Unexplained Foot Pain

The human foot is a complex structure consisting of 26 bones and dozens of joints, muscles tendons and ligaments. The feet are very effective at absorbing shock but when they are subjected to too much stress, foot pain can develop. While acute trauma such as sprains and breaks come from an obvious incident, certain types of foot pain can occur from repetitive stress and may onset gradually with no obvious cause.

  1. Plantar Fasciitis

    • Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of chronic foot pain brought on by an irritation of a band of tissue called the plantar fascia that spans through the arch of the foot and connects to the heel. Plantar fasciitis often leads to pain in the heel of the foot, and can also be associated with arch pain. Pain may be most apparent upon waking or after periods of rest. Plantar fasciitis commonly occurs in people with flat feet and those who strike their feet too heavily on their heels while walking or running.

    Sesamoiditis

    • Sesamoiditis is another type of gradual-onset, repetitive-stress foot pain that can affect the forefoot near the base of the big toe. Sesamoiditis occurs when the tendon and joint capsule of the big toe becomes irritated and inflamed, resulting in pain. The pain usually comes a day or two after the activity that caused the initial stress, but may persist if activity is continued. Sesamoiditis tends to be common in young people with high activity levels, such as distance runners and dancers. Those with high arches or who wear high-heeled shoes may be at an increased risk of developing Sesamoiditis.

    Metatarsalgia

    • Metatarsalgia is another possible cause of unexplained foot pain. This condition occurs when the heads of the metatarsals--the long bones that connect to the toes--become irritated and inflamed due to repetitive shock, causing pain along the ball of the foot. Wearing restrictive footwear, such as high heels, dress shoes or shoes without enough room in the front of the foot, can lead to Metatarsalgia. Improper padding on the balls of the feet while performing high-impact activities will increase the chances of developing Metatarsalgia.

    Other Causes

    • Inexplicable foot pain can be caused by a wide variety of underlying conditions. If you experience foot pain despite limited use of the feet, your pain may be the result of a condition beside common repetitive stress injuries. Peripheral artery disease (PAD)--clogged arteries in the extremities--can lead to painful feet and foot numbness. Being overweight or obese tends to increase the likelihood of PAD, and increases the chances of having problems in the feet with moderate or light use. Fungal infection of the feet such as Athlete's foot can cause pain and discomfort.

    Treatment

    • A successful treatment plan for painful feet begins by determining the cause of the pain. Pain caused by repetitive stress and irritation of the various tissues, tendons, ligaments and joints of the foot can often be alleviated by wearing footwear that fits properly and supports the foot well. Using insoles or custom orthotics can also reduce foot pain. While pain persists, it is important to reduce the level of stress placed upon the feet so that the problem is not exacerbated. Applying ice and using anti-inflammatory medication may help reduce pain and speed recovery.