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Foot pain
Foot pain is the most common symptom associated with plantar fasciitis (heel pain) and ankle sprains. The pain occurring with plantar fasciitis is usually sharp and occurs during the first few steps after sleeping or resting. This is because the foot and heel tissue (fascia) contracts when at rest. When this contraction is stretched, pain develops. However, once the tissue (fascia) is stretched, the pain diminishes. Thus, the pain normally disappears after a few steps. The pain of an ankle sprain is usually very sharp and almost nauseating. Ankle sprain pain is associated with swelling and bruising. The most common location of ankle sprain pain is on the outside (lateral) part of the ankle over the fibula. Usually, the pain is decreased with time, rest, elevation, ice and compression. However, if pain is extreme and continues for over 48 hours, see a physician.
Heel pain
Every mile you walk puts 60 tons of stress on each foot. Your feet can handle a heavy load, but too much stress pushes them over their limits. When your feet pound on hard surfaces from sports or shoes that irritate sensitive tissues, heel pain may develop, the most common problem affecting the foot and ankle. A sore heel will usually get better on its own without surgery given enough rest. However, many people try to ignore the early signs of heel pain and continue doing the activities that caused it. A sore heel will only get worse and could become a chronic condition leading to more problems. Surgery is rarely necessary.
Treatment
Heel pain can have many causes. See your doctor right away to determine the cause and get treatment. Tell the physician exactly where the pain is and how long the pain has persisted. Your doctor will examine the heel, looking and feeling for signs of tenderness and swelling. A patient may be asked to walk, stand on one foot or do other physical tests that help the doctor pinpoint the cause of the sore heel. Conditions that cause heel pain generally fall into two main categories: pain beneath the heel and pain behind the heel.
Pain beneath the heel
If pain is under the heel, one or more conditions could be the cause of inflammation of the tissues on the bottom of the foot.
Stone bruise
Stepping on a hard object such as a rock or stone, can bruise the fat pad on the underside of the heel. It may or may not look discolored. The pain goes away gradually with rest.
Plantar fasciitis
Doing too much running or jumping can inflame the tissue band (fascia) connecting the heel bone to the base of the toes. The pain is centered under the heel and may be mild at first, but flares up when taking the first steps after resting overnight.
Treatment
Special exercises, medication and wearing a heel pad may reduce swelling.
Heel spur
When plantar fasciitis continues for a long time, a heel spur (calcium deposit) may form where the fascia tissue band connects to the heel bone.
A doctor may take an X-ray to see the bony protrusion, which can vary in size.
Treatment
Treatment is usually the same as for plantar fasciitis: rest until the
pain subsides, do special stretching exercises and wear heel pad shoe inserts.
Pain behind the heel - If pain is behind the heel, the area where the Achilles tendon inserts into the heal bone (retrocalcaneal bursitis) may be inflamed.People often get this by running too much or wearing shoes that rub or cut into the back of the heel. Pain behind the heel may build slowly over time, causing the skin to thicken, get red and swell. A bump may develop on the back of the heel that feels tender and warm to the touch. The pain flares up when you first starting an activity after resting. It often hurts too much to wear normal shoes. An X-ray may be needed to detect a bone spur.
Arch pain
The term arch pain (often referred to as arch strain) refers to an inflammation and/or burning sensation at the arch of the foot.
There are many different factors that can cause arch pain. A structural imbalance or an injury to the foot can often be the direct cause. However, most frequently the cause is a common condition called plantar fasciitis.
The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue located along the bottom surface of the foot that runs from the heel to the forefoot. Excessive stretching of the plantar fascia, usually due to overpronation (flat feet), causes plantar fasciitis.
The inflammation caused by the plantar fascia being stretched away from the heel often leads to pain in the heel and arch areas. The pain is often extreme in the morning after first getting out of bed or after a prolonged period of rest.
If this condition is left untreated and strain on the longitudinal arch continues, a bony protrusion may develop, known as a heel spur. It is important to treat the condition promptly before it worsens.
Treatment
This is a common foot condition that can be easily treated. Avoid high-heeled shoes whenever possible. Try to choose footwear with a reasonable heel, soft leather uppers, shock absorbing soles and removable foot insoles. When the arch pain is pronation related (flat feet), an orthotic designed with a medial heel post and proper arch support is recommended for treating the pain. This type of orthotic will control overpronation, support the arch, and provide the necessary relief. |
