If you experience foot pain, you're not alone. In fact, almost 8 out of 10 people living in the United States complain about foot pain. According to another statistic, 51% of Americans who experience foot pain say they limit their activity because of it. Some of the most common causes of foot pain include overuse, injury, or arthritis.
In most instances, the type of foot pain depends upon which part of the foot is affected.
Toes
These flexible digits on the feet aid in walking and running. If you stub or break one of your toes, it will cause excruciating pain. There are also certain conditions that affect only the toes of the feet. Some of these conditions include:
- Hammer toe
- Mallet toe
- Claw toe
To prevent these types of conditions, wearing shoes with enough wiggle room for the toes, as well as wearing low-heeled shoes, can help.
Metatarsals
The five long bones in the foot are called the metatarsals. Some of the most common conditions that affect this area of the foot include:
- Bunions
- Metatarsalgia
- Morton's Toe
To alleviate problems with the metatarsals, a foot doctor or clinic like Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists may recommend a variety of treatment options including elevating the feet, icing the affected area, wearing proper shoes, and considering arch supports.
Arch
The arch of the foot is formed by bones and supported by ligaments and tendons. The arch is also the part of the foot that is responsible for supporting the weight of your body. Some of the most common foot conditions having to do with the arch of the foot include:
- Arch strain
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD)
- Tendonitis
If you are experiencing PTTD or tendonitis, a foot specialist might recommend immobilizing your foot with a cast or boot to help the tendon heal. Physical therapy and wearing the appropriate footwear will help as well. Arch strain is typically treated by wearing comfortable shoes and avoiding high heels.
Heel
This part of the foot contains the heel bone, which is the largest bone in the foot. Some of the most common foot conditions associated with the heel include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Heel spurs
- Achilles tendonitis
Because it is such a large part of the foot, the conditions that affect the heel are very painful and can be quite debilitating. Your foot doctor might recommend a variety of treatment options for conditions of the heel including physical therapy, stretching exercises, wearing orthotics, and resting, elevating, and icing the feet.
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