What are the common causes of sudden arch pain. How can you effectively treat discomfort in the bottom of your foot. What stretches and home remedies provide relief for arch pain. When should you seek professional medical help for foot arch issues.

Understanding the Anatomy of Foot Arches

The arch of the foot is a crucial structural component that plays a vital role in our ability to walk, run, and stand comfortably. It is located along the bottom of the foot between the heel and the ball, comprising three distinct arches that form a triangular shape. These arches are made up of bones, ligaments, and tendons working in harmony to support our body weight and facilitate smooth movement.

Why are foot arches important? They serve several key functions:

• Absorbing shock during movement
• Distributing body weight evenly across the foot
• Providing stability and balance
• Allowing the foot to adapt to various surfaces

When pain occurs in the arch of the foot, it can significantly impact our daily activities and overall quality of life. Understanding the structure and function of foot arches is crucial for identifying potential causes of discomfort and seeking appropriate treatment.

Common Causes of Sudden Arch Pain

Sudden arch pain can be alarming and debilitating. What are the most frequent culprits behind this discomfort? Let’s explore some of the primary causes:

Overpronation

Overpronation occurs when the foot rolls inward excessively during the walking or running gait. This abnormal movement pattern can lead to flattening of the arch and increased stress on the surrounding tissues. Over time, overpronation may result in arch pain, as well as discomfort in the knees, hips, and lower back.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. This condition often causes sharp pain in the heel and arch area, particularly when taking the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.

Cavus Foot

Cavus foot, also known as high arch, is a structural abnormality where the arch of the foot is unusually high. This condition can lead to increased pressure on certain areas of the foot, resulting in pain and instability. Cavus foot may be caused by genetic factors or neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)

PTTD occurs when the posterior tibial tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the inner part of the foot, becomes injured or inflamed. This condition can cause pain along the inner ankle and arch, particularly during activities like running or brisk walking.

Flat Feet

Flat feet, or fallen arches, is a condition where the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to come into contact with the ground. While some individuals with flat feet may not experience any symptoms, others may suffer from arch pain, as well as discomfort in the legs, ankles, and back.

Identifying Risk Factors for Arch Pain

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing arch pain. Being aware of these risk factors can help individuals take preventive measures and seek early intervention when necessary. Some common risk factors include:

• Age: As we get older, the structures in our feet may weaken, leading to a higher risk of arch-related issues.
• Overuse: Engaging in high-impact activities or spending long periods on your feet can strain the arches.
• Weight gain: Excess body weight puts additional stress on the feet, potentially leading to arch pain.
• Physical stress: Jobs or activities that require prolonged standing or walking can increase the risk of arch-related problems.
• Neurological conditions: Certain neurological disorders can affect foot structure and function, potentially causing arch pain.
• Improper footwear: Wearing shoes with inadequate support or poor fit can contribute to arch discomfort.

How can you determine if you’re at risk for arch pain? Consider your lifestyle, occupation, and any pre-existing medical conditions. If you fall into one or more of these risk categories, it’s essential to take proactive steps to protect your feet and seek professional advice if you experience persistent discomfort.

Effective Treatment Options for Arch Pain

When arch pain strikes, what are the most effective ways to find relief? Treatment options can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Here are some common approaches:

Conservative Treatments

In many cases, arch pain can be effectively managed with conservative treatments. These may include:

• Rest and activity modification
• Ice therapy to reduce inflammation
• Stretching exercises for the feet and calves
• Wearing supportive footwear or orthotic inserts
• Over-the-counter pain medications

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be beneficial for many individuals with arch pain. A trained therapist can guide patients through exercises and stretches designed to strengthen the foot muscles, improve flexibility, and promote proper alignment.

Orthotics and Supportive Devices

Custom-made orthotic inserts or supportive shoes can help redistribute pressure across the foot and provide additional arch support. Night splints may also be recommended for conditions like plantar fasciitis to maintain proper foot positioning during sleep.

Medical Interventions

In more severe cases or when conservative treatments fail to provide relief, medical interventions may be necessary. These can include:

• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
• Prescription pain medications
• Casting or bracing to immobilize the foot
• In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to address structural issues

How do you know which treatment option is right for you? It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist, who can assess your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Home Remedies and Stretches for Arch Pain Relief

While professional medical care is often necessary for persistent arch pain, there are several home remedies and stretches that can provide relief and complement formal treatment plans. Here are some effective strategies you can try at home:

Rest and Ice Therapy

Resting the affected foot and applying ice can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel to the arch area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.

