Not only athletic runners, fitness fanatics and employees who are on their feet a whole shift suffer from foot pain. Even a real couch potato can unknowingly cause excruciating pain and burning itch in the heels, arches, toes and ankles. Anything from mild irritation to throbbing pain can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your daily activity, and the way you walk. If your "dogs" keep barking, you're not alone: More than 75% of American adults surveyedder American Podiatric Medical AssociationThey say that at some point in their lives they have suffered from excruciating foot pain.
Feet are complex parts of our body - there are so many different bones and muscles involved! – and we rely on them a lot during the day. Whileespecially the COVID-19 pandemic, people have learned firsthand that shoes actually support the soles and balls of our feet as we move through the day. Avoid wearing shoes for a long period of time during quarantine, especially whendo you train at homeor deep cleaning and remodeling of certain spaces, it will not support your arch or other sensitive parts of your foot,DiceAnne Sharkey, DPM., a podiatrist with theFoot and Ankle Institute of North Austinin Texas.
It can be difficult (pandemic or not) to understand when to tell a doctor about your pain, or at least fix the problem at home beforehand. dr Sharkey says people with pre-existing foot conditions or other bone, muscle, or nerve damage elsewhere in the body should always see a doctor if they have foot pain. except to investin a good pair of slippers(just do it!), here are some ways you can tackle these common causes of foot pain at home, with advice from a trio of foot experts and when to seek help from a doctor.
You are wearing the wrong shoe size.
More than 70% of adults wear shoes that "do not fit the width or length measurements of their feet," according to a comprehensive review of research published in theFoot and Ankle Research Journal. The same study found that the most common problem was shoes that were too tight for the feet. Even if you've bought the same size shoes for most of your life, there's a chance that a different size (or width specification) could ease most of your pain, he says.Neyla Lobkova, DPM, from Step-Up Foot Care in New York City. Properly fitted shoes can "reverse the harmful effects and properly support, stabilize and realign the body," he explains.
How do you know if your shoes are too tight, baggy, narrow or wide? First, try to map your foot type: "Stand on baby powder and walk on a piece of dark construction paper," advises Dr. Lobkova. "The contour of the sole of the foot will have a narrower profile on someone with a higher arch, while a wider arch indicates a flat foot type." If you compare your shoe to the footprint you just took and they don't even remotely match are a red flag, but it's also an opportunity to find out the structure of your foot to better understand the types of shoes to buy. .
You're wearing the wrong shoes.
You know better than to wear beach flip flops for a mile-long stroll through a nearby park, but you might not realize that your favorite pair of running shoes aren't made for a hike down a nearby trail. "The shoes you choose should be tailored to the activity or requirement at hand," he says.George Holmes, MD., Surgeon specializing in foot and ankle surgery at Chicago'sOrthopedics in the Midwest in Rush. Hiking shoes can be similar to running shoes in some ways, but each offers different types of support, says Dr. Holmes, and in some cases this can be far from the goal of what you are doing. And of course, "Women's narrow or pointy shoes are for situations when there isn't much walking or standing during the workday, and hallux sufferers need shoes with extra room in the toe box," he says. As fabulous as they may look, heels for the office or slingbacks for dates can be the culprit.
Try to wear shoes that match your level of physical activity. And when you go shopping, Dr. Sharkey to buy new shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are most swollen, to "ensure a comfortable fit at all times". Regardless of which shoe profile you use,dr Sharkey says they should:
- Being able to flex where your toes flex (except steel toe caps on work boots).
- Not having narrow toes, which can cause bunions, hammer toes, or ingrown toenails.
- Resist a bend or full crease in the middle, as shoes with functional structural support shouldn't be able to "fold in half with your hands."
You're missing out on those much-needed orthotics.
Never heard of them? You've probably already seen themOrthoses are an additional support for shoesthat "provide the right biomechanical incline and arch support," explains Dr. Lobkova.
While store-bought options must be considered, custom-made orthotics made by a professional can pinpoint the support you need for multiple activities of varying durations (from working out to long afternoons at work) throughout the day require. When your daily routine consists of standing for hours, a brace can help relieve the increased pressure on your foot, ankle, and every joint in between. But even if constant foot pain keeps you struggling to get out of bed, no matter what type of shoes you wear or how long you're actually up, a foot orthotic from a referred podiatrist could give you some much-needed relief. .
You may be struggling with calluses or calluses.
