Five Common Causes of Foot Arch Pain — Dr. Elton

Your feet are constantly in motion, carrying you through your everyday activities. It’s no wonder that your arches hurt sometimes! 

There are many potential causes of foot arch pain. In some cases, the pain may result from an underlying disease. Other times, an injury might be to blame.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common causes of arch pain and how Dr. Elton and his team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery can help you get back to your favorite mountain activities, pain-free. 

1. Arthritis

Arthritis is a common cause of arch pain, especially as we age. Two main types of arthritis affect the feet: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of foot arthritis, often developing in people over 50. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones breaks down over time.  

Rheumatoid arthritis is a less common type of foot arthritis that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks the tissues around your joints, causing inflammation. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the same joints on both sides of the body. 

Symptoms of foot arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected foot. The pain from foot arthritis often worsens with activity or when standing for long periods of time.

2. Stress Fractures

Commonly seen in athletes who participate in running-intensive sports, a stress fracture is a tiny crack in the bone that occurs when the muscles fatigue and the bones take the brunt of any stress. This most commonly occurs in the metatarsal bones — the five long bones in your forefoot — and results in localized pain that gets worse with activity and better with rest. Learn more.

3. Tendonitis

Tendonitis occurs when the tendons of your foot become inflamed or irritated, often due to overuse or repetitive motions over time, but it can also result from an injury. Pain is usually experienced along the affected tendon and may worsen with physical activity. 

4.  Flatfoot                                                                                                                                

Flatfoot is a condition characterized by the collapse of the arch of the foot, which results in the entire sole coming into contact with the ground when standing. Most people don’t experience symptoms, but some will develop pain, particularly in the heel or arch area. Learn more.

5.  Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the ball of your foot and helps to support your arch. When the plantar fascia is strained from repetitive activities or constant pressure, it can become inflamed and painful. Heel pain is the most common symptom of plantar fasciitis, but some people also experience an aching sensation that radiates through the bottom or arch of the foot.  Learn more.

Treatments for Painful Arches

Because there are several possible causes of arch pain, the first step is to see an orthopaedic foot specialist for an accurate diagnosis. 

Dr. Elton and his team of foot specialists understand how important staying active is for the outdoor enthusiasts of our mountain communities. They will work with you to diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle. 

Fortunately, the majority of people will find relief from arch pain with conservative treatment methods, including:

• Rest or activity modification

• Ice for pain and swelling

• Over-the-counter medications

• Stretches and exercises 

• Physical therapy

• Shoe inserts or orthotics

• Injections

In severe cases, or if conservative methods fail to provide adequate relief, surgery may be recommended depending on the condition or injury you’re dealing with.  

Get Relief From Arch Pain – Contact Team Elton Today!

If you’re experiencing symptoms like arch pain, stiffness, or swelling, don’t suffer in silence. Dr. Elton and his team of foot specialists will help you get back to a full and active life without arch pain. 

With clinics in Edwards, Eagle, and Frisco, it’s easy to schedule an appointment at a location and time that works for you! 

Call (970) 476-7220 or use Team Elton’s online appointment request form. 

Call Now

Foot Injuries, Foot ConditionsGuest UserOctober 6, 2022Foot Injuries, Foot Pain, Top Blog

0 Likes

7 Most Likely Causes of Pain in the Foot Arch

Your feet and ankles are considered the foundation of your entire body and contain almost a quarter of the body’s bones. They are where a majority of the body movements begin therefore must be able to properly support your body so that you are well balanced, less likely to injure yourself and have increased levels of endurance.

Unfortunately, foot pain is a common problem which can be caused by a variety of different reasons. Addressing any issues and instances of foot pain is important as pain can be an indicator of something being not right.

Anatomy of the Foot Arch

Each foot contains twenty six bones each, which should form two arches in a healthily developed foot. The longitudinal arch of the foot runs the length of the foot and the transverse arch runs through the width.

All of the bones in the arch fit together and are held by fibrous tissues which are known as ligaments, the muscles of the feet provide a secondary form of support to each foot.

Fat pads are also present in the base of the foot to assist with weight bearing and absorbing impact of forces placed on the foot. Arch pain is what occurs when something goes wrong and disrupts the function and interaction of these intimate structures.

