Having a sore foot is a common symptom that can have many origins. While most foot pain is mild and transient, some can be a sign of a foot disease that should be diagnosed as soon as possible.

Foot pain, what does it mean?

Foot pain can have many explanations. Indeed, the foot is a complex structure which consists of 26 bones, intrinsic muscles, extrinsic muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. This whole is also vascularized by several blood vessels and traversed by many nerves.

This is why we can distinguish different types of foot pain depending on the affected area:

• the bone pain in the foot ;
• the muscle pain in the foot ;
• the joint pain in the foot ;
• the ligament pain in the foot ;
• the tendon pain in the foot.
• the nerve pain in the foot.

Pain in the feet, how to identify them?

Due to the different types of foot pain, they can manifest themselves in very different ways.

Pain can be felt in different areas of the foot:

• the pain above the foot ;
• the pain under the footincluding plantar pain, heel pain (talalgia) and pain under the toes (metatarsalgia);
• the pain in the front of the footincluding pain in the toes and toenails;
• the pain in the back of the foot, including Achilles tendon pain.

Pain in the foot can be associated with different symptoms such as:

• un swelling of the foot ;
• the appearance of rash ;
• le blister development ;
• theappearance of horns or durillons ;
• la occurrence ofingrown toenails;
• a joint stiffness ;
• of the difficulty moving the foot or putting the foot down.

Foot pain, is it a trauma?

Supporting the weight of the body and participating in the movements, the feet are strongly mobilized on a daily basis. Given their extensive use, they can in particular be subjected to:

• of the excessive and repeated friction, which can be the cause of the appearance of blisters, corns or calluses;
• un violent shock, which can cause a bill of the foot;
• a muscle fatigue, which can in particular lead to a stress fracture;
• a Plantar Fasciitis, or plantar fascia, which corresponds to inflammation of the plantar fascia;
• a tendonitis, which is an inflammation affecting one or more tendons.

Foot pain, is it a malformation or a deformation?

Foot pain may be due to the shape of the foot. There are several types of deformities or deformities of the foot, including:

• thehallux valgus, a deviation of the big toe outward;
• hammer toe, a deformity of the toes which are constantly curled up;
• claw toe, a progressive deformation of the toes whose shape is associated with that of a claw or a hook;
• flat foot, a sagging of the arch of the foot arch;
• the hollow foot, a deformation of the arch of the foot that rises during growth;
• club foot, a deformation of the foot at birth of which there are several forms: club foot valgus, club foot varus, club foot talus …

Foot pain, is it an infection?

An infection can also be the cause of foot pain. This is particularly the case when:

• de plantar warts, infection with a virus of the papillomavirus family;
• byonychomycose, a fungal infection affecting the nails;
• du athlete’s foot, a fungal infection affecting the skin between the toes.

Foot pain, is it a joint disease?

Foot pain can also be due to joint disease such as:

• THEarthritis of the foot: It is an inflammatory joint disease that can manifest as swelling of the foot. There are several forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout. The latter manifests itself in crises and is usually accompanied by pain in the big toe.
• THEOsteoarthritis : It is a so-called mechanical inflammatory disease. Hallux rigidus is a specific form of osteoarthritis that affects the big toe.

Foot pain, is it a neuroma?

Severe pain in one of the feet can be caused by Morton’s neuroma. Although its cause is not clearly established, a Morton’s neuroma is thought to be due to compression of a nerve in the front of the foot.

Foot pain, is it a venous disorder?

The occurrence of pain in the feet can also be a sign of a blood circulation disorder. During a phlebitisIn particular, a blood clot can affect the circulation of blood in the feet.

Given the different possible causes, foot pain can develop in very different ways. In particular, this pain can increase in intensity and spread to other parts of the lower limb. In the most severe cases, the pain is such that it can lead to paralysis of the foot.

In case of intense or persistent pain in the foot, it is recommended to consult a doctor. A clinical examination makes it possible to establish a first diagnosis. This can be deepened by carrying out additional examinations such as an MRI of the foot. An appointment with a podiatrist can also be recommended.

Foot pain, what treatment?

The treatment of foot pain depends on its origin. It may require:

• drug treatment, especially in the event of infections;
• the addition of adapted soles, especially in the event of deformations;
• pedicure ;
• follow-up by a podiatrist ;
• rehabilitation exercises ;
• or even a surgery.

Foot pain, what prevention solutions?

It is possible to prevent certain foot pain by limiting the risk factors. For this, it can be recommended in particular:

• de wear suitable shoes the morphology and size of his foot;
• de regularly check the condition of his feet, in particular during the intensive practice of sporting activity;
• byavoid trampling.