Conditions InDepth: Foot Pain
Main Page | Types of Foot Pain | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With Foot Pain | Resource Guide
The foot is a complex structure of 26 bones, 33 joints, and 126 muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Only a small percentage of Americans are born with foot problems. Most problems are due to neglect and improper care, including ill-fitting shoes. With age, changes occur in the feet. Some disorders begin early in life and are affected by heredity, gait patterns, and terrain. About 75% of Americans will experience foot pain at some point in their lives.
Normal Anatomy of the Left Foot
Common causes of foot pain include:
- Poor-fitting shoes
- High-heeled shoes
- Poor posture
- High impact exercise (eg, running)
- Poor balance
Foot pain may also be caused by systemic disease. For example:
- Arthritis ( osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis )—Arthritis can cause stiffness and reduced range of motion.
- Peripheral Vascular Disease —This condition affects the legs and feet by causing reduced circulation, swelling, and increased risk of infection.
- Diabetes —A common complication of diabetes is reduced circulation, which causes a number of problems in the legs and feet including abnormal sensation, swelling, and increased risk of infection.
- Gout —Gout may cause pain and swelling in the great toe.
For descriptions of many common types of foot pain, click here.
What are the risk factors for foot pain?
What are the symptoms of foot pain?
How is foot pain diagnosed?
What are the treatments for foot pain?
Are there screening tests for foot pain?
How can I reduce my risk of foot pain?
What questions should I ask my doctor?
What is it like to live with a bunion?
Where can I get more information about foot pain?
References:
American Diabetes Association website. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp .
American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society website. Available at: http://www.aofas.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1 .
American Podiatric Medical Association website. Available at: http://www.apma.org/s_apma/index.asp .
National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/ .
Last reviewed April 2009 by Robert Leach, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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