Definition

Pain or discomfort can be felt anywhere in the foot. You may have pain in the heel, toes, arch, instep, or bottom of foot (sole).

Alternative Names

Pain - foot

Causes

Foot pain may be due to:

• Aging
• Being on your feet for long periods of time
• Being overweight
• A foot deformity that you were born with or develops later
• Injury
• Shoes that fit poorly or do not have much cushioning
• Too much walking or other sports activity
• Trauma

The following can cause foot pain:

• Arthritis and gout -- Common in the big toe, which becomes red, swollen, and very tender.
• Broken bones.
• Bunions -- A bump at the base of the big toe from wearing narrow-toed shoes or from abnormal bone alignment.
• Calluses and corns -- Thickened skin from rubbing or pressure. Calluses are on the balls of the feet or heels. Corns appear on the top of your toes.
• Hammer toes -- Toes that curl downward into a claw-like position.
• Fallen arches -- Also called flat feet.
• Morton neuroma -- A thickening of nerve tissue between the toes.
• Nerve damage from diabetes.
• Plantar fasciitis.
• Plantar warts -- Sores on the soles of your feet due to pressure.
• Sprains.
• Stress fracture.
• Nerve problems.
• Heel spurs or Achilles tendinitis.

Home Care

The following steps may help relieve your foot pain:

• Apply ice to reduce pain and swelling.
• Keep your painful foot elevated as much as possible.
• Reduce your activity until you feel better.
• Wear shoes that fit your feet and are right for the activity you are doing.
• Wear foot pads to prevent rubbing and irritation.
• Use an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. (Talk to your health care provider first if you have a history of ulcer or liver problems.)

Other home care steps depend on what is causing your foot pain.

The following steps can prevent foot problems and foot pain:

• Wear comfortable, properly fitting and supportive shoes, with good arch support and cushioning.
• Wear shoes with plenty of room around the ball of your foot and toes and a wide toe box.
• Avoid narrow-toed shoes and high heels.
• Wear sneakers as often as possible, especially when walking.
• Replace running shoes frequently.
• Warm up and cool down when exercising. Always stretch first.
• Stretch your Achilles tendon. A tight Achilles tendon can lead to poor foot mechanics.
• Increase your amount of exercise slowly over time to avoid putting excessive strain on your feet.
• Stretch the plantar fascia or the bottom of your feet.
• Lose weight if you need to.
• Learn exercises to strengthen your feet and avoid pain. This can help flat feet and other potential foot problems.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if:

• You have sudden, severe foot pain.
• Your foot pain began following an injury, especially if your foot is bleeding or bruising, or you cannot put weight on it.
• You have redness or swelling of the joint, an open sore or ulcer on your foot, or a fever.
• You have pain in your foot and have diabetes or a disease that affects blood flow.
• Your foot does not feel better after using at-home treatments for 1 to 2 weeks.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will do a physical exam. Your provider will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history.

X-rays or MRI may be done to help your doctor diagnose the cause of your foot pain.

Treatment depends on the exact cause of the foot pain. Treatment may include:

• A splint or a cast, if you broke a bone
• Shoes that protect your feet
• Removal of plantar warts, corns, or calluses by a foot specialist
• Orthotics, or shoe inserts
• Physical therapy to relieve tight or overused muscles
• Foot surgery

References

Chiodo CP, Price MD, Sangeorzan AP. Foot and ankle pain. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, Koretzky GA, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR, eds. Firestein & Kelly's Textbook of Rheumatology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 52.

Grear BJ. Disorders of tendons and fascia and adolescent and adult pes planus. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 83.

Hickey B, Mason L, Perera A. Forefoot problems in sport. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 121.

Kadakia AR, Aiyer AA. Heel pain and plantar fasciitis: hindfoot conditions. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 120.

Rothenberg P, Swanton E, Molloy A, Aiyer AA, Kaplan JR. Ligamentous injuries of the foot and ankle. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 117.

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