Foot pain may arise from injuries, disorders affecting the toes, or other health conditions. Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and bunions are among the more prevalent causes of foot pain, swelling, and walking trouble. Injuries caused by excessive strain and medical conditions like diabetes may also lead to minor or major foot complications.Sometimes, home remedies and home care can help provide temporary relief, but if the pain persists, you may need to avail the services of a healthcare provider or physical therapist.
5 Common Causes of Foot Pain – Foot Ailments and Deformities
A lot of patients suffer from common foot issues that could potentially go untreated, leading to major foot concerns later on. Here are some common causes of foot pain:
1. Bunions
Bunions are misaligned big toe joints that cause swelling with tenderness. The first joint of the big toe points offset outward, while the second joint points toward the other toes. Bunions are typically hereditary, with a tendency to get inflamed through too-narrow shoes in the forefoot and toe areas.Foot types with very high arches have a high chance of developing Bunions. Wearing high-heeled shoes, which force the big toe to be squeezed against the second toe, can also contribute to the development of this deformity.Symptoms generally become increasingly severe and eventuate into:
- Pain over the big toe joint that is sore or burning
- Redness
- Swelling
- Stiffness
Foot pain due to bunions usually responds well to simple therapies like icing, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug consumption, bunion padding, and wearing the appropriate footwear. Surgeries have also been used as a common method of treatment.
2. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a tissue that runs under the base of the foot. Plantar fasciitis causes heel and/or arch pain. This can be due to several conditions like an injury or improper mechanics of the foot.Certain factors responsible for plantar fasciitis are obesity, prolonged standing, weak foot muscles, walking barefoot, improper running footwear, flat feet, or very high arches.Foot pain due to this condition is typically worse when one first gets out of bed in the morning. It usually gets better while moving but, dull pain often stays.There are simple self-care measures to manage plantar fasciitis:
- Reduced activity
- Icing
- Stretching
- Postural support
- Physical therapy
- Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAD) like Advil (ibuprofen) or Acupont (naproxen)
- Use a cushioned shoe with insole pads in gel pads or heel cups
- Wear shoes that support the feet even at home while avoiding slippers and walking barefoot.
If the pain does not go away, your healthcare provider may then consider injecting a steroid into the foot wherever it hurts. Shock wave therapy is also effective. Surgery to release part of the plantar fascia where it attaches to the heel bone is extremely rare.
3. Achilles Tendonitis
Tendons are fibrous bands that connect muscles with bones. When overstretched or overused, tendonitis occurs. Achilles tendonitis, which occurs as a result of irritation or inflammation of the Achilles tendon, usually occurs between the calf and lower leg muscles with the heel bone of the foot.During activity and stretching, it comes with an aching or burning type of foot pain. The affected tendon and or parts of it would usually hurt when touched. Mild swelling, warmth, and stiffness may also be present over the tendon.Achilles tendonitis is most likely caused due to:
- An abrupt step-up in your workout
- Crammed calf muscles
- Beside the preferred shoes
- Training in the cold
- Having flat feet
- Variations in leg length
Treatment for Achilles tendonitis follows the RICE approach (Rest, Ice, Compression of nerve, Elevation of foot) along with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). After the acute pain is alleviated, talk to your healthcare provider regarding custom orthotics for heel lift, as well as physical therapy.
4. Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are thick formations of dead skin cells that protect the skin. They form when continuous friction occurs due to skin contact with bony areas or because of an irregularity in a shoe. Corns usually appear on the toes, whereas calluses form on the soles of the feet. Friction and pressure often burn and become painful, which can be relieved using moleskin or padding on the affected areas.Some of the most common causes for corns and calluses are:
- Shoes that are either too tight or too loose
- Socks that fit poorly
- Toe deformities such as hammer toe
Aside from wearing the correct shoes, home remedies can help relieve foot pain caused by corns and calluses:
- Soak the foot in warm water for approximately 15 minutes, then use a pumice stone or callus file to remove dead skin over the corn or callus.
- Use a donut-shaped, non-medicated foam corn pad on top of the corn or callus.
- Pack small, tiny bits of lamb wool (not cotton) between the toes where the corn is situated.
If corns or calluses continue to be a problem, take it up with a healthcare provider. They might remove the corn with a scalpel and use a salicylic acid plaster to help dissolve it or use a custom foot orthotic.
5. Hammer Toe
A hammer toe is a bend in the second, third, or fourth toes. This occurs when the joint at the base of the toe (the metatarsophalangeal joint) bends toward the top while the next joint at the top bends toward the bottom (the interphalangeal joint). This creates a sort of hook in the toe, resembling a hammer.The major cause of hammer toe is muscular imbalance and factors like tight shoes, an existing medical disease, or genetics.Hammer toe patients usually complain of:
- Pain at the front of the bent toe
- Ball-of-foot pain under the hammer toe
- Redness, swelling, and stiffness of the toe joint
- Corns and calluses on the affected toe
Some of the home care remedies to treat hammer toe are:
- Performing at-home foot and toe exercises to strengthen and stretch your toes
- Using a non-medicated hammer-toe pad
- Wearing loose, soft shoes with deep toe box
- Applying ice if the hammer toe is inflamed
- Foot exercises
If these remedies fail to help, contact your health practitioner to learn about physical therapy and surgery options.
Conclusion
Foot pain can be frustrating, but the good news is that most common issues—like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and bunions—can be managed with the right approach. Simple remedies such as rest, ice, and supportive footwear can help, but persistent pain shouldn’t be ignored. If foot pain is interfering with your daily life, it’s time to seek professional help.At Restore Health & Wellness, we believe in personalized care because every foot is unique! Whether you need physical therapy, custom orthotics, or expert guidance from Laura Horzempa, we’re here to help.