There is nothing more annoying than an incessant foot pain that continues to create discomfort no matter what you do to treat it. There may be several causes of foot pain. Hence, it is highly recommended that you diagnose the condition and find out the exact reason for the pain before treating it. Let us look at some common causes you might want to know about in this case.
Achilles tendinitis and tendon rupture
Ever heard of the Achilles heel, also known as tendon? Primarily a small tissue, it acts as the connector between the heel bone and the calf muscles located in the lower leg. Achilles tendinitis is one of the well-known causes of foot pain and tends to occur when you overuse this connecting tissue, possibly by increasing the duration or intensity of your sprints or other exercises involving the foot.
An Achilles tendon rupture occurs when the Achilles tendon is stretched beyond its limit. The fibrous cord gets either torn or ruptured, partially or completely, causing great pain in the area.
Broken foot or ankle
Typically, this fracture is characterized by an injury to the foot/ankle bone. This may occur due to a fall, misstep, or an injury caused by accident. Fractures can range anywhere between a tiny crack to breaks in bones, all of which can cause immense pain in and around the foot area.
Bunions
A bunion happens to be one of the main causes of foot pain and is extremely painful. A bunion is essentially a small bony bump caused by the big toe pushing against the next toe. With time, this causes the joint of the big toe to grow, creating a rough and painful bump that protrudes out of the skin near the base of the big toe.
Corns and calluses
One of the main causes of foot pain happens to be a corn or callus, which is also called a plantar wart. A corn or callus usually occurs when the skin is exposed to excess pressure or friction. The skin in the area hardens over a period to create a thick, unsightly layer bump that can be extremely uncomfortable and painful, especially if it occurs on toes and feet.
Diabetic neuropathy
Usually caused by diabetes, diabetic neuropathy is a condition that can cause damage to the nerve fibers located throughout the body. In most cases, nerves that are most affected by the condition happen to be those located in feet and legs. The damage caused to the nerves can cause discomfort, pain, and even numbness. In the worst-case scenario, diabetic neuropathy can disable the affected individual.
Ingrown toenails
Many people suffer from ingrown toenails, which are one of the primary causes of foot pain.An ingrown toenail is characterized by the side or corner of the toenail growing into the surrounding skin. They usually occur on the big toe and can be a cause of great discomfort. It can cause pain in addition to redness, swelling, and infection near the affected toenail.
Hammertoe and mallet toe
Categorized as foot deformities, hammertoe and mallet toe usually occur because of the imbalance in ligaments, tendons, or muscles that keep the toe straight. The result is an abnormal bend that occurs in the joint near the toenail. Both conditions cause discomfort and pain when wearing shoes and walking.
Metatarsalgia
This is one of the unknown causes of foot pain. Essentially a medical condition, metatarsalgia affects the ball of the foot, causing the latter to swell up and trigger immense pain when walking.
Morton’s neuroma
Another condition that affects the ball of the foot, Morton’s neuroma is characterized by the swelling up of the nerves near the toes, creating an area of thickened skin that is extremely painful to the touch. In some cases, it may also cause a numbing sensation that spreads throughout the foot.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of plantar fascia, the tissue that connects toes with the heel bones. It causes stabbing pain in the feet, especially when you take the first step in the morning. It can also cause pain in the foot when you stand up after sitting down for quite some time or remain standing for long periods.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
The tarsal tunnel contains arteries, tendons, and nerves that are responsible for providing movement as well as flexibility to the foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is said to occur when the tibial nerve in this group is compressed, causing discomfort, pain, and inflammation in the foot.
So there you have it. These are some common as well as little known causes of foot pain you will need to take note of. If you are suffering from continuous foot pain, consider visiting a doctor to diagnose the condition, before resorting to home remedies and over-the-counter medications.
