The foot is an organ that carries our entire body weight. Therefore, everyone has the potential to experience foot pain. To treat foot pain, the cause must first be determined. Generally, foot pain is diagnosed according to the sensitive area of the foot. In today’s article, we will explain the probable cause of pain and its treatment according to the region where the pain occurs.
We frequently encounter pain in the upper part of the foot. The cause is usually due to overuse of our feet (such as excessive walking, running, jumping…). Strains or tears in the muscles and ligaments on the top of the foot cause pain. Very long walks create stress fractures (fatigue fractures) in the metatarsal bones, which are crack-like fractures. In advanced age, pain on the top of the foot may be a result of arthritis (calcification) of the joints in the foot. For pain caused by muscles and ligaments, using bandages, ankle supports, and rest is the most appropriate treatment. If there is a stress fracture in the metatarsal bones, the foot is treated by placing it in a cast.
Pain under the foot, especially in the front and middle part, is generally caused by standing for long periods. Pain occurs due to the weakness of the foot muscles and insufficient support of the middle part, which we call the foot arch. Foot pain is especially common in people with flat feet or fallen arches. As a result of improper weight distribution on the sole of the foot, calluses may form and cause pain. For this type of pain, shoes that support the middle part of the foot and, if necessary, the use of insoles are appropriate. Poor foot hygiene can also cause pain under the foot due to skin diseases such as fungal infections.
Pain on the side of the ankle is generally caused by ankle sprains and strains. For these pains, elastic bandages and ankle supports may be needed. In advanced injuries, cast treatment can also be applied. Pain in the inner lower part of the ankle may be caused by flat feet. These patients may need to use insoles.
There are two main causes of pain under the heel. The first is a condition we call heel spur (calcaneal spur). In these patients, pain occurs in the heel when standing for long periods. In treatment, soft shoes and silicone insoles are primarily used. In many patients, administering a single dose of steroid (cortisone) injection to the heel provides a solution. Surgery can be performed very rarely. The second cause is a condition called plantar fasciitis, which occurs as a result of tension in the ligaments on the sole of the foot. In this condition, pain occurs when the patient wakes up. The pain decreases after getting out of bed and walking for 15 minutes. For this condition, using elastic bandages while sleeping, massaging the sole by rolling a bottle under the foot before going to bed at night, and resting the foot in warm water for about half an hour can reduce pain. Although there is no evidence-based medical treatment for this condition, patients spontaneously recover after a certain period.
Pain can occur in every toe of the foot. The most common pain is in the first toe of the foot. The cause is arthritis (calcification) of the big toe joint or hallux valgus, which is the outward deviation of the big toe. In these patients, rigid-soled shoes and toe spacers (silicone separators) can be used first. In advanced conditions, surgery becomes an option.
Burning, tingling, and stinging pain under the foot are generally neuropathic pain. It is commonly seen in lumbar disc herniation, damage to foot nerves, and diabetic patients. In these conditions, it is necessary to eliminate the cause irritating the nerve tissue, and there are special medications used for these pains. It is important for diabetic patients to keep their blood sugar at appropriate levels and to maintain continuous foot care.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or orthopedic specialist for diagnosis and treatment of foot pain or any medical condition.