Any pain in foot arch is often referred to as ‘arch strain’. This form of pain may begin as mild, however if it increases without being resolved early it can become distracting and hinder your lifestyle and daily activities. Simple activities such as walking, standing or any pressure placed on the foot can begin to feel unbearable or leave you in severe distress.

To help you identify the potential reason for your arch pain, here are 7 of the most likely causes of pain in the foot arch.

Most Likely Causes of Pain in the Foot Arch

1. Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a thick band of fibre which runs throughout the sole of the foot. The plantar fascia’s main purpose is to support the arch of the feet and transmit forces across your feet as you move. One common problem which can occur and cause pain in the foot arch is known as plantar fasciitis.

When there is excessive stress placed on the plantar fascia, such as when you are on your feet for long periods of time or you suddenly increase your activity levels, the plantar fascia can become inflamed and appear swollen.

The condition is often seen with a bone spur (excess bone growth), which can develop due to the prolonged and repeated tension around the area in which the plantar fascia attached to the bone.

To treat the condition, experts recommend that you wear orthotics (specific devices for arch and foot support) and do regular stretches to alleviate and to prevent the condition. If pain does not subside, a doctor can administer steroid injections for pain relief and to stop the inflammatory process.

2. Stress Fractures

Stress fractures tend to happen from repeated overloading onto certain bones within the foot, usually from activities such as jumping or running. This is especially true when you suddenly increase your activity levels; any bone fractures will most likely be small in size but however, can be very painful.

Reference: Balletdoctor.com

Stress fractures in the metatarsal and navicular bones can cause pain in the foot arch, ranging between mild to severe. A stress fracture will present with some level of swelling in the area of the fracture which increases with activity and decreases with rest.

Treatment usually involves rest, ice to reduce pain and inflammation, elevation to reduce swelling, and supportive devices such as braces or crutches to support healing. Medication can be prescribed to relieve pain and if the fracture fails to heal, surgery can be indicated.

3. Muscle Strains

The group of muscles which support the arches can be divided into two different groups. The muscles which are on the top of the arch being from the front lower leg and aid in lifting the arch, and the muscles that aid in pulling the arch on the bottom of the foot – located at the back of the lower leg.

If these muscles are injured, pain will be felt in the foot arch when the foot is fully extended, or turned in or out. Depending on the severity of the strain, pain can also be felt when the foot is working against resistance.

In this case, rest is recommended, or wearing arch supportive insoles that alleviate pressure from the arch. If the pain is too intense, then pain killers will make things bearable while the muscles in the feet heal and recover.

4. Posterior Tibial Tendonitis

The tibialis posterior muscle has a highly important role in the supporting of the medial arch of the foot. Inflammation of this muscle can occur through repetitive use, such as during high impact sports (e.g. tennis, basketball and football).

Posterior tibial tendonitis can also occur as a result of trauma such as a hard fall. If this tendon becomes inflamed or even tears, it will immediately cause pain in the foot arch.

Typically the condition will present with pain which worsens during activity or when the individual is stood for an extended period of time. If left untreated, the arch of the foot can gradually collapse and cause flat feet. Treatment usually compromises of rest, ice for pain and swelling relief, orthotics and physiotherapy if required.

5. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

This condition can develop when the tibial nerve becomes compressed. The tibial nerve is located within the tarsal tunnel; the tarsal tunnel is found on the inner side of the ankle bone.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause pain throughout the foot and sensations of numbness, along with pins and needles. Additionally, tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause sensations of feeling hot or cold along the foot arch.

The condition is caused by factors which end up occupying space within the tarsal tunnel. This includes cysts, bone spurs and swelling as a result of injury to the ankles and tumours.

Treatments will comprise of pain relief options, rest, and exercises which focus on stretching and strengthening the foot arch. Compression bandages and injections containing steroids can be used if the pain persists. In severe circumstances surgery may need to be considered.

6. Flat Feet

Also referred to as ‘fallen arches’, flat feet is when the arch of the foot collapses and the sole of the feet make complete contact with the ground.

Naturally, most babies and young children will have flat feet and foot arches gradually form as the child grows, however, approximately thirty percent of the population never do fully develop a proper foot arch.

Many people with flat feet remain asymptomatic all their lives, however some end up suffering from pain in the arch of the foot, and problems further up their leg in the form of knee or back pain.