Foot Stretches

Gentle stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and reduce tension in the arch and surrounding muscles. Try these simple stretches:

1. Toe stretches: Gently pull your toes back towards your shin, holding for 15-30 seconds.
2. Calf stretches: Stand facing a wall, place one foot behind you, and lean forward, keeping your back leg straight.
3. Plantar fascia stretch: Sit down and cross one foot over your opposite thigh. Gently pull your toes back towards your shin, feeling a stretch along the arch.

Massage and Self-Myofascial Release

Gently massaging the arch of your foot can help relieve tension and promote blood flow. You can use your hands or a small massage ball, such as a tennis ball or golf ball, to roll under your foot.

Supportive Footwear

Wearing shoes with proper arch support and cushioning can make a significant difference in managing arch pain. Look for shoes designed for your foot type and consider using over-the-counter arch support inserts.

Foot Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening the muscles in your feet can help improve arch support and prevent future pain. Try these exercises:

• Toe curls: Place a small towel on the floor and use your toes to scrunch it towards you.
• Marble pick-ups: Use your toes to pick up marbles and place them in a container.
• Heel raises: Stand on a flat surface and slowly rise up onto your toes, then lower back down.

How often should you perform these exercises and stretches? Aim for 2-3 times daily, but always listen to your body and stop if you experience increased pain or discomfort.

When to Seek Professional Medical Help

While many cases of arch pain can be managed with home remedies and conservative treatments, there are instances where professional medical attention is necessary. But how do you know when it’s time to see a doctor? Consider seeking medical help if:

• Pain persists or worsens despite home treatment
• You experience severe swelling or bruising
• You have difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot
• You notice changes in the appearance of your foot arch
• You have a medical condition that affects foot health, such as diabetes
• You experience numbness or tingling in the foot

What can you expect during a medical evaluation for arch pain? A healthcare professional will likely:

1. Take a detailed medical history
2. Perform a physical examination of your foot
3. Assess your gait and foot mechanics
4. Order imaging tests if necessary (X-rays, MRI, etc.)
5. Recommend appropriate treatment options based on their findings

Remember, early intervention can often prevent minor foot problems from becoming more serious issues. Don’t hesitate to consult a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist if you have concerns about persistent arch pain.

Preventing Future Arch Pain: Tips and Strategies

While it’s not always possible to completely prevent arch pain, there are several strategies you can employ to reduce your risk and maintain healthy feet. How can you protect your arches and prevent future discomfort? Consider the following tips:

Choose Appropriate Footwear

Wearing shoes that provide adequate support and fit properly is crucial for preventing arch pain. Look for shoes with:

• Good arch support
• Sufficient cushioning
• A wide toe box to allow for natural foot movement
• Proper size and fit (have your feet measured regularly)

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess body weight puts additional stress on your feet, including the arches. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise can help reduce the risk of arch pain and other foot-related issues.

Gradual Increase in Activity

If you’re starting a new exercise routine or increasing your activity level, do so gradually. This allows your feet time to adapt to the increased demands and reduces the risk of overuse injuries.

Regular Foot Care and Exercises

Incorporate foot care and strengthening exercises into your daily routine. This can include:

• Regular stretching of the feet and calves
• Foot strengthening exercises (as mentioned earlier)
• Self-massage or using a foot roller
• Proper hygiene and moisturizing to keep the skin healthy

Use Supportive Inserts or Orthotics

If you have a history of arch pain or are at higher risk due to foot structure, consider using supportive inserts or custom orthotics. These can provide additional support and help distribute pressure more evenly across your feet.

Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to any discomfort or pain in your feet, especially during or after physical activities. Address minor issues promptly to prevent them from becoming more serious problems.

Regular Check-ups

If you have ongoing foot concerns or are at higher risk for arch pain, consider scheduling regular check-ups with a podiatrist. They can monitor your foot health and address any issues before they become more severe.

By implementing these preventive strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing arch pain and maintain healthy, comfortable feet. Remember, taking care of your feet is an investment in your overall health and well-being.

