Common Causes Of Foot Pain And Their Treatments

Pain On The Outer Edge Of The Foot

Pain on the outer edge of the foot, the fifth metatarsal bone, is most commonly caused by a broken bone in the foot. The symptoms that occur after an injury are typically pain, swelling, and bruising along the outer edge. To treat the pain use pain relievers, rest, ice, and elevate the affected foot, try not to walk on it, use crutches if needed, and possibly a cast. If the bone is broken, see a doctor to obtain an x-ray and possibly some other tests.

Anywhere And Everywhere: Uncontained Pain

Neuropathy, otherwise known as nerve damage, can cause pain as a burning, stinging, or a feeling of electricity that can occur anywhere in the feet. Common treatments for neuropathy include physical therapy, topical creams, antidepressants, and pain relievers. Another common cause of foot pain that may occur anywhere in the foot is inflammation and irritation of the tendons, known as tendinitis. Ways to treat tendinitis include resting the feet, using pain relievers, and sometimes steroid injections. Surgery is rarely required to manage it. This kind of foot pain can also be prevented early on by wearing proper shoes and getting checked to see if orthotics are necessary.