Podiatrists often recommend the use of orthotics, walking barefoot as much as possible and specialised exercises to rebuild strength in the foot arch.

7. Underlying Medical Conditions

Numerous medical conditions can cause pain in the foot arch such as diabetes, arthritis, obesity and pregnancy. Each of these conditions can affect the position and the challenge the strength of the bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons.

In order to effectively manage the pain in the foot arch, pain relief medication along with the use of orthotics and specialised exercises are recommended.

Final Word | Causes of Pain in the Foot Arch

In conclusion, pain in foot arch can be caused by a multitude of reasons. The pain can present in different ways, sensations and in different areas of the foot arch, but should not be left untreated.

To learn more about what causes pain in the arch of the foot, you can speak to a podiatrist or healthcare professional for more information.

Pain in the foot – the causes of occurrence, in what diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment

I confirm

More

• INVITRO
• Library
• org/ListItem”> Symptoms
• Pain in the foot

Pain in the foot: the causes of occurrence, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.
“>

Gout

Arthritis

Diabetes mellitus

14527

05 March

Pain in the foot: the causes of occurrence, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

Definition

The foot consists of 26 bones, which, connecting with each other, form several joints, held together by numerous elastic muscles and strong ligaments. The entire weight of the human body lies on it, so pain in the foot causes not only discomfort, but in many cases limits motor activity.

Foot pain is a common symptom that can have many causes.

In some cases, when collecting an anamnesis, the doctor is satisfied with such characteristics of foot pain as its localization and conditions of occurrence, as well as the presence of concomitant diseases and other symptoms that accompany this pain (numbness of the foot, itching of the skin, etc. ). In others, the search for the cause of pain requires a thorough laboratory and instrumental examination.

Varieties of pain in the foot

According to the duration they are distinguished:

1. bruise.
2. Chronic pain that worries the patient for a long time, in some cases, in the absence of proper treatment, a forced type of gait is formed in a person, which is associated with attempts to maintain the function of movement, while sparing the affected limb. The causes of this condition can be both diseases of the foot itself, and pathologies of various body systems.

By localization they distinguish:

1. Diffuse pain – captures the entire foot.
2. Local pain – clearly limited to a specific area.

Possible causes of foot pain

One of the main causes of pain is traumatic injuries of the foot (bruises, sprains, bone fractures). With fractures, the pain is sharp, there is a rapid increase in edema. In many cases, the support function of the foot is lost. Bruises and sprains are characterized by moderate pain, swelling and bruising. The support is preserved, sometimes limited.

The next cause is inflammatory processes affecting the joints of the foot. These include gout, chondrocalcinosis (pseudogout), rheumatoid arthritis.

Gout is a disease resulting from a disorder in the metabolism of uric acid. The deposition of uric acid salts in the joints is called gouty arthritis. With this disease, the first metatarsophalangeal joint is most often affected, which is manifested by a severe attack of pain, redness of this joint, swelling, and fever. Usually, an exacerbation of gouty arthritis lasts 6-7 days.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that affects the joints of the feet and hands. Characterized by morning stiffness and pain in the hands and feet.

Pain in the foot may be a symptom of pathology of bone structures . In this case, we can talk about such diseases as osteomyelitis, osteoporosis, metatarsal head bursitis, etc.

Osteomyelitis can be the result of open fractures, infected wounds, surgical interventions on the foot. It is manifested by an increase in pain, a deterioration in the general condition. The pain is throbbing, bursting, aggravated by any movement.

In osteoporosis, the strength of bone tissue is impaired due to a decrease in bone density. This condition is facilitated by hormonal changes in women during menopause and during pregnancy, some endocrine diseases, insufficient intake of calcium and phosphorus from the outside, as well as excessive stress on the musculoskeletal system.

Pain in the feet with this disease is permanent, aggravated by movement.

Bursitis of the heads of the metatarsal bones is a change in the articular bags of the joints of the foot, associated with their increased trauma due to age-related thinning of the fatty layers protecting them. Manifested by the appearance of painful “bumps” in the projection of the joints of the feet.

diseases of the ligamentous apparatus of the foot with pain include, for example, plantar fasciitis. The calcaneal fascia is a plate of connective tissue that starts from the calcaneus and ends at the attachment to the heads of the metatarsal bones. With increased loads, overweight, flat feet, the fascia is stretched and injured, which causes the development of inflammation in it. This condition is called plantar fasciitis and is manifested by pain in the instep of the foot and along its sides.

