severe foot pain on the bottom of my feet...hurts to stand on them and has lasted for 4 weeks now.

Hi Laura - I wanted to follow up and see how you're feeling. Are you still in pain, or were you able to resolve your problems? We'd love to hear back from you and know how you're doing.
Thanks, Pat

I would look into foot fasciitis. I have that and it sounds a lot like it. My doctor said its due to the padding in your heal to get thin. due to either standing for long periods, weight, or high heals. mine is due to my weight and standing to long. I had to buy some good supportive shoes and im trying to lose weight. I hope this helps you.

Hi Laura,

i have the same problem with my feet, and knees, it is been going on for the past 18 months, every single day, seen all sort od Dr. no joy. if you found anything that can reduce or get rid of the pain, or even an advice please post

Hey Laura, We forwarded this question to our expert in podiatry, Dr. Marlene Reid to hear what she had to say. Take a look at her response.

"Hi Laura,

It is very possibly that you are experiencing a problem with the tendon (posterior tibial tendon) that supports your arch. The symptoms are very similar to heel pain - pain in the morning and after periods of rest. Often it is misdiagnosed as the heel problem plantar fasciitis and the two problems need to be treated differently. Plantar fasciitis needs extra heel support and stretches to stretch out the arch and tendonitis of the posterior tibial tendon needs arch support and immobilization. You can always ice the area for 15-20 minutes several times a day until you can get to see a podiatrist to determine what your problem actually is."
Dr. Marlene Reid
http://womensfoothealth.blogspot.com/

I have issues with plantar faciitis, and it's where you have really intense pain in your heel -- usually worse in the morning when you first get out of bed. It's as if someone is driving nails into the bottom of your heel. Last year I actually spent some time in a leg brace and had to walk with crutches. It's not fun.

I'm not sure about the discoloration and swelling you're experiencing and the pain in your knees. It sounds different from plantar faciitis to me. In any case, I'd probably want to go see my primary care physician if I were having the kinds of problems you're having. Have you seen anyone at all?

I did some more research on foot pain, and here's what I found from the American Academy of Family Physicians:

Q: Is the pain between ball of foot & heel?
A: Possibly sprained ligament in arch

Q: Does your foot look flat, pain on inside ankle, swelling?
A: Possible "fallen arches" (see above link for self care)

Q: Pain between heel and ball of foot, especially first steps in morning?
A: Possible irritation of arch ligaments or plantar fasciitis

Q: Do you have a fever, joints tender, sore, red, swollen?
A: Possible rheumatoid arthritis

Q: Intense pain near heel, especially when have weight on the heel?
A: Possible heel spur or plantar fasciitis

Q: Foot pain begin after intense physical activity?
A: Possible stress fracture

Let us know which of these sound more relevant to your situation, and we can provide more information about the possible "answer" given. It would still be a good idea to see a doctor, although many of these possible causes can be improved/remedied with self-care techniques.

I'm sorry you are having so much pain and discomfort! Even though your situation has improved, it sounds like you should still seek medical advice, as swelling, discoloration, pain and mobility problems can indicate many conditions.

How old are you? Could you have arthritis? Do you think you may have torn a ligament or any other injury you can think of?

Here are some other foot-pain symptoms that you can discuss with your doctor. (For example, you mentioned you were "unable to go down stairs"...was this from being unable to bear weight on one side, stiff knee, muscle spasms, etc?).

Did you experience any of the following (foot/knee was...)
- warm to touch
- tender to touch
- unable to bear weight
- stiff/decreased movement
- numbness/tingling
- stabbing pain
- muscle cramps/spasm
- lumps or bulges
- cold feet

When to seek medical advice?
o Inability to walk comfortably on the affected side
o Injury that causes deformity around the joint
o Knee pain that occurs at night or while resting
o Knee pain that persists beyond a few days
o Locking (inability to bend) the knee
o Swelling of the joint or the calf area
o Signs of an infection, including fever, redness, warmth
o Any other unusual symptoms

Please let us know what the doctor says! You can find a podiatrist in your area from this link (also explains type of credentials your doctor should have).