Common Causes Of Foot Pain And Their Treatments

Arch Pain

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of arch pain, but can also affect the heel, or a combination of the heel and arch. Treatment for plantar fasciitis remains the same no matter the location; rest the foot, do heel and foot stretches, wear shoes with proper arch support, and use ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, or acetaminophen for temporary pain relief. Steroid injections may also be helpful if the plantar fasciitis is persistent.

The other common cause of arch pain is fallen arches, also known as flat feet, which occurs when foot arches flatten over time, causing foot pain. Fallen arches can be treated by using orthotics, getting shoe adjustments, physical therapy, using a cane or brace, and resting and icing the affected area. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

Toe Pain

Gout, a form of arthritis, happens to be one of the most common causes of toe pain. To treat gout, rest the foot and ice the affected area, avoid foods that may aggravate gout, and take medications such as colchicine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or prednisone.

Another common cause of pain in the toes is bunions, which are bony bulges along the side of the foot, next to the base of the big toe. Bunions tend to appear as people age and can be caused by wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Ways to treat bunions include wearing comfortable shoes, orthotics, and sometimes getting surgery to remove it. Some other causes of toe pain include ingrown toenails, sprains, fractures, and calluses.