A distinctive feature of this disease is also that the pain occurs in the morning, after a night’s rest, increases with exercise, and in some situations can lead to lameness.

The condition when the fascia ossifies at the place of its attachment to the calcaneus and there is severe pain in the heel when walking is called a heel spur.

Pain in the feet can be caused by diabetes mellitus – a disease in which blood vessels of the microvasculature also suffer due to impaired glucose metabolism. Diabetic osteoarthropathy (a type of diabetic foot) primarily affects the metatarsal joints. Pain in the feet is not intense at first, but as the pathological process develops, it becomes prolonged, appears even at rest, and a gross deformity of the feet is formed.

In the neuropathic form of the diabetic foot, zones with hyperkeratosis are formed, in their place painful ulcers and cracks form.

The ischemic form of the diabetic foot is characterized by pain when walking, persistent swelling of the feet, weakening of the pulsation of the arteries.

Diabetic foot with the development of gangrene, along with obliterating atherosclerosis and endarteritis, is one of the most serious complications in diabetes mellitus.

Flat feet is characterized by a change in the shape of the arch of the foot, which leads both to a redistribution of the load on the bones and muscles of the foot, and to squeezing of the vessels and nerves passing in that part of the sole, which is not normally involved in the act of walking. The reasons for the development of flat feet include rickets suffered in childhood, wearing improperly selected uncomfortable shoes, weightlifting, congenital weakness of the connective tissue, congenital difference in leg length, etc.

Inflammatory processes in the soft tissues of the foot also cause pain. If an infection enters small wounds during a pedicure or trauma to the skin of the toes, panaritium (purulent inflammation of the periungual tissues) may develop.

Panaritium is characterized by shooting pain in the affected finger, disturbing sleep, discharge of pus from the wound, redness and swelling of the finger.

An ingrown nail (onychocryptosis) is an ingrowth of the nail plate into the lateral edge of the nail fold. This condition is manifested by twitching pain in the affected finger, swelling; possible complication in the form of infection.

Which doctors to contact for foot pain

Pain in the foot brings significant discomfort and often makes it difficult to move around, so you should decide in advance which doctor to contact in order to avoid long standing in lines and unnecessary trips to the clinic. As a rule, an orthopedist is engaged in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of people with deforming or traumatic lesions of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments of the musculoskeletal system. However, patients with diabetes should first make an appointment with
endocrinologist, and with vascular problems – to a phlebologist. Rheumatologists are engaged in the treatment of diseases associated with chronic lesions of the connective tissue. A traumatologist consults patients with foot injuries. If symptoms appear that resemble the clinic of an ingrown nail, osteomyelitis or panaritium, it is necessary to consult a surgeon.

In most cases, care can be provided on an outpatient basis, but sometimes hospitalization is required.

Diagnostics and examinations for foot pain

The diagnosis of “Osteoporosis” is made on the basis of X-ray of the bones and data from blood tests for the content of calcium, phosphorus and other necessary indicators.

X-ray of the bones of the foot

X-ray examination of the foot in two projections allows diagnosing injuries and other pathological changes, including flat feet.

RUB 2,390

Sign up

4 475 RUB

Add to cart

It is also possible to determine the genetic predisposition to the development of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis: full panel

Genetic risk factors for osteoporosis. Analysis of the presence of polymorphisms in the alpha-1 genes of the collagen type 1 protein chain and the calcitonin receptor. Polymorph analysis…

Up to 18 business days

Available with home visit

7 900 RUB

Add to cart

Changes in the hormonal background of a woman, leading to the development of osteoporosis, require the determination of the level of hormones (estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones, etc. ).

Metabolic bone and osteoporosis risk evaluation: comprehensive examination

Up to 2 working days

Available with home visit

RUB 6,040

Add to cart

Progesterone

Synonyms: Progestin; Gestagen. P4; Pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione.