Pain in arch of foot: Causes, treatment, and stretches

Pain in the arch of the foot is a common problem, especially among athletes. The most common causes are direct injury and structural issues. Often, resting the foot and performing light stretches is enough to reduce pain.

The arch of the foot is an area along the bottom of the foot between the ball and the heel. It comprises three separate arches that form a triangle. Each arch consists of bones, ligaments, and tendons.

There are many potential causes of pain in the arch of the foot. Keep reading for more information on these causes, as well as the possible treatments.

The two most common causes of pain in the arch of the foot are injury and structural issues.

Structural issues typically refer to high or low arches or other abnormalities in the foot and surrounding area.

In both cases, several factors can lead to or aggravate these issues, including:

• aging
• overuse
• weight gain
• physical stress
• neurological conditions

Causes of pain in the arch of the foot include:

Overpronation

Overpronation refers to how a person’s foot moves while walking, running, or jogging.

A person who overpronates strikes the ground with the outer portion of the heel first. As they complete the step, the foot rolls too far onto the arch. The extra pressure causes the arch to flatten.

Long term, overpronation can damage the tendons, muscles, and ligaments. This damage can lead to pain in the arch, knee, hip, or back. It may also cause hammertoe and calluses.

A person who overpronates often benefits from extra support when walking. Support can include stability shoes and prescription arch supports.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a degenerative condition of the plantar fascia and a common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects the back of the foot to the front.

Common causes of plantar fasciitis include:

• injury
• overuse
• inflammation

Anyone can get plantar fasciitis, but activities such as running can increase the risk.

If a person has plantar fasciitis, they often feel pain when waking up. The pain typically gets worse during waking hours with walking and standing. In addition to arch pain, a person may feel stiffness in the heel or ball of their foot.

People with plantar fasciitis may need to stop engaging in activities such as running to let the foot heal. They can also consider wearing support shoes or using inserts to help take pressure off the arch.

Cavus foot

Cavus foot is a structural abnormality that causes a high arch. Causes of cavus foot include:

• genetics
• stroke
• cerebral palsy
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

If a person has cavus foot, they may feel pain when walking or standing. They may also have reduced stability, which can lead to ankle sprains and injuries.

A person may have other issues related to cavus foot, including:

• claw toe
• hammertoe
• calluses

People with cavus foot can consider support shoes or inserts to help stabilize their feet and avoid pain and possible injury.

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

The posterior tibial tendon connects one of the calf muscles to the inner part of the foot. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) occurs when this tendon is injured or inflamed. If the posterior tibial tendon cannot support the arch, a person may feel pain there as a result.

PTTD pain typically occurs in the inner part of the ankle and back of the calf. The pain usually occurs while running or walking briskly and goes away once a person stops.

An ankle brace or specially designed inserts can help correct PTTD.

Flat feet

Flat feet can occur in children or adults. In many cases, flat feet cause no issues, but they can also cause a person to experience pain in the arch, other areas of the foot, legs, ankles, and back.

A person may not realize they have flat feet until symptoms occur. A doctor may recommend using supportive shoes or inserts to help provide additional support for the arch.

In some cases, home treatments and stretching are not enough to relieve pain. If this is the case, a doctor or podiatrist may recommend one or more of the following:

• physical therapy
• night splints
• braces
• casts
• surgery
• cortisone injections
• prescription pain relievers, such as prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• prescription orthotics, support shoes, or inserts

While undergoing treatment, a person should still consider home remedies and stretches to help alleviate the pain. A person should not attempt these if a doctor advises them not to move the foot.

Some home remedies include:

• Resting: Stop or significantly reduce doing any activity that aggravates the arch.
• Applying ice: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the arch and other tender areas to help reduce swelling.
• Wearing socks: Avoid walking barefoot.
• Using support: Consider using cushions, inserts, and support shoes.
• Splinting: Ask a doctor about splinting the foot to help keep it supported while sleeping.
• Using medication: Try over-the-counter pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen.

In addition, there are a few different techniques a person can use to help alleviate pain and make the arch less prone to injury. These include:

Foot stretch

To perform this stretch:

1. Sit down.
2. Place the foot on the opposite thigh.
3. Hold the toes with one hand while pushing in and down on the heel with the other.
4. Gently push the toes toward the heel and hold for 3–5 minutes.

