The feet are the foundation of the body, as they support the weight of the body, provide balance and posture, and are the sole contact point during locomotion. Australian researchers suggest that almost one quarter of the population have foot pain at any given time.[1]
Foot pain can be caused by overuse, injury, or an underlying medical condition. It can affect any part of the foot including:
-
Joints
-
Ligaments
-
Muscles and tendons
-
Nerves
-
Arches
-
Heels
The feet take the body where it needs to go. Therefore, foot pain can be debilitating and significantly affect daily activities; it has also been identified as an independent risk factor for falls.[2] Foot health is an important aspect of general health and active living.
What are the symptoms of foot pain?
The symptoms of foot pain vary depending on the cause. Symptoms may only last for a few hours, or can be persistent.
Common symptoms include:
-
Pain in the foot or surrounding areas
-
Joint pain
-
Muscle tenderness
-
Radiating pain
-
Reduced stability
-
Reduced balance
-
Difficulty with everyday tasks
-
Pain with certain footwear.
What causes foot pain?
A range of conditions can cause foot pain, from musculoskeletal issues to other causes. It can also be caused by conditions other than disease, such as poor footwear, overweight/obesity,[3] standing for prolonged periods, overuse, or trauma.
Some causes of foot pain may include:
Musculoskeletal issues
1. Arthritis
Arthritis is a chronic condition that can affect any of the joints in the foot, sometimes causing pain or difficulty with walking.
2. Injury
Various sports have a higher risk of foot injury, including endurance sports such as running or high impact sports.
3. Sprained ankle
Ankle sprains can cause pain and swelling in the ankle and foot.
4. Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition affecting the plantar fascia in the foot. The pain is often persistent, and worse in the morning or after activity.
Medical conditions
1. Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to vascular changes in the feet. In some cases, this can result in nerve damage or necrosis (tissue death).
2. Nerve damage
Nerve damage can result from different conditions, and can cause pain in the foot.
3. Foot ulcers
Ulcers that develop on the feet can cause foot pain.
4. Fracture
Sudden fractures from trauma or fractures that develop gradually, such as a stress fracture, can cause foot pain.
Other potential causes of foot pain include:
When to see a doctor
A doctor should be consulted in situations where there are unexplained symptoms or there is a serious underlying medical issue.
This includes:
-
Severe, sudden, or persistent pain
-
If the pain is from a trauma or injury
-
If it is difficult to weight bear
-
If there is a medical condition, especially if it affects blood flow or tissue health
-
Any open wounds or discolouration
-
Fever or chills
-
Numbness or weakness
-
Excessive or unexplained instability
-
Neurological signs, such as loss of bladder or bowel control.
How is foot pain diagnosed?
A health professional can assess the foot pain and determine the best course of action. They will ask a series of questions about the foot pain including when the pain started, all the symptoms and aggravating factors, and any relevant medical history.
They will also complete a physical examination to observe the foot and how it moves. They may perform some specialised tests to check the nerves, ligaments, muscles, or surrounding areas.
A doctor may also request further imaging to assess the health of the foot, such as an x-ray or MRI.
How is foot pain treated?
Treatment options for foot pain will depend on the symptoms and cause of the pain.
Some common treatments may include:
-
Applying ice to the painful area
-
Over-the-counter medication
-
Prescription medication from a doctor
-
Activity modification
-
Avoiding prolonged periods of standing.
A doctor may also suggest a referral to a foot specialist, such as a podiatrist or orthotist. They may also recommend an aid or brace for a period of time. In some cases, a review with a surgeon can be useful to discuss surgical options if the pain is persistent or if there is an underlying condition such as a fracture.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can be beneficial in the recovery of foot pain. Physiotherapists may prescribe certain exercises or other treatments to help alleviate symptoms and restore movement. This can also help in the prevention of recurrent foot pain or other episodes of symptoms.
Prevention of foot pain
Not all foot pain can be prevented, however there are some helpful strategies to reduce the risk of developing foot pain.
-
Use supportive footwear
-
Get fitted for sport-specific footwear
-
Address any ‘niggles’ or signs of pain early
-
Maintain a healthy diet and weight
-
Exercise regularly
-
Increase any new exercises gradually
-
Aim for optimal foot health
Key messages
Foot pain can have a big impact on everyday life. Health professionals can be beneficial in the assessment and treatment of foot pain. It is important to consult a doctor if there are any unexplained symptoms or an underlying condition.