Brief description of the analyte Progesterone

Progesterone is produced in the ovaries and in a small cell…

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

705 RUB

Add to cart

Testosterone

Testosterone is the main androgenic hormone. The test is used in the diagnosis of disorders of sexual development and hypogonadism in men; cycle disorders, infertility, virili. ..

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

715 RUB

Add to cart

Thyroid gland: extended examination

Up to 1 business day

Available with house call

RUB 3,185

Add to cart

Plantar fasciitis is diagnosed by X-ray of the foot, in some cases, this study is carried out with a load.

X-ray of the bones of the foot

X-ray examination of the foot in two projections allows diagnosing injuries and other pathological changes, including flat feet.

2 390 RUB

Sign up

Loaded foot x-ray

Loaded foot x-ray allows you to determine the degree of flat feet.

RUB 2,390

Sign up

In diabetes mellitus, in addition to blood glucose levels, it is necessary to monitor glycated hemoglobin once every 3 months in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy.

Glucose (in the blood) (Glucose)

Research material

Serum or blood plasma. If it is not possible to centrifuge the sample 30 minutes after collection for serum/plasma separation…

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

335 RUB

Add to cart

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1С, Glycated Hemoglobin)

Synonyms: Blood test for glycated hemoglobin. Glycohemoglobin; HbA1c; Hemoglobin A1c; A1c; HgbA1c; Hb1c.

Brief characteristics of the analyte Glycated hemo. ..

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

820 RUB

Add to cart

Endocrinological screenings have been developed for the convenience of patients. In addition, ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities is shown to determine the degree of their damage in diabetes mellitus, obliterating endarteritis or atherosclerosis.

Diabetes management: advanced

Up to 1 business day

Available with house call

RUB 5 820

Add to cart

Ultrasound of the arteries of the lower extremities (doppler)

Ultrasound scanning necessary to monitor the condition of the arteries of the lower extremities in order to assess the blood supply to the extremities.

RUB 2,990

Sign up

To confirm the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, a blood test and radiography of the feet and hands are prescribed.

Arthritis in rheumatic diseases

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

3 205 RUB

Add to cart

X-ray of the bones of the foot

X-ray examination of the foot in two projections allows diagnosing injuries and other pathological changes, including flat feet.

RUB 2,390

Sign up

X-ray of the bones of the hand

X-ray examination of the bones of the hand is intended for the diagnosis of traumatic injuries, pathological changes, as well as the assessment of bone development . ..

RUB 2,390

Sign up

To verify gout, it is necessary to assess the level of uric acid in the blood, take a general blood and urine test, perform an X-ray of the feet, ultrasound and CT of the joints of the affected area.

Uric acid (in the blood) (Uric acid)

The study of uric acid is used in the diagnosis and control of the treatment of gout, the assessment of the risk of urolithiasis.

Synonyms: Blood test for urinary …

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

370 RUB

Add to cart

Clinical blood test: general analysis, leukoformula, ESR (with microscopy of a blood smear in the presence of pathological changes)

Synonyms: Complete blood count, UAC. Full blood count, FBC, Complete blood count (CBC) with differential white blood cell count (CBC with diff), Hemogram.
Brief description of the study CBC: general a…

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

RUB 810

Add to cart

General urinalysis (Urine analysis with sediment microscopy)

Method of determination

Determination of physical and chemical parameters is carried out on an automatic analyzer using the “dry chemistry” method.

Hardware microscope…

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

410 RUB

Add to cart

X-ray of the bones of the foot

X-ray examination of the foot in two projections allows diagnosing injuries and other pathological changes, including flat feet.

RUB 2,390

Sign up

Ultrasound of large joints (1 zone)

Ultrasound scanning of the structure of large joints and determination of their functional activity.

RUB 2,790

Sign up

CT of foot bones (one foot)

Examination of the structures of the foot for the diagnosis of osteoarticular pathologies.

RUB 4,290

Sign up

What to do with foot pain

Aching and pulling pain in the feet can occur after a workout, a long walk or wearing uncomfortable shoes. In these cases, the pain resolves on its own and does not require medical attention.

If the pain syndrome does not go away and all the more intensifies, you should consult a doctor.

Treatment of pain in the foot

With bursitis of the metatarsal heads, rheumatoid arthritis, local remedies, intra-articular injection of anti-inflammatory painkillers can be used to relieve pain. To correct the exchange of purines in gout, drugs are prescribed that reduce the concentration of uric acid. The selection of the dosage and the choice of the drug is carried out exclusively by a specialist.

