One of the main causes of foot pain is wearing shoes that don’t fit properly. Wearing high-heeled shoes can often cause foot pain because they place a great deal of pressure on the toes.

You can also develop foot pain if you become injured during high-impact exercise or sports activities, such as jogging or intense aerobics.

Common medical issues

Various medical issues are closely associated with foot pain.

Your feet are especially susceptible to the pain that occurs due to arthritis. There are 33 jointsin the foot, and arthritis can affect any of them.

Diabetes mellitus can also cause complications and several disorders of the feet. People with diabetes are more prone to:

• nerve damage in the feet
• clogged or hardened arteries in the legs and feet
• foot ulcers or sores

You’re also more at risk for having foot pain if you:

• have overweight or obesity
• are pregnant
• have a foot injury such as a sprain, fracture, or tendinitis

Other potential causes of foot pain include:

• corns
• calluses
• bunions
• warts
• ingrown toenails
• medications that cause swelling of the feet
• Morton’s neuroma, which is a thickening around the nerve tissue between toes near the ball of the foot
• hammer toes
• athlete’s foot
• Haglund’s deformity, which is an enlargement of the back of the heel bone
• peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
• fallen arches
• plantar fasciitis
• gout, especially affecting the great toe near the ball of the foot

How to ease foot pain at home

Your at-home treatment options will vary depending on the pain you’re experiencing and its cause. However, following these tips may help relieve your discomfort:

• Apply ice to the affected area.
• Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever.
• Use foot pads to prevent rubbing on the affected area.
• Elevate the foot that’s causing you to have pain.
• Rest your foot as much as possible.

When to see your doctor

Many people who regularly experience foot pain are aware of what triggers it, and they know the best way to manage their pain. However, you should see a doctor as soon as possible in the following situations:

• Your pain came on suddenly and is severe.
• Your foot pain is due to a recent injury.
• You can’t place any weight on your foot after an injury.
• You have a medical condition that interferes with blood flow, and you experience foot pain.
• The area that’s causing you pain has an open wound.
• The area that’s causing you pain is red or has other symptoms of inflammation.
• You have a fever in addition to foot pain.

The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you don’t already have a doctor.

What happens at your doctor’s appointment

During your appointment, the doctor will observe your posture and how you walk. They’ll also examine your back, legs, and feet.

They’ll want to know the details of your foot pain, such as when it started, what parts of the feet are affected, and how severe it is. If necessary, your doctor will order an X-ray.

source: Healthline