Foot pain

Alternative names:

pain in the foot

Definition:

Pain or discomfort in the foot.

Considerations:

Wearing improper shoes or extensive use of the feet can cause foot pain. Common causes of foot pain associated with improper or tight-fitting shoes included bunions, calluses, warts, corns, ingrown toenails, fallen arches, and sprains. Morton's neuroma (characterized by sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot, which may go into the toes) is less common but is also often caused by wearing tight-fitting shoes.

Stress fracture of the metatarsal bones can be caused by strenuous foot use. Also, plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the connective tissue on the sole of the foot) occurs commonly in long distance runners. Sometimes (if pain is associated with plantar fasciitis) the pain is made worse by wearing very stiff soled-shoes (like ski boots) or by suddenly going from high heels to flats.

Gout commonly occurs in the big toe (which becomes red, swollen, and very tender).

Bony spur is usually characterized by a sharp pain in the heel and is generally caused by activities that involve strenuous foot-pounding.

Common causes:

• bunions
• calluses
• warts
• corns
• ingrown toenails
• fallen arches
• sprains
• stress fracture of the metatarsal bones
• Morton's neuroma (characterized by sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot, which may go into the toes) is often caused by wearing tight-fitting shoes
• gout
• bony spur
• obesity
• inflammatory arthritis

Note: There may be other causes of foot pain. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for foot pain, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.