occurs when the big toe bends back beyond its normal range of motion. This leads to a tear in the ligaments that support it. Affected individuals feel pain during walking and running activities.

4. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the major nerve that goes to the foot is compressed by the bone or tissue. It is possible to be more familiar with a similar condition in the wrist which is known as "carpal tunnel syndrome". The symptoms associated with tarsal tunnel syndrome are usually felt within the inner region of the foot and are burning, tingling, and shooting in nature.

5. Infectious diseases such as viruses, fungi, and bacteria can lead to foot pain. Plantar warts that occur at the base of the foot are caused by a virus and can cause irritation and pain. Athlete’s foot, caused by fungi, can cause foot irritation and pain.

6. Many systemic diseases such as diabetes, lupus, gout and rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain in the feet.

What are the Symptoms of Foot Pain?

Pain and tenderness are direct indicators that something is wrong in a particular area. Swellings, redness (erythema), bruising (ecchymosis), numbness/tingling, and shooting pains may also present localized to the injured area.

Foot Pain Treatment

Treatment for Foot Pain requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your foot. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your foot to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.

Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:

Ice Substitute Poultice

Bruise Relief Liniment

Muscle Therapy Massage Oil

Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:

Pain Relief Liniment

Tendon and Ligament Poultice

Muscle Therapy Massage Oil