HEEL PAIN

• Plantar fasciitis. If you have pain in your heel, you may have plantar fasciitis. This is an irritation or inflammation of the band of hard tissue that connects the heel bone to your toes. Usually the worst pain occurs in the morning when you get out of bed. The pain may be felt in the heel or arch.

• Heel spurs. Also called ‘heel spurs’, ‘heel spurs’ or ‘bone spurs’, they are abnormal bony protrusions that develop on the anterior plantar edge of the heel. They usually occur as a result of wearing the wrong shoes, walking, abnormal posture or even activities such as running. They become painful while walking or standing. Many people have them, but most people don’t experience pain. People with flat feet or high arches are more likely to have painful heel spurs.

• Heel fracture. This injury usually occurs after a major impact such as a fall or a car accident. Following such a trauma, the heel bone may not only break, but also shatter. Heel pain, bruising, swelling or walking problems are the main symptoms.

HEEL PAIN

This pain and inflammation occurs under the anterior arch of the sole of the foot. The most common cause is improper shoes. However, metatarsalgia can also occur after strenuous activities such as running or jumping.

• Morton’s Neuroma: This condition, also called interdigital neuroma, causes a thickening of the tissue around the nerves between the bases of the toes (usually between the third and fourth toes). There is usually pain, strange sensations or numbness over the arch of the foot. It is generally more common in women. The condition may be the result of wearing high heels or tight shoes.

PAIN IN THE ARCH OF THE FOOT

• Plantar fasciitis: This is the most common cause of arch pain in the foot. Plantar fasciitis can affect the heel, the arch or both.

• Drooping arches: Drooping arches or flat feet occur when the arches of the feet flatten (often when standing or walking), causing pain in the feet, but can also cause other problems.

PAIN IN YOUR TOES

• Guta. This condition is a form of arthritis and can cause pain in the toes. Crystals build up in the joints of the toes, causing severe pain and swelling. The big toe is often affected.

• Mount. The term ‘bunion’ is the popular name for the change in the normal position of the big toe (hallux hallux). It appears as a hard bony protuberance and swelling near the base of the big toe, sloping inwards towards the second toe. Clubfoot can occur in anyone, generally due to wearing inappropriate or uncomfortable footwear. They often occur as people get older. To avoid the condition, as well as to stop the pain, wear comfortable shoes or different inserts to make you as comfortable as possible. If the pain does not improve, your doctor may suggest surgery.

• HammertoeHammertoe: When the second, third or fourth toe bends at the middle joint, creating a hammertoe-like appearance, you are most likely suffering from this condition. The cause of crooked toes is muscle imbalance, but it can also be caused by wearing the wrong shoes.

• Toe fracture or a broken bone can happen to either toe bone. Minor fractures may involve only rest, ice and painkillers as the type of treatment, but if the fractures are serious, surgery may be required.

PAIN ON THE OUTER EDGE OF THE FOOT

• Fracture: The fifth metatarsal bone is fracture-prone, located towards the outer edge of the foot. Pain, swelling and bruising along the outer edge of the foot are symptoms that can identify this condition.

• Tendinitis: Involves inflammation of the tendon on the side of the foot, most often accompanied by pain. The causes of this condition are generally associated with advancing age, but it can also occur as a result of trauma or strenuous physical activity. The affected tendons are usually painful on movement and rest is generally recommended, but depending on the severity, anti-inflammatory drugs and sometimes corticosteroid injections may be recommended.

TOTAL LEG PAIN

• Herniated disk – This is the most common cause of leg pain. Herniated discs can put pressure on nerves and you may feel pain either all over your foot or just in the sole. Most people with herniated discs experience this type of pain. Herniated discs can be cured without surgery, and the leg pain goes away, becoming just a symptom of the condition.

• Lumbosciatic or Piriformis syndrome: Pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause pain and numbness in the foot and sole. This is also one of the most common causes of foot pain. Treating this condition by relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve can be done without medication.

• Neuropathy or nerve damage: This condition of the feet is most often caused by diabetes. The pain may be burning, stinging or feel electric anywhere in the legs.

• Tendinitis is the inflammation and irritation of tendons: the bands that connect muscles to bones, the tendons, are found all along the surface of the foot and can cause pain in different places.