Common Causes of Foot Pain

Foot pain is an extremely common problem among adults across the country. According to studies, of older adults, approximately 19 percent of all men and roughly 25 percent of all women have significant foot pain. This foot pain can be extremely debilitating and can restrict their ability to function efficiently. Given the fact that we rely on our feet for standing, walking, or taking us places, any kind of debilitating foot pain can be extremely disruptive to life. Regardless of your age, health condition, or previous associations with foot problems, it is important that if you have foot pain, you seek out the proper medical treatment to deal with it. There have also been numerous studies that have shown that a large number of serious diseases have a side effect of causing foot problems.

Some of the more common foot conditions can be managed over time and require you to take steps to heal, allow the foot to rest, and potentially take over-the-counter pain relievers. Since you do not necessarily know what is causing your foot pain, then it is always a good idea to call our office so that you can meet with a podiatrist and have your feet inspected. This is to ensure that there's not a more serious problem lurking beneath this seemingly benign foot pain.

Here are a few common causes of foot pain.

• Plantar Fasciitis: You would recognize this condition by the pain in your foot arch. Plantar fasciitis can affect the heel of the foot, the arch of the foot, or both. The plantar fascia is a flat band of tissue, or a ligament, that connects the heel bone to your toes and is used to support the arch of your feet. Plantar fasciitis is a common problem among middle-aged people and is more frequently found in people who stand, walk, or run a great deal. Plantar fasciitis is caused when you strain this ligament, leading to pain and swelling. It is even possible to create small tears in the ligament if you repeatedly strain it.
• Flat Feet: Another common cause of foot pain is fallen arches or flat feet. The arch or the curve in the middle of a human foot is created by tendons, which are tight bands that attach the heel and the foot bones. This arch is created when the tendons in your foot and lower leg work together to form a perfect balance. When a person does not have tendons that pull properly, their arch will be less developed or not developed at all. This is known as flat feet and can be a lifelong problem with foot pain.
• Gout: One of the most common causes of foot pain is gout. Gout frequently appears in older adults because it is a form of arthritis. Arthritis, as most people know, is an inflammation of the joints, which can lead to severe pain. When a person has an attack of gout, they will have pain, redness, warmth, swelling in some of the joints, and tenderness. Most commonly, the big toe will be affected, but gout can also affect other areas of the foot or the ankle.

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To find out what is causing your foot pain, call our office and schedule a consultation.