Calf stretch

When a person stretches their calves, they can relieve pain and pressure on the arch of the foot.

To perform a calf stretch:

1. Stand facing the wall and place both hands shoulder width apart on the wall.
2. Take a step back with one foot.
3. Bend the front knee while keeping the back knee straight and the heel on the floor.
4. Hold the stretch for 20–30 seconds, repeat 3 times, and then switch legs.

Roller or ball foot massage

A person can use a tennis ball or a small foam roller to perform a massaging stretch on the foot. This technique is easiest to do while sitting.

To use this technique, a person should do the following:

1. Take off the shoes and sit in a chair.
2. Place the ball or roller under the arch of the foot.
3. Roll it back and forth from the ball of the foot to the heel over the arch.

For occasional pain, resting, ice, and stretching are usually sufficient. However, if the pain does not go away after a few days, is severe, or frequently comes back, a person should consult a doctor.

A doctor may refer a person to an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the feet and ankles or a podiatrist, who is a foot specialist. They can examine the person’s foot, how they walk, and other factors to determine the underlying cause.

An examination may include:

• looking for inflammation, tenderness, swelling, and deformities
• checking balance, coordination, reflexes, sensation, and muscle tone
• running tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, or ultrasounds

Once the doctor determines the underlying cause of the pain, they will recommend treatments that specifically target the underlying cause and help alleviate pain.

Pain in the arch of the foot can be due to a variety of medical conditions. However, athletes or individuals who spend a lot of time on their feet may be at greater risk of foot pain due to overuse, tension, and injuries.

Other risk factors for pain in the arch of the foot include:

• a plantar wart
• hard or cracked skin on the bottom of the foot
• too tight footwear

If a person is experiencing pain in the arch of the foot, it is important to get a proper diagnosis and follow recommended treatment. If the discomfort persists without intervention, complications could arise.

For instance, complications of plantar fasciitis can include a flattening of the arch over time, which increases strain, as well as the loss of the fat pad around the ball or heel of the foot.

Possible complications of PTTD include a deterioration in the surrounding joints, which can cause deformity in the foot.

If arch pain results from athletic injury or overuse, not resting and rehabilitating the area properly may result in increased pain in other parts of the foot or leg.

The arch is responsible for several functions in the foot, including:

• helping bear weight
• helping stabilize movements
• allowing the foot to adapt to changes in the terrain as a person walks or runs
• helping absorb shock
• helping maintain balance

A person may feel an injury to the arch directly in the area. It is also possible to feel pain or discomfort in other areas, including the:

• heel
• ball of the foot
• top of the foot
• hips
• legs
• knees
• back
• ankles

In some cases, a person may feel the worst pain in the morning. However, most individuals will experience worse pain during activities that directly involve the feet, including standing.

Arch pain is a common problem, especially among athletes. In many cases, a person can stretch, rest, and ice the arch of the foot until the pain goes away.

Problems with the arch of the foot can also cause pain in other parts of the body, including the ankle, heel, leg, knee, and back. It is essential to treat the problem early to ensure that foot problems do not lead to back or knee injuries.

If the pain persists, gets worse, or is chronic, a person should seek guidance from a doctor about additional treatment options.

Foot Pain in Arches, Ball, Heel, Toe and Ankle Problems

Written by Matthew Hoffman, MD

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on April 19, 2023

• Heel Pain
• Ball of Foot Pain
• Arch Pain
• Toe Pain
• Pain on the Foot’s Outer Edge
• Foot Pain That’s Anywhere or Everywhere
• More

Feet. They carry you from here to there every day. But you may not think much about them until they hurt. And when they do, you want relief. To get the right treatment, you need to know the problem. The first thing to consider is where your pain is located.

If your pain is in your heel, you may have plantar fasciitis. That’s an irritation or inflammation of the band of tough tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. Usually, it hurts the worst in the morning when you’re getting out of bed. You can feel it in your heel or in your arch.

To treat it:

• Rest your foot.
• Do heel and foot muscle stretches.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Wear shoes with good arch support and a cushioned sole.

Heel spurs are another source of foot pain. These are abnormal growths of bone on the bottom of your heel. You can get them from wearing the wrong shoes or from an abnormal walk or posture, or even from activities like running. The spurs may hurt while you’re walking or standing. Lots of people have them, but most don’t have pain. People with flat feet or high arches are more likely to have painful heel spurs.

