Foot Pain Causes
Foot pain can be caused by various factors, ranging from lifestyle choices to medical conditions. Common causes include:
- Improper footwear: Wearing ill-fitting shoes or high heels can lead to foot pain
- Overuse and injuries: Prolonged standing, excessive walking, or sports activities can cause foot pain
- Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, causing sharp heel pain, especially in the morning
- Arthritis: Can affect various joints in the foot, leading to pain and stiffness
- Flat feet or fallen arches: Can cause pain in the arch, ankle, or heel
- Heel spurs: Bony protrusions on the heel that can cause pain and inflammation
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of tendons, such as the posterior tibial tendon
- Gout: A type of inflammatory arthritis that often affects the big toe
- Structural abnormalities: Conditions like hammer toe or bunions can cause pain
- Medical conditions: Diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, and Morton’s neuroma can lead to foot pain
- Infections: Conditions like athlete’s foot can cause discomfort
- Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on the feet
Other factors that may contribute to foot pain include aging, foot deformities, and trauma. If foot pain persists for more than a week or is severe, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.