Foot Pain: A Very Common Symptom

Experiencing foot pain is not uncommon. In fact, it's quite frequent to feel some discomfort in our feet, often due to uncomfortable shoes or, for women, high heels worn for extended periods. A sprain, awkward positioning, a blister from a long walk without rest, or an unpleasant bunion are all possible causes of foot pain.

However, sudden or progressive pain affecting the entire foot, only the sole, or a single point, especially if severe enough to be disabling or recurring, warrants examination. The foot comprises many structures susceptible to trauma and degeneration: nerves, tendons, bones, soft tissues, skin, and nails, etc.

What are the most frequent causes of foot pain?

Achilles Tendinitis

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, or Achilles tendinitis, commonly causes pain in the back of the leg, near the heel. The Achilles tendon, the largest in the human body, connects the calf muscles to the heel and is crucial for walking, running, and jumping. While it can withstand strong stresses, overuse and degeneration can lead to inflammation.

Fracture of One or More Foot Bones

Foot and ankle fractures are very common across all ages. Sometimes they are so small and subtle that they're difficult to detect. A fracture doesn't necessarily prevent walking or standing. There are different types of fractures. The foot comprises 26 small bones, and fractures of these bones require complex rehabilitation, potentially leading to walking difficulties or deformities.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis, more common than you might think, is the inflammation of the fibers on the sole of the foot where they attach to the heel bone. The plantar fascia is a strong band of connective tissue that runs across the sole, absorbing vibrations during walking.

Hallux Valgus

Also known as a bunion, hallux valgus is one of the most common foot conditions—a painful pathology with many therapeutic options.

If conservative treatment is insufficient and the condition severely hinders daily activities, surgery is often considered for correction.

Ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis);

Metatarsalgia

This manifests as foot pain in the metatarsal region, the bones forming the joint from the center of the sole to the toes, acting as shock absorbers during walking.

It's more common in women and often has a "mechanical" cause—repeated micro-traumas due to poor weight distribution.

Foot Osteoarthritis

Foot osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease.

It causes progressive cartilage reduction, with potentially significant consequences for sufferers.

Untreated, the cartilage can wear away, exposing the underlying bone and leading to friction problems.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory rheumatic disease affecting young people, especially women aged 40-50, often manifesting suddenly with symptoms such as:

• Inflammation of joints, starting with small peripheral joints (hands and feet).
• Pain, swelling, and redness in inflamed areas.
• Joint stiffness, difficulty moving feet, especially in the morning or after rest.
• Symmetrical or alternating pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis in the foot can also cause blisters and deform the toe joint, leading to hammertoe and/or hallux valgus.

Bone Tumors

A bone tumor results from the transformation of any bone cell.

Localized pain and swelling are common signs of bone cancer. Symptoms vary depending on location and size. Pain may initially be intermittent, worsening at night, during activity, and with movement. Over time, pain becomes constant.

Tumors can impede movement or weaken bone structure, causing pathological fractures (distinct from traumatic fractures of healthy bone).

Each cause requires separate analysis considering symptoms, severity, and treatment options.

The listed causes represent only a few of the countless possibilities for acute or chronic foot pain.

Foot pain can stem from accidental causes like trauma or injury, or be a symptom of underlying pathologies.

Foot Pain: When Diabetes is the Cause

Diabetic foot pain is an unfortunately common consequence of diabetes. This complication has neurological and circulatory origins. Severe diabetes damages the peripheral nervous system and blood vessels, impairing circulation and nerve signals in areas furthest from the heart and brain, such as the feet.