Foot pain is a fairly common issue. The first thing you should do is to think back to the activity that made it flare up. Did you recently start exercising? Have you been wearing the same shoes for years? Have you gained weight in the past year? If you do not normally experience foot pain, it’s worth looking into any recent changes and activities.
In this article, we are going to explore some of the most common causes of foot pain, which might help you identify your problem. Of course, this should not replace a foot and ankle specialist’s diagnosis, and at the very end of this article, we will recommend a top orthopedic foot and ankle doctor in Dover, New Jersey.
Common Causes of Foot Pain
Here we have some of the most common causes of foot pain. One or more of these could be causing your symptoms:
#1 Injury
Foot pain could indicate an injury to the structures in the foot. Some of the most common foot injuries are plantar fasciitis, an injury to a ligament, and stress fractures, an injury to a bone. Identifying the area of pain helps give you an idea of what it could be.
Plantar fasciitis pain is often described as aching or burning, typically centered around the bottom of the heel. Stress fracture pain can vary from sharp to dull and is generally localized to a specific spot on the foot and tends to worsen with weight-bearing activities.
#2 Structural Issues
If you have foot deformities like bunions or hammertoes, these too can cause foot pain. These deformities usually result from ill-fitting shoes, and as a result, have caused the bones to become misaligned.
Bunions cause the big toe to bend towards the other toes, creating a bony bump at the base of the big toe. Hammertoes, on the other hand, result in an abnormal bend in the middle joint of the toe, causing it to curl up instead of lying flat.
The presence of bunions and hammertoes can lead to increased friction and pressure within the footwear, particularly in areas where the deformities come into contact with the shoe. This can result in foot pain when walking or standing for prolonged periods.
#3 Overuse and Strain
Repetitive activities or prolonged standing can strain the feet. If you have just started a workout program or have incorporated more standing or walking into your regular routine, you may be experiencing pain from overuse.
#4 Nerve Damage
Neuropathy, commonly associated with diabetes, can cause burning and tingling pain in the feet. Identifying sensory changes, such as numbness or hypersensitivity, is essential for recognizing nerve-related foot pain. If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, foot pain should see a doctor regularly for diabetic foot management.
#5 Medical Conditions
Joint disease could be the underlying cause of foot pain.
Osteoarthritis pain and stiffness is usually felt at either the top or bottom of the foot, and usually affects one foot at a time. Rheumatoid arthritis pain is usually felt in the forefoot and heel and affects both feet at the same time. Gout is most commonly felt in the big toe joint.
#6 High Arches or Flat Feet
An abnormal foot structure can also cause foot pain, as it affects the distribution of weight along the foot.
- High Arches – Foot pain associated with high arches can include arch and heel pain. Individuals with high arches may have a tendency to supinate or underpronate, meaning the weight is distributed more towards the outside of the foot during walking or running.
- Flat Feet – Flat feet can cause pain in the arch or heel, or along the inner side of the ankle. There may also be swelling or a feeling of tiredness in the feet. Those with flat feet may overpronate, meaning the foot rolls inward excessively during walking or running.
How to Identify Foot Pain
Identifying the specific characteristics and location of foot pain can provide valuable insights into its underlying cause.
Here are some key factors to consider when identifying foot pain:
- Location: Determine the exact location of the pain, whether it’s somewhere in the toes or the underside of the foot.
- Type of Pain: Consider the nature of the pain – is it sharp or dull? Burning or stabbing? This can help differentiate between different conditions.
- Triggers: Note any specific activities or movements that exacerbate the pain, as well as any factors that alleviate it.
- Visual Examination: Look for signs of swelling or changes in foot structure that may indicate an injury or deformity.
Foot Pain Treatment in Dover, New Jersey
For an expert evaluation of your foot condition, see an orthopedic foot and ankle doctor at Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey. We are experienced in the treatment of conditions that cause foot pain and have a thorough procedure in place to ensure an accurate diagnosis is made and targeted treatment is delivered. Whether your foot pain is related to work or sports, we have seen it all, which helps us arrive at a quick diagnosis.
To schedule an appointment with us, call our office today at (973) 989-0888 or use our online request form. A highly skilled staff member of orthopedic specialists in our Dover location looks forward to serving you.
