There are a wide variety of foot pain causes, likely due to the amount of stress our feet experience daily. There are relatively minor causes of foot pain, including long periods of walking or standing. However, in some cases, there can be more significant issues.

Because feet move with a wide range of motion and contain numerous small, fragile bones, diagnosing foot pain can be complicated. Feet also have numerous ligaments and tendons, which can experience strain, tears, and more. Other factors that can cause foot pain can be more serious and require immediate medical attention. Feet are complex structures, and it may be necessary to see specialists for more severe injuries. 

Always consult with a licensed professional if you are experiencing frequent or severe foot pain. Also, if foot pain is interfering with your everyday activities, you should talk to a foot and ankle doctor. You can receive a diagnosis and explore treatment options. Treatments also range from simple solutions like icing your feet to invasive surgeries with lengthy recovery times.

Some Common Foot Pains and Their Causes

Because feet are the foundation for our movement, they effectively provide shock absorption while we walk and run. Foot pain can range from mild irritation to a debilitating condition.

Causes of foot pain include plantar warts, bacterial infections, bunions, and injuries. However, there are also long-term causes of foot pain, including joint tissue loss. Many of these long-term problems can be extremely painful. 

One of the most common causes of foot pain is ingrown toenails, which can worsen if left untreated. It’s important to care for your nails regularly to prevent this issue. 

Another very common cause of foot pain is uncomfortable or tight-fitting shoes. High heels or shoes that are tied too tightly can cause pain in the forefoot. Wear proper footwear regularly, especially when you expect to be on your feet for long periods of time.

Internal vs. External Foot Pain

Blisters, skin infections, and other external foot pain causes are different from internal pain. Internal pain can be an indicator of a more serious injury to the bones, muscle, or tissue of the foot. If you are experiencing significant internal foot pain, you should seek a professional diagnosis.

Most of the time, foot pain can be associated with immediate indicators, like swelling or tenderness. Sprains and other injuries can cause instability when walking or exercising, while more serious injuries may require crutches.

Plantar fasciitis is a common example of internal foot pain that can be difficult to diagnose. This typically causes pain between the heel and the toe base. In less severe cases, the pain often subsides as the plantar fascia warms up. However, worse cases of plantar fasciitis can cause arch shifting and prolonged discomfort.

When Is It Time to Seek Medical Attention?

‍When foot pain is interfering with your daily activities, you should seek a professional diagnosis. If any part of the foot looks deformed, it could be a sign of more severe issues. Another red flag is loss of feeling or numbness in your feet.

If any of these or other symptoms last for a significant period of time, you should seek medical attention. If icing the affected area does not reduce pain, it could indicate internal damage and should be evaluated.

If you are experiencing considerable foot pain, you should seek medical care. Contact us today to get a professional diagnosis from our dedicated team. You can learn more about what causes foot pain and how to experience relief. Diablo Foot and Ankle specializes in identifying and treating every possible foot injury. Our team of licensed technicians and doctors will help evaluate the cause of your foot pain and develop an individual treatment plan.