The pain you are experiencing is most likely caused by something called a callus, or more commonlycalluses around the foot. These blister-like formations develop in response to a variety of problems, but most often are due to ill-fitting shoes or pressure points on the feet, says Dr. Sharkey. "They are the result of repeated friction," he explains. Calluses often have cracked, exposed skin that can become irritated by any kind of friction or pressure, while smaller corns are inflamed patches of skin that are very painful when pressed.
Corns and calluses can be treated by asking a shoe specialist to calculate your correct foot size, or by putting on a pair of boots, sneakers, or flats that cause friction in a specific area. But some calluses and calluses can also be caused by the structure of your foot, and this is a bigger issue that needs to be addressed during an examination.
Your heel is not supported.
Plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes becomes severely inflamed, explains Dr. Holmes, is the most common cause of heel pain. If you are a runner or are overweight, you may notice a throbbing sensation first thing in the morning when you get out of bed, and it may go away after a few minutes, only to come back later when you become active again. . "Certain activities like lunges, jumping, or jogging can be a trigger; sometimes the pain is worse at the beginning of the activity and subsides during or after the activity," says Dr. holmes Pain is often controlled with medication, and there's actually a whole subset of itFootwear brands used to treat plantar fasciitis. In some cases, you may need braces, additional therapy, or minor surgery to relieve the pressure.
Your foot is affected by a plantar wart.
Unlike corns or corns, you can't even see a plantar wart at first; later, callus may form around this wart after suffering a lot of pain. "Plantar warts are warts on the foot caused byThe Human Papillomavirus; They can often be painful as they often occur on or around weight-bearing surfaces," explains Dr. Sharkey. "A callus around the wart increases the pressure and therefore the pain."
Typically, a plantar wart appears after germs enter the skin of your foot through small abrasions, usually from walking barefoot outdoors. Plantar warts can usually go away on their own, but if you've noticed a wart that's causing severe pain, a podiatrist may give you certain medications or perform minor surgery, depending on how deep the wart is embedded on your skin. .
You have developed a bunion.
A bunion is a large, inflamed bump at the joint of the big toe or vice versa on the other side of the foot at the little toe, called a bunion. It only gets worse if you keep wearing the same shoes that caused it, explains Dr. holmes Bunions are often caused by shoes that are too tight (often unbeknownst to the wearer), but they become a serious problem when they grow over time and eventually need to be surgically removed. "It's better to have surgery early than to wait because the worse the bunions get, the more invasive the surgery becomes," he says.Carly Robbins, DPM, podiatrist at Marysville Foot and Ankle Specialists in Ohio. "Fortunately, if you take them off and then put the right shoes on, they usually don't come back."
You have an ingrown toenail.
Of everything on this list, this is probably the most visible symptom of foot pain. Ingrown toenails are usually inflamed, very sensitive, and can also develop calluses or even pus-filled plaque around the affected toe. Forthose trying to straighten their nails at home- ifsoak in warm waterB. with Epsom salts or white vinegar, or, even more dangerous, cutting or rounding the nails: An ingrown toenail can go unnoticed. Part of the nail can grow further into the nail bed, and any pressure can cause significant pain even when there's nothing left to cut, explains Dr. Robbins. In this case, a podiatrist may need to surgically correct the nail in an office to truly repair long-term damage.
You have developed some type of arthritis.
There are multiple possibilitiesfoot related arthritis that could affect you– Gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or metatarsalgia (arthritis in the big toe), but most cases are age-related (or activity-related in athletes). Wear and tear on the ligaments and tendons across the foot can affect the joints in the foot and cause constant pain, explains Dr. holmes Often a foot specialist referred by your health care provider will work with you to find the best shoe for you and in some cases physical therapy may be required to manage this wear and tear over time.
You have lost or gained some weight.
Yes, seriously, your body weight shifts to the soles of your feet every day, so when your body weight changes, your feet respond, he says.Bela Pandit, DPM, foot and ankle surgeon in private practice in Illinois. “For every 10 pounds you gain or lose, the muscles in your feet stretch or contract, so the shoes you were previously wearing may be under-supportive,” he explains. Orthotics can help alleviate discomfort caused by weight gain or loss until your feet adjust properly.
You have an underlying condition.
Every pair of feet is different, and sometimes pain stems from a holistic health issue unrelated to physical activity or shoe choice. Diabetes, for example, can cause circulatory problems, nerve pain and muscle and joint wear and tear.often influenced by your blood sugar levels. Another possibility that is often overlooked is hormones produced during pregnancy; dr Robbins explains that hormones designed to relax ligaments and prepare for childbirth are released naturally when you're pregnant.
If you can't pinpoint any of the reasons on this list as the cause of your foot pain, it's time to talk to your GP who can help you get to the bottom of why your feet keep hurting.