To treat it: 

• Rest your foot.
• Do heel and foot muscle stretches.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Use cold packs or ice on your heel and the bottom of your foot. 
• Wear shoes with good arch support and a cushioned sole.
• Wear a cutout heel pad.
• Use a custom-made insert (called an orthotic) worn in the shoe.
• Try physical therapy.
• If you still have pain, ask your doctor about medical procedures.

Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury that causes inflammation of the tough band of tissue that attaches your calf muscles to your heel bone. 

To treat it:

• Rest your foot. 
• Use ice or cold packs on the bottom of your foot and your heel for about 15 minutes as you feel pain. 
• Compress your ankle with a snug elastic bandage or wrap. 
• Keep your foot raised up above the level of your heart as much as possible, including when you sleep. 
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers. 

A stone bruise is a deep bruise of the fat pad of the heel or ball of the foot. It’s often from an impact injury, but it can also happen after stepping on a hard object. The pain feels like you’re walking on a pebble. It will gradually go away on its own.

In the meantime:

• Rest your foot.
• Ice the area.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers.

A heel fracture is usually a high-impact injury such as from a fall or car accident. Your heel bone may not just break, it could also shatter. Heel pain, bruising, swelling, or trouble walking are the main symptoms.

To treat it:

• Don’t put pressure on the heel. You can use crutches.
• Protect the heel with pads.
• Wear a splint or cast to protect the heel bone.
• Ask your doctor about over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers.
• Try physical therapy.
• If you’re still in pain, ask your doctor about surgery.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a mix of a skin disorder (psoriasis) and joint inflammation (arthritis). It’s a long-term condition that can run in families. PsA may cause stiffness and throbbing pain in the tendons over your fingers, toes, and other joints.

To treat it:

• For mild cases of PsA, your doctor may recommend a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to block the chemicals that cause swelling in your joints. You can get this medication at the pharmacy (aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen) or with a prescription.
• Try hot and cold therapy. Heat helps blood circulation to lessen stiffness. Cold lowers swelling.
• Manage your stress, which can make your PsA flare.
• For severe cases, you may need more powerful medications. Options include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including biologics, and corticosteroids.

Metatarsalgia. You feel this pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot. Ill-fitting shoes are the usual cause. But you might get it from strenuous activity, such as running or jumping. It’s sometimes called a stone bruise as well.

To treat it:

• Take pain relievers.
• Ice and rest your foot.
• Wear comfortable footwear.
• Try shoe inserts to relieve pressure on the ball of your foot.

Morton’s neuroma causes a thickening of the tissue around the nerves between the bases of the toes (usually between the third and fourth toes). You typically feel pain, odd sensations or numbness over the ball of your foot. Women have it more often. It can be a result of wearing high heels or tight shoes.

To treat it:

• Wear shoe inserts to reduce pressure on the nerve.
• Get a steroid or other injection into the foot.
• Take pain relievers.
• Don’t wear high-heeled shoes or ones with a narrow toe box.
• Avoid activities that put pressure on the neuroma.
• Ask your doctor about surgery.

Sesamoiditis. Near your big toe are 2 bones that are connected only by tendons. They’re called sesamoids. You get sesamoiditis when the tendons surrounding them become injured and inflamed. It’s a form of tendinitis, common with runners and ballet dancers.

To treat it:

• Rest your feet.
• Ice where it hurts.
• Wear a foot pad under the toe in a comfortable shoe.
• Tape the big toe to immobilize the joint and allow for healing.
• Wear low-heeled shoes.
• Ask your doctor about steroid injections.

Plantar fasciitis. This is the most common cause of arch pain. Plantar fasciitis can affect the heel, arch, or both. Treatment is the same regardless of the location. For persistent plantar fasciitis, an injection with a mixture of a steroid and local anesthetic can be helpful.

Fallen arches, or flat feet, happen when the arches of the feet flatten out (often when standing or walking), causing foot pain and other problems. Flat feet can be treated with shoe inserts, shoe adjustments, rest, ice, using a walking cane or brace, or physical therapy. Sometimes surgery is necessary.

Gout, which is a form of arthritis, can cause pain in the toes. Crystals collect in toe joints, causing severe pain and swelling. The big toe is often affected.

