What would we do without our feet? They are our tools for moving, supporting our body weight and giving us stability. Our feet allow us to jump, run or climb stairs. That’s why they can easily be injured. Various conditions can cause foot pain, including plantar fasciitis, foot fracture, stress fracture, hallux valgus or ankle sprain.
If you are experiencing foot pain, make an appointment for a physiotherapy consultation.
Bones, ligaments, nerves: understanding the anatomy and function of the foot
26 bones, 16 joints and 20 muscles in each foot allow us to walk, jump or run. The foot, which is connected to the ankle, is usually described with three parts: the back of the foot, the middle of the foot, and the front.
Other structures such as ligaments or tendons make up the foot. Ligaments attach the foot to the ankle, and prevent excessive movement of the ankle.
The tendons, on the other hand, act as absorbers, transmitting the energy released by the muscle to the bone.
Why does the side of my foot hurt: how can I identify a condition?
Do you get pain in the arch of your foot when running? Do you feel a burning or tingling sensation? Are your toes aching? Your foot is swollen, your ankle hurts and you don’t know how to identify your injury?
This is normal! If you try to self-diagnose, you may not be treating yourself properly.
Different types of pain can affect the foot. Also, several conditions have similar symptoms, sometimes making it difficult to identify the problem. The best thing to do when symptoms appear is to consult a healthcare professional.
Plantar fasciitis and arch pain
Do you regularly end your run with discomfort in your heel? There is a good chance you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, a condition closely related to running.
The inflammation of this fibrous membrane can be the result of various factors, most of which have a mechanical origin. Among them is the overuse of the heel or an excessive effort imposed on the plantar fascia, but also inappropriate footwear, or a decrease in ankle mobility.
The pain is localized in the arch of the foot and is generally stronger when waking up and after a rest period (like sitting for a long time). Note that the pain is intermittent at first, but over time it can become bothersome. You may experience stiffness in the morning