Overview
There are various causes that can lead to foot pain. However, great news is that you can treat is at home. If you do experience severe pain, a visit to the GP may be required.
You may also experience pain in the heels, particularly in the morning. This could be a sign of plantar fasciitis, which is the swelling of the tissues that joins your heel bone to your toes. The Achilles tendon must be stretch to relieve the pain.
Common Causes of Foot Pain
A few of the most expected causes of foot pain are:
- Bunions
- Foreign object embedded in the foot
- Corns, blisters, and calluses
- Strains and sprains
- Gout
- Arthritis
- Ingrown toenails
- Cracked or broken bones
- Achilles tendon injury
Understanding Gout
- When uric acid forms in the joints, it can lead to gout, and is also considered a form of arthritis. Gout can lead to extreme pain, inflammation, tenderness and sensitivity that affects the joints.
- The outbreaks can carry on for days at a time, and usually affect the big toe. A lot of the times gout is often mistaken for a bunion. You can manage severe pain by placing or by getting some non-inflammatory medications.
- You might also need to visit your GP to discuss treatment options to prevent a reoccurrence.
Calluses, Blisters and Corns
When you wear shoes that don’t fit correctly, this can damage the skin. This can lead to:
- Blisters are tiny pockets of fluid that form on the exterior of the skin.
- Corns are small loops of thick skin.
- Calluses are rigid and solid areas of skin that are usually yellow.
All of these conditions can cause pain and discomfort when walking. Blisters normally get better within a few days. If you wear shoes that fit appropriately, this can assist with the healing process. For calluses and corns, you might need to visit your GP to find the best source of treatment for you.
Broken or Cracked Bones
Normally a serious injury can lead to a cracked or broken bone in the foot. In most instances, repeated activities like doing high impact sports can lead to fractures. In older people, osteoporosis can lead to cracked or broken bones. Any bone in the foot is prone to cracks and fractures, including those that are situated in the mid area of the foot, toes, ankles, heals, and bones positioned in the lower leg.
A cracked or broken bone can be extremely painful, sensitive to touch and the region may become bruised. It is best to avoid doing anything and stop straining the area until you have it looked at by your GP.