*With more reports fromElizabeth Durand Streisand.
Zee Krstic
health editor
Zee Krstic is a health editor forGood housekeeping, where he covers health and nutrition news, decodes nutrition and fitness trends, and discusses the best products in wellness. Before joining GH in 2019, Zee deepened his knowledge of nutrition as an editor atkitchen lightand continues to develop its understanding of holistic health through collaborations with leading academic experts and clinical care providers. He has written about food and food forTime, among other publications.
FAQs
12 Surprising Reasons Why Your Feet Hurt All The Time? ›
Arthritis, a fractured or broken bone, gout, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis can all make your feet hurt. You're more likely to have foot problems as you get older and your joints wear down. Being overweight puts extra pressure on your feet, which can also lead to pain.
What does it mean when your feet constantly hurt? ›Arthritis, a fractured or broken bone, gout, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis can all make your feet hurt. You're more likely to have foot problems as you get older and your joints wear down. Being overweight puts extra pressure on your feet, which can also lead to pain.
What is the number one cause of foot pain? ›Foot pain is often caused by improper foot function. Poorly fitting shoes can worsen and, in some cases, cause foot problems. Shoes that fit properly and give good support can prevent irritation to the foot joints and skin.
Can foot pain be related to heart problems? ›Foot pain and swelling can be indicators of poor circulation, which can result from heart-related issues. Non-healing ulcers or open sores on the feet can signify anemia, blood disorders, or vascular disease. Burning or swelling in the feet may point to kidney, heart, or circulatory problems.
Can feet indicate health problems? ›“Although often overlooked, your feet can provide an excellent warning of potential health concerns,” said Dr. Peter Chioros, a board-certified podiatrist with Swedish Medical Group. “Sudden changes or chronic symptoms such as pain or inflammation can signal illnesses and other potentially harmful conditions.”
How do I stop my feet from hurting all the time? ›- Maintain a healthy weight. ...
- A good soak. ...
- RICE may be needed. ...
- Stretches and exercises. ...
- Shoes and orthotics. ...
- Pain relievers and topical creams. ...
- Give your feet a good look. ...
- Find a podiatrist.
—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Sometimes, RICE and an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen are all you need to get back on your feet. For dull aches and soreness, heat therapy can increase blood flow and relax muscles. A heating pad is easy to pack and can be a welcome relief at the end of a long day on vacation.
What is the best painkiller for foot pain? ›Oral analgesic medications such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) or aspirin are often the first line choice for quick relief of foot pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are also often recommended and can help to reduce inflammation at the same time.
What are common foot problems in older adults? ›Some of the most common foot problems in older adults include bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, ingrown, thickened or discolored nails, diabetic foot conditions, poor circulation, and heel pain. Regular visits to a podiatrist can help you maintain your foot health as you age.
What are the signs of arthritis in your feet? ›- Trouble standing or putting weight on your feet.
- Tenderness when touching the affected joints.
- Pain when moving your ankles or feet.
- Redness or swelling of affected joints.
- Swelling or discomfort even when resting.
What diseases are associated with foot pain? ›
Viruses, fungi, bacteria or infections – Warts, athlete's foot and fungal nail infections are all examples of infectious diseases that can lead to foot pain. Arthritis – Our feet and ankles have many joints – and all of them could be prone to developing arthritis.
What are the 4 signs your heart is quietly failing? ›Warning signs and symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, chronic coughing or wheezing, swelling, fatigue, loss of appetite, and others.
What are signs of heart failure in your feet? ›Swelling: When heart failure happens, it can make fluid build-up in the body, causing feet and ankles to swell. This can also happen in other body parts, leading to rapid weight gain. Numbness and Pain: When these symptoms occur in the feet it can be an indication of peripheral artery disease.
What neurological disease starts at the feet? ›The most common nerve disorders that affect the feet and ankles include tarsal tunnel syndrome and Morton's neuroma, among others. Nerve conditions can be both painful and debilitating, and often require physical therapy or surgery to correct the problem. We have extensive experience treating both diseases.
What are the two causes of most foot problems? ›Improper footwear, diabetes, and aging are some of the chief contributors to foot problems. This article will highlight some of the most common foot concerns, their causes, and when to seek treatment.
What are three common conditions than can cause problems with your feet? ›And many foot problems, including hammertoes, blisters, bunions, corns and calluses, claw and mallet toes, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, and athlete's foot, can develop from neglect, ill-fitting shoes, and simple wear and tear. Pain in your feet may even be the first sign of a systemic problem.
