Why Are My Feet In Pain?
You may be experiencing foot or ankle pain for a variety of reasons. An injury to the foot may result in pain that is minor to excruciating.
While some foot pain may occur suddenly due to acute injury, it can also develop over time due to a chronic underlying condition or altered body mechanics.
Fractures
A fracture occurs from excessive force or trauma to the bone, causing it to crack or break entirely. A fracture to the foot or ankle could result in weeks of downtime to ensure proper healing.
Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when the tendons rub against the “bursae” or anti-friction sacs, causing them to become irritated and uncomfortable. This condition can also occur in a person’s elbow, shoulder, and hip, although the foot and heel are most commonly affected.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a very common inflammatory condition that affects the joints and results in pain. The most common types include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both types of arthritis can greatly impact the foot and ankle joints. Arthritis can also affect anyone at any age.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
This occurs when the tarsal tunnel (the nerve that runs from the ankle to the foot) becomes pinched and painfully inflamed. Symptoms include sharp, shooting pains, feelings of “pins and needles” and burning sensations in the feet.
Tendinitis
Overuse of the tendons can lead to tendonitis, which causes them to become inflamed over a lengthy period. Tendinitis can make even simple things difficult, like reaching for a glass on the top shelf of a cabinet. This condition can become chronic and brutally painful over time, compounding the problem.
Strains and sprains
Sprains and strains happen often, and oftentimes, they get confused with each other! A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched too far or torn, while a strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is overstretched. Both of these injuries should be checked out by a medical professional to ensure no lasting damage will occur.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis happens when the connective tissue on the bottom of the feet become inflamed. This can occur from aggravated overuse, such as constant standing, improper posture, or footwear that lacks proper arch support.
Fallen arches
The arch of your foot is formed by several tendons that work together. Your foot will form a proper arch when the tendons pull together properly. Your foot will form a very small arch or no arch at all if the tendons do not pull together properly. This is known as a “fallen arch” or “flat foot,” and it can result in pain or discomfort over time.