Pain in the foot

Foot pain is a very common complaint among patients in orthopedic offices. The foot is the most important anatomical subsystem of the human skeleton, because it is what ensures bipedal walking, which, in fact, distinguishes homo sapiens from animals. But even such a complex and perfect mechanism as the foot can fail.

Structurally, the foot consists of more than fifteen bones and more than ten joints, which allows the human body to balance on two legs and bear heavy loads in this position.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ]

Causes of foot pain

Doctors note that the health of the foot is affected by the type of shoes we wear. The desire of a modern person to keep up with fashion, oddly enough, often leads to some disorders of the functioning of the foot. High heels, narrow toes, flat soles - all this can cause pain in the foot. If you add excess weight, increased load on the legs, then pain in the foot is guaranteed. Long-term bed rest in some patients leads to chemical depletion of bones, muscles and tendons in the foot area, which ultimately leads to pain.

Chronic and systemic diseases have more serious consequences for the health of the feet. For example, post-traumatic or chronic osteoporosis is almost always accompanied by diffuse pain in the feet. Vascular lesions in this part of the leg can also cause unpleasant painful sensations.

Localized pain in the foot can be caused by several reasons.

1. Plantar fasciitis is a stretching of the fascia, a band of connective tissue in the foot area. It is accompanied by pain in the heel and in the arch area. An advanced form of fasciitis, with excessive stretching or strain of the tendon at the junction with the heel bone, leads to deformation of the heel, resulting in a heel spur.
2. Arthritis, as well as problems with blood vessels and capillaries, pinched and damaged nerves, orthopedic problems also cause foot pain.
3. Metatarsalgia is an age-related biochemical and biomechanical change in the composition of bones and ligaments, which leads to pain and disruption of the normal functioning of the foot. Rheumatoid arthritis and bursitis are the most common consequences of metatarsalgia.
4. Neuroma is a benign growth of nerve tissue around the nerve itself. Most often, such pain in the foot is localized at the base of the 3rd and 4th toes. The main reason is narrow or uncomfortable shoes.
5. Foot injuries and dislocations. Depending on the degree and type of injury, foot pain can vary. Injuries are usually diagnosed using X-rays. When the metatarsal bones are dislocated or the Lisfranc joint is dislocated, the metatarsal bones are deformed. When the foot is turned sharply, the tarsal bones may be dislocated or the Chopart joint may be dislocated. The injury site swells and hurts a lot, making walking difficult. Dislocation of the talus in the talocalcaneal and talonavicular joints leads to ligament rupture and foot deformation. When the foot is dislocated, the ligaments and joint capsules are usually torn at the ankle joint. Fractures of the inner malleolus and eversion of the foot are possible.
6. Acquired and traumatic flatfoot. It leads to foot deformation, which can be accompanied by both a burning sensation in the area of the joints of the foot and periodic pain, especially when walking and running. Most often, people who often and for a long time experience loads on their legs suffer. Excess weight only aggravates this situation.
7. Erythromelalgia. It can be caused by arsenic polyneuropathy, scleroderma, deep vein thrombophlebitis of the leg, neuroma of one of the nerves of the leg and foot, hypertension, drug allergy, leukemia, polycythemia, thrombocytosis and also overheating of the foot. It occurs most often among men aged 30-45. It is accompanied by pain in the foot and burning in the toes, mainly as a reaction to high temperatures.
8. Bunions, calluses, plantar warts, ingrown nails. The main cause is uncomfortable shoes.

[ 4 ]

What to do if your foot hurts?

Firstly, shoes should always be comfortable. This is especially true for those whose work is somehow connected with the load on the feet. Secondly, be careful and try to avoid foot injuries in every possible way. Thirdly, never self-medicate, but immediately consult a doctor who can make an accurate diagnosis in a clinic. If the pain in the foot becomes unbearable, you can take a painkiller, and then consult a doctor.