Why are my feet always tired and sore? ›Causes of Achy Feet
Strenuous walking or standing for long periods has an obvious effect on your feet. Other factors include ill-fitting, poorly padded shoes, tight socks or stockings and tight garters. Reduced blood circulation to the ankles and feet also causes tired aching feet.
That said, Crocs lack arch support, so exercising, walking for an extended period of time, or working in them is not recommended by foot specialists. The plastic construction may also lead to sweaty, stinky feet and even blisters.
Are compression socks good for foot pain? ›For people on their feet all day at work, compression socks can help reduce fatigue, pain or swelling by increasing blood and oxygen flow in the legs and feet.
What is the best thing to soak your feet in? ›Epsom salts are the classic staple of a foot soak, aid to help with everything from arthritis to plain old swollen feet. The salts break down into magnesium and sulfate in water, and some believe that these minerals can be soaked in through the skin for the body's benefit.
What is the strongest drug for nerve pain? ›
Tramadol. Tramadol is a powerful painkiller related to morphine that can be used to treat neuropathic pain that does not respond to other treatments a GP can prescribe.
What is the best cream to use for neuropathy on your feet? ›Lidocaine. Lidocaine relieves pain by preventing pain signals from reaching the brain. Lidocaine ointments and creams are applied topically, temporarily numbing the areas you apply them on. Lidocaine products can also be applied to other injuries, such as insect bites, general scrapes, and light burns.
Can you take anything for foot pain? ›Take an anti-inflammatory medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and reduce swelling, providing relief for a few hours at a time and making them an excellent foot inflammation treatment.
With age, the cartilage surrounding the bones in your feet breaks down. This results in bone rubbing against bone, which as you can imagine, causes foot pain. Osteoarthritis, as it's known, usually affects people over the age of 65.
What is a very rare foot disease? ›Three Rare Foot Disorders
There are many of these unusual lower limb conditions that cause pain, mobility issues, and even deformities. Three specific disorders that cause a fair amount of damage are Kohler's disease, Freiberg's disease, and Maffucci syndrome.
You should make a doctor's appointment after a foot injury if: you feel pain in your foot for most of the day and it's been a few weeks since your injury. your pain worsens over time. you have swelling that isn't getting better two to five days after your injury.
What part of the foot hurts with arthritis? ›Four areas of the foot are most frequently affected by arthritis: the big toe, the midfoot, the hindfoot, and the ankle.
How do you test for arthritis in your feet? ›X-ray. To confirm a diagnosis of arthritis and determine the extent of the condition, doctors may recommend an X-ray of your foot and ankle. X-rays create pictures of the bones of the foot and ankle that doctors analyze for any visible changes in the spacing of the joints.
What medication is good for arthritis in the feet? ›Our doctors often recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and relieve pain in foot and ankle joints affected by arthritis. NSAIDs are taken by mouth, and many, including ibuprofen and naproxen, are available over the counter.
What are the most painful foot conditions? ›Summary. Common causes of foot pain include plantar fasciitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, metatarsalgia, Morton's neuroma, Achilles tendonitis, osteoarthritis, ingrown toenail, corns and calluses, bunion, and hammer toe.
What autoimmune disease causes pain in the feet? ›
Lupus is when your immune system attacks your tissues and organs. This results in inflammation and joint pain. Since the feet are predominant in your life, it's often the most noticeable pain. In fact, 75% of lupus patients experience foot pain.
What are 3 early warning signs your heart is failing? ›- Chest pain. It's the classic sign of a heart attack, yet many people don't realise this could be a medical emergency. ...
- Feeling sick. ...
- Stomach pain or indigestion. ...
- Feeling sweaty. ...
- Leg pain. ...
- Arm pain. ...
- Jaw or back pain. ...
- Choking sensation.
- Chest Pain. ...
- Shortness of Breath. ...
- Coughing or Wheezing. ...
- Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet. ...
- Poor Blood Supply to Extremities. ...
- Fatigue. ...
- Fast or Uneven Heartbeat (Palpitations) ...
- When to Call the Doctor.
- Chest pain (angina). You may feel pressure or tightness in your chest. ...
- Shortness of breath. You may feel like you can't catch your breath.
- Fatigue. If the heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs, you may feel unusually tired.
- Heart attack.
Seek immediate medical attention if you:
Have severe pain or swelling, especially after an injury. Have an open wound or a wound that is oozing pus. Have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or you have a fever over 100 F (37.8 C). Are unable to walk or put weight on the foot.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or without energy is a common symptom of a heart that isn't pumping enough blood to the body.