To treat it:

• Rest the foot.
• Ice the area.
• Take medication such as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), prednisone, colchicine, or allopurinol.
• Avoid foods that can make gout worse.

A bunion is a bony bulge along the edge of the foot, next to the base of the big toe. It’s associated with misalignment of the first toe joint. Anyone can get them, especially if they wear ill-fitting or uncomfortable shoes. It often shows up as people age. People with bunions often also have hammertoes as well. Try changing to more comfortable shoes or wearing shoe inserts. If you’re still in pain, your doctor may suggest surgery.

A hammertoe is when your second, third, or fourth toe bends at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like appearance. It can come from a muscle imbalance, but it can also be brought on by wearing ill-fitting shoes.

Your doctor will likely recommend you wear shoes with a wide, deep toe bed. They may also give you exercises to stretch your toe muscles. If you still have problems, you can talk to your doctor about surgery.

Claw toe is when your toe points down or up and is unable to straighten. It’s often the result of nerve damage from diseases like diabetes or alcoholism, which weakens the muscles in your foot. Without special footwear to accommodate the claw toe, you may develop irritation and calluses.

To treat it:

• Change to better-fitting footwear. Avoid high heels and tight shoes.
• Do stretches for your toes and toe joints.
• Try shoe inserts.
• Ask your doctor about surgery.

An ingrown toenail happens when skin on one or both sides of a toenail grow over the nail. It can be painful and may lead to infections.

To treat it:

• Soak the foot in warm water four times a day.
• Once daily, wedge a piece of gauze between the nail and wet skin.
• If these treatments don’t work, see a doctor.

Turf toe is when you feel pain at the base of the big toe. It’s a type of sprain that happens when you overextend the toe past its normal range of motion. You’ll have pain and swelling right away.  

A toe sprain may happen when you jam, stub, or overextend any of your toes, damaging the tendon or soft tissues of the toe. If you don’t have a fracture, the pain and swelling should go away within days.

A toe fracture, or broken bone, can happen in any of the bones of the toes. Minor fractures may only require rest, ice, and pain relievers. Serious fractures may need surgery. Go to a doctor to be sure.

Hallux rigidus (stiff big toe) is a type of arthritis at the base of the big toe. Symptoms are pain and stiffness of the joint that worsens over time. Treatment can include pain relievers and stretching exercises. Surgery may be needed in some cases.

Corns and calluses. Corns are thick buildups of tough skin on a point of irritation or pressure on the foot or toe. They sometimes look like horns. Calluses are wider areas of tough skin buildup on the toes or feet. They happen as a result of irritation or pressure. Calluses and corns are generally caused by poor-fitting footwear.

To treat them:

• Wear better-fitting shoes.
• Soak the foot and use a pumice stone to wear down the extra skin.

A sesamoid fracture is a break in the small bones (sesamoids) that are embedded in tendons attached to the big toe. Pain in and around the big toe is the main symptom.

To treat it:

• Rest, ice, and elevate your foot.
• Wear stiff-soled shoes or foot pads to relieve pressure.
• Take pain relievers.
• If you’re still in pain, talk to your doctor.

The outer edge of your foot, the fifth metatarsal bone, is a commonly broken bone in the foot. Pain, swelling, and bruising along the outer foot edge after an injury are symptoms. If you think you may have broken a bone, see a doctor and have an X-ray.

To treat it:

• Take pain relievers.
• Rest, ice, and elevate your foot.
• Don’t walk on it.
• Ask your doctor if surgery is necessary.
• A cast may be necessary in some circumstances.

Neuropathy, or nerve damage in the feet, is most often caused by diabetes. The pain can be burning, stinging, or feel like electricity. It can happen anywhere in the feet. Ask your doctor about pain relief options and ways to prevent further worsening.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints throughout your body. Almost everyone with RA gets symptoms in their feet and ankles. RA can affect the areas around your heels, the top of your feet, and the toes and the balls of your feet. Rest, ice, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen and naproxen may ease your symptoms. Shoe inserts can relieve pressure from the bone in your feet.

Osteoarthritis is when the cushioning cartilage in your joints wear out. Most often, the cause is aging. But osteoarthritis also can happen from injury or if you have flat feet or very high arches.