Share:

Foot pain is experienced by many Americans, often for no obvious reason. The feet have many components—bones, ligaments, and tendons—that can be injured or inflamed, so it’s important to know how to identify the cause of pain to treat or prevent it. The foot specialists at Podiatry Associates of Rochester in New York offer the following reasons your feet hurt.

3 Top Causes of Foot Pain

1. Plantar Fasciitis 

This common condition typically causes heel pain but can affect the bottom of the foot, too. When the ligament that runs from the heel to the bottom of the foot (the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed due to tension, stress, or lack of flexibility, it creates a sharp pain in the heel. High impact sports like running can cause plantar fasciitis, as well as wearing shoes with an inappropriate level of arch support for your feet. To minimize the pain, perform foot stretches and basic heel raises twice a day, and try ice or foot baths. If the pain does not subside in a few days, see a foot specialist.

2. Bunions

see-a-foot-specialist-for-foot-painA bunion is a large bump at the joint of the big toe or a smaller bump on the side of the pinky toe—a bunionette. Bunions form when the bone at the base of the big toe pushes out against the first metatarsal. Structural changes are caused by a variety of factors, such as genetics, stress, and the type of foot and gait you have. Consistent pain levels should be seen by a foot specialist. The only correction for bunions is surgery, though this isn’t always necessary.

3. Stress Fractures

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in the bone caused by overuse or weakness in the bone itself, such as from osteoporosis. Symptoms of a stress fracture include swelling and pain that radiates out from a specific spot on the foot. Symptoms often decrease during rest. Common activities that may cause stress fractures include running, dance, basketball, or gymnastics. They are likely to occur if you are moving from a sedentary lifestyle to a new exercise routine. Wearing good shoes, starting new physical routines slowly, and proper nutrition all can help prevent stress fractures. 

Foot pain affects 8 out of 10 adult Americans. Don’t ignore symptoms when they arise, as most conditions will worsen over time if left untreated. Podiatry Associates of Rochester in Monroe County treats foot pain and works with sports injuries, ingrown toenails, bunions, and hammertoes. Visit their website to discover more about their services, or call (585) 342-8700 for an appointment today.

tracking