Do you experience foot pain on a regular basis? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, foot pain is one of the most common forms of pain in the United States. There are many different causes of foot pain, and it can be difficult to diagnose and treat without help. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 of the most common causes of foot pain and how to fix them! If
If you are a runner, for example, you may experience pain in your foot after running long distances. In In order to prevent overuse injuries, it is important to cross –train and give your feet time to recover between workouts..
Another common cause of foot pain is wearing the wrong type of shoes.. Wearing high heels or shoes that that are too
Causes of foot pain can include:
– Improper footwear
– Arthritis
– Poor posture
– Injury or trauma
– Overuse or repetitive movements
– Obesity
– Pregnancy
– Diabetes mellitus
– Infection
If you are experiencing foot pain, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment to be able to address the root cause of your foot pain. Some treatments for foot pain include:
– Rest
– Ice and heat therapy
– Physical therapy
– Orthotics or shoe inserts
– Medication
If you are experiencing foot pain, do not hesitate to seek medical help. There are many different causes of foot pain, and it is important to find the root cause so that you can correct the problem before it becomes worse. There are many medical professionals out there that can help diagnose and treat your foot pain, such as foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists, or physical therapists. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, you can get back to living a pain-free life!
Let’s dive deeper into some of the common causes of foot pain. In Florida, we see a lot of patients that have foot pain because of poorly supported or improper shoes. Wearing the wrong shoes for your foot type can cause pain in your feet, ankles, and knees. You should always make sure to wear shoes that fit well and have good arch support. Flip-flops are very common, especially in the warm months, so be cautious! Another common foot pain culprit is high heels! When you wear high heels for an extended period of time, it can cause tension and compression in the foot.
One of the most common causes of foot pain that we see in Florida is plantar fasciitis. This condition is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia- a thick band that connects your heel to your toes. This condition can cause pain in your heel, arch, and ball of foot. The best way to treat plantar fasciitis is by using a foot orthotic device, by doing stretches and exercises for your feet, and seeking further expert advice from a physical therapist.
Arthritis can contribute to foot pain as well. If you have arthritis in your foot, you may experience pain, stiffness, and swelling. The best way to treat arthritis is by taking medication prescribed by your doctor, using ice and heat therapies, and doing exercises recommended by a physical therapist.
Believe it or not, poor posture is also a contributing factor to foot pain. When you have poor posture, it can cause muscle strain in your neck, back, and feet. To improve your posture, try practicing good habits such as sitting up straight and keeping your shoulders relaxed.
Overuse and repetition of movements at the foot can also lead to pain.
People that are overweight or obese tend to have more issues with their feet. This is because the extra weight places stress on the feet and can force the tendons and ligaments to have to work on overdrive to be able to support the weight above. Even losing five pounds can lead to an improvement with foot pain that originates because of this.
Women that are pregnant have also been shown to have more complaints of foot pain. This is because of the added weight and shift in balance that the body endures, in addition to the changes in elasticity that occurs from the hormones when a woman is pregnant. When a woman is pregnant the hormone levels in her body changes. The level of elastin in a pregnant women’s body increases. This increase can cause more laxity in the joints. This can lead to foot pain, as well as ankle and knee pain.
Diabetes is also another contributing factor to foot pain. Patients that have either Type 1 or 2 diabetes are more susceptible to experiencing foot pain. This is because diabetes can cause neuropathy, or nerve damage, in the feet. The damaged nerves can make it difficult to feel pain in the foot, which can lead to injuries that go unnoticed and untreated. A common injury that leads to foot pain is a sprain or strain. These injuries occur when there is an excessive amount of force put on a joint, such as the ankle. Symptoms of these injuries include swelling, bruising, and pain around the affected area.
The bottom line is that if you are experiencing foot pain, don’t just suffer through it hoping it’ll get better on its own. There are many things that can be done to ease the pain and get you back to your normal activities. In some cases, foot pain may be a sign of a more serious problem and it is important to seek medical attention if the pain does not go away after a few days of self-treatment.
Written By:
Dr. Katie Hohman
Physical Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Founder
