Foot pain
There are lots of causalities of foot pain. You can usually ease the pain yourself. But see a doctor if the pain does not improve.
Foot pain comprises;
- Ankle pain
- Heel pain
- Toe pain
- Pain in the top of the foot
- Pain in the bottom of the foot
- Pain in the ball of the foot
Causes of foot pain
Foot pain gets provoked by exercising or wearing shoes too tight.
Common causes include the following;
- Sprain or strain
- Broken ankle
- Bursitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Gout
- Ingrown toenail
- Bunion
- Osteoarthritis
- Flat feet
- Morton’s neuroma
Symptoms
These signs you experience might give you an idea of what’s causing your foot pain.
The Following signs indicate you have foot pain:
- Pain, swelling, and bruising started after intense or repetitive exercise
- Nail curls into the toe
- A snapping sound during the injury
- Ankle at an odd angle
- Hurts to walk
- Stiffness, red or hot swollen skin around the toe joint
- Hard bony lump near the big toe
- No gap beneath your foot when you stand upright, your foot presses flat on the floor
How you can ease the pain yourself
If you consult the doctor, they’ll usually suggest you try these things:
Do
- Rest and raise your whenever you can
- Put an ice pack on your foot for up to nearly20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
- Always wear wide comfortable shoes which is wide with a soft sole and a low heel
- Use soft heel pads in your shoes for better comfort
- Wrap a bandage around to have a support
- Try regular gentle stretching exercises
- Intake a paracetamol to relieve pain
Don’t
- Do not intake ibuprofen after an injury for the first 48 hours
- Do not stand or walk for long periods
- Do not use high heels or tight, pointy shoes
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022