Diabetes mellitus therapy is complex in nature, where the main task is to maintain glucose levels within the normal range.

Panaritium and ingrown toenail are corrected with simple surgical procedures, usually on an outpatient basis.

Sources:

1. Urology. Russian clinical guidelines. – Geotar-Media, Moscow, 2016. 496 p.
2. Clinical guidelines “Rheumatoid arthritis”. Developed by: Association of Rheumatologists of Russia, Russian Rheumatological Association “Nadezhda”. – 2021.
3. Clinical guidelines “Osteoporosis”. Developed by: Russian Association of Endocrinologists, Russian Association for Osteoporosis, Association of Rheumatologists of Russia, Association of Traumatologists-Orthopedists of Russia, Association of Gynecologists-Endocrinologists of Russia, Russian Association of Gerontologists and Geriatricians. – 2021.
4. Clinical guidelines “Type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults.” Developed by: Russian Association of Endocrinologists. – 2019.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes in dynamics, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes.

Recommendations

• Increased thirst

  5581

  May 18

• Zinc deficiency

  5695

  May 14

• Craving for sweets

  13961

  09 April

Show 9 more0003

Gastritis

Hepatitis

Diabetes mellitus

Heart failure

Venous insufficiency

Varicose veins

Thrombosis

Renal failure

Hepatitis

Cirrhosis

Enteritis

Edema of the legs

Swelling of the legs is a very common problem among older patients, they are less common in middle-aged people, very rarely in adolescents and children. Edema is formed as a result of the release and accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues.

More

Menopause

Climax

Diabetes mellitus

Thyrotoxicosis

“Widow’s hump” or “withers”

“Widow’s hump”: causes of appearance, in what diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

More

Diabetes mellitus

Rubella

Measles

Herpes

Polyhydramnios

Polyhydramnios: causes of occurrence, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

More

Diabetes mellitus

Iron deficiency

Neuropathy

Polyneuropathy

Goosebumps

Feeling of goosebumps on the skin: causes, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

More

Diabetes mellitus

Thyrotoxicosis

Menopause

Colitis

Rheumatism

Arthritis

Pain when turning the head

Pain when turning the head: causes of occurrence, in what diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

More

Nothing found

Try changing your query or select a doctor or service from the list.

Doctor not found

Try changing your query or select
doctor from the list

Medical office not found

Try changing your request or select
medical office from the list

Therapist
Traumatologist-orthopedist
Endocrinologist
Urologist
Gynecologist
Ultrasound doctor
Cardiologist
Pediatrician

Nothing found

Try changing your query

Thank you!
You have successfully made an appointment

Detailed information has been sent to your e-mail

Subscribe to our newsletters

Enter e-mail

I consent to

processing of personal data

Subscribe

Foot pain | Dikul Center

Pain in the foot can be localized in any part of the foot, both in the toes, and in the heel or Achilles tendon. In some cases, the pain is minor and goes away on its own. But often, the pain can be intense, especially in the presence of injuries or chronic inflammatory processes. Foot pain is a fairly common complaint in humans (up to 75% have experienced it in their lifetime). In most cases, foot pain is associated with wearing uncomfortable shoes (narrow, tight or high heels).

The leg is a complex structure consisting of 26 bones and 33 joints. And 120 ligaments, nerves and muscles. The function of the foot is to hold the body weight, perform a shock-absorbing function, perform the function of a lever when moving the leg forward, and maintain body balance on uneven surfaces.

Because the foot is relatively small compared to the body, the impact on the foot when walking is very large. The load vectors are 1.5 times the body weight. The average person spends 4 hours a day on their feet and takes approximately 8-10,000 steps. That is, the foot withstands a movement load equivalent to the movement of several hundred tons during the day.

Foot pain – localization

Foot pain usually begins in one of three places: the toes, the forefoot, or the back of the foot.

• Fingers. Toe problems are most often caused by pressure from wearing uncomfortable shoes.
• Forefoot (front). The pains that occur here usually involve one of the following groups of bones:
  • Metatarsal bones (five long bones that extend from the front of the arch to the bones of the toes),
  • Sesamoid bones (two small bones attached to the first metatarsal bone that connects to the big toe),

Back of the foot. The back of the foot is the back of the foot. The pain that occurs here can extend from the heel, through the sole (plantar surface), to the metatarsophalangeal joint.