- Activity limitation: ...
- Congestion: ...
- Edema or ankle swelling: ...
- Shortness of breath:
Many people aren't aware that your feet can tell you something about your heart health. If your feet are showing signs of poor circulation, caused by a narrowing of the arteries (Peripheral Arterial Disease or PAD), your heart could be suffering as well. As part of February's Heart Health Awareness, Dr.
What is Mitchell's disease feet? ›Erythromelalgia or Mitchell's disease (after Silas Weir Mitchell) is a rare vascular peripheral pain disorder in which blood vessels, usually in the lower extremities or hands, are episodically blocked (frequently on and off daily), then become hyperemic and inflamed.
What is neuropathy in feet like? ›numbness and less of an ability to feel pain or changes in temperature, particularly in your feet. a burning or sharp pain, usually in the feet. feeling pain from something that should not be painful at all, such as a very light touch (allodynia)
What can trigger neuropathy in feet? ›Nutritional or vitamin imbalances, alcoholism, and exposure to toxins can damage nerves and cause neuropathy. Vitamin B12 deficiency and excess vitamin B6 are the best-known vitamin-related causes. Several medications have been shown to occasionally cause neuropathy.
What is swamp foot? ›
Trench foot, also known as immersion foot, occurs when the feet are wet for long periods of time. It can be quite painful, but it can be prevented and treated.
What is the most common problem treated by podiatrist? ›The most common foot problem that a podiatrist treats is heel pain. Heel pain can be caused by a variety of different conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. Treatment for heel pain often includes things like stretching exercises, orthotic devices, or cortisone injections.
What can being on your feet all day cause? ›Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
What neurological disorder affects feet? ›Peripheral neuropathy develops when nerves in the body's extremities, such as the hands, feet and arms, are damaged. The symptoms depend on which nerves are affected. In the UK it's estimated almost 1 in 10 people aged 55 or over are affected by peripheral neuropathy.
When should I be concerned about foot pain? ›Seek immediate medical attention if you:
Have severe pain or swelling, especially after an injury. Have an open wound or a wound that is oozing pus. Have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or you have a fever over 100 F (37.8 C). Are unable to walk or put weight on the foot.
- Pain on the bottom of the foot near the heel.
- Pain with the first few steps after getting out of bed in the morning, or after a long period of rest, such as after a long car ride. ...
- Greater pain after (not during) exercise or activity.
Grierson-Gopalan syndrome, more commonly known as burning feet syndrome, is a medical condition that causes severe aching and burning sensations in the feet. This sensation is often worse at night and restricted to the soles of the feet.
What kind of doctor should I see for foot pain? ›If you have any issues that involve the foot and or ankle—a sports injury, arthritis/joint pain, skin problems, etc. —a visit to the podiatrist is your best bet. A podiatrist is a specialist who manages and treats almost all symptoms that involve the ankle and/or the foot.
What is the best home remedy for arthritis in your feet? ›Use hot and cold therapy
Heat and cold treatments can help relieve arthritis pain and inflammation. Heat treatments can include taking a long, warm shower or bath in the morning to help ease stiffness and using an electric blanket or moist heating pad to reduce discomfort overnight.
With this in mind, if your goal is to relieve pain in the heel of the foot, especially due to plantar fasciitis, wearing Crocs is a good choice. High arch Crocs are supportive and orthopedic, which makes them a popular choice for many.
How to tell the difference between plantar fasciitis and nerve damage? ›
Doctors often use a simple test to differentiate nerve entrapment from plantar fasciitis. If an anesthetic applied to the most tender area of the heel relieves symptoms for a few hours, it's likely that you are dealing with a case of nerve entrapment rather than plantar fasciitis.
Where does your foot hurt with plantar fasciitis? ›The most common symptom is pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel. The heel pain may be dull or sharp. The bottom of the foot may also ache or burn.
What does nerve damage in feet feel like? ›numbness and less of an ability to feel pain or changes in temperature, particularly in your feet. a burning or sharp pain, usually in the feet. feeling pain from something that should not be painful at all, such as a very light touch (allodynia)
What causes metatarsalgia? ›What causes metatarsalgia? Metatarsalgia is usually the result of increased pressure on the ball of the foot. Some common causes of metatarsalgia include: badly fitting footwear – high-heeled or restrictive shoes can force the ball of the foot into a small amount of space, which puts more pressure on that area.
What is nutritional Melalgia? ›The condition is characterized by burning and aching pains in the extremities, with shooting pains up the limbs. Pain is worse at night and prevents sleep.