6 Reasons You May Be Dealing with Foot Pain

Your feet are a vital part of your body. Any type of foot pain can wreak havoc on your day-to-day life. You may not realize it, but there is a lot going on in your foot. From bones and ligaments to muscles and tendons, it can be difficult to pinpoint the root cause of your discomfort. If you’re not sure why your feet are hurting, browse the following section to learn 6 reasons you may be dealing with foot pain.

Fallen Arch

While some people naturally have flat feet, others can develop a condition called a fallen arch. This can happen when there’s an injury to the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the inside of the foot. Oftentimes, it’s caused by overuse or sports. This can result in pain in the arch of the foot and even in the ankle.

Arthritis

Many young athletes who train year-round and don’t get a sufficient amount of rest between seasons can develop wear and tear on their joints. Without proper treatment, overuse can affect the structure of the joints, meaning they won’t be able to support the body properly.

Metatarsalgia

When you’re dealing with heel pain that causes you to change how you walk, this can result in metatarsalgia. The metatarsal heads (which are the “knuckles” of the feet) can become inflamed or swollen, resulting in pain in this area of the foot.

Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is the thick ligament that runs from the heel to the front of the toe on the bottom of the foot. When the ligament gets inflamed, due to tension and stress on the heel, this can result in sharp and stabbing pain. Oftentimes, it’s caused by wearing shoes with high arches or high-impact activities such as running.

Morton’s Neuroma

A neuroma is an enlargement in the tissue around the between your toes. This can cause the toes to sting or go numb or lead to a burning pain on the ball of the foot. While this type of condition isn’t very common, it has been linked to wearing high heels.

Bunions

A bunion is a bump on the joint of the big toe. While many people believe that bunions are caused by improper-fitting shoes, they’re not. There are a range of different foot types including overpronator, oversupinator, flat feet, and high arches. When combined with genetics, stress, or certain medical conditions, it can cause instability that shifts the bones, leading to the formation of a bunion. When the bump is on the pinky toe, it’s called a bunionette. 

Contact Us to Schedule an Appointment with a Podiatrist

While one of these conditions may be the reason you’re dealing with foot pain, it’s always important to get a professional opinion. The foot doctors at West Texas Foot & Ankle Associates have seen all types of foot conditions. Whether you’re dealing with mild or chronic pain in your feet, we have all the proper knowledge and tools to find the root of the issues.

In some instances, treatment may be as simple as wearing orthotics. For more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. No matter the nature of the issue, our podiatrists will help you find the right type of treatment for your needs and lifestyle. If you’re interested in learning more, please feel free to contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our foot doctors!