Risk factors

Risk factors for foot pain are:

Age

Older people are more at risk for foot pain. As we age, the foot expands and flattens. The skin on the feet becomes thin and dry. Foot pain in old age can be a sign of age-related degenerative diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart failure. In addition, the presence of problems in the feet itself can upset the balance in the musculoskeletal system in old age.

Cosmetic surgery on the foot

For the sake of fashion, some women go for surgery to improve the shape of the foot, to be able to wear shoes with high heels. Surgical techniques include shortening the toes, narrowing the foot, or injecting silicone into the balls of the foot. Over time, the consequence of these operations will be the appearance of pain in the foot, and surgeons do not recommend performing operations on the foot without indications.

Sex

Women are more prone to severe foot pain, possibly due to wearing high heels. In the older age group, severe pain in the legs is a common disabling factor.

Occupational Injuries

Approximately 120,000 work-related injuries occur each year in the United States. And about a third is due to foot injuries. Most foot diseases such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis are associated with excessive stress on the foot (long standing or walking long distances).

Pregnancy

Pregnant women have an increased risk of foot problems due to weight gain and the release of hormones that cause increased elasticity of the ligaments. These hormones help with delivery but weaken the foot.

Sports and dancing

People who regularly engage in aerobic exercise are more susceptible to such diseases as: plantar fasciitis, heel spur, sesamoiditis, Achilles tendinitis and fractures. Women are more prone to fractures.

Obesity

Excess weight puts a lot of stress on the foot and leads to traumatization of soft tissues, joints, ligaments, which can lead to the development of tendonitis or plantar fasciitis.

Causes of foot pain.

Foot pain can be in different parts of the foot. The source of pain can be bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, fascia, nerves, blood vessels, skin. The most common causes of foot pain are the following conditions:

• Plantar fasciitis.
• Osteoarthritis
• Gout
• Athlete’s foot
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Valgus deformity of the foot (hallus valgus)
• Achilles tendon injury
• Diabetic foot
• Calluses of the feet
• Heel spur
• Flat feet
• Metatarsalgia
• Fractures
• Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms of pain in the legs may appear at rest or when the foot is loaded during walking, running or other physical activity. Pain may not appear every time after exercise. But sometimes physical activity increases significantly pain. The most common manifestations of pain in the foot:

• Stitching pain in the arch of the foot.
• Persistent pain around the toe.
• Constant pain in the heels of the foot (especially if overweight)
• Pain when wearing high heels.
• Walking running or standing causes
• Pain in the joints of the foot.
• Joint tension
• Reduced joint flexibility.
• Unstable or twisted ankle.
• Difficulty in stabilizing the trunk while standing.
• Redness or discoloration of the skin in the area of ​​the injured part of the foot.
• Swelling in a certain part of the foot.
• Painful protrusion at the base of the toes.
• Hammer or claw toes
• Calluses at the base of the toes.
• Bursitis.
• Mycosis or bacterial infections accompanied by fever
• Nodule or swelling in the plantar fascia

Diagnostic tests

Pain in the feet occurs when there is damage to the structures that provide contact with the external environment. There are many causes of pain – this is a violation of biochemical processes, stretching of muscles, ligaments, intra-articular fractures. Pain in the upper part of the foot often occurs after running and is associated with diseases such as flat feet, bursitis. With intermittent pain in the feet, diseases of the bone tissue are often diagnosed. Of great importance for diagnosing the causes of pain in the feet is the history of the disease.

Physical examination: allows the doctor to see the presence of swelling, deformity, discoloration, skin, tenderness.

• X-ray of the feet: allows visualization of the presence of changes in the bone tissue (fractures of the deformity)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of both bone and tendon muscle ligaments.
• Computed tomography (CT): Layered scanning gives a good visualization of the bone tissue.

Foot treatment

Orthopedic products help to compensate for the disturbed distribution of load vectors on different parts of the foot (for example, custom insoles or arch support insoles). In addition, in the presence of deformations, a good effect from orthopedic shoes. Orthopedic orthoses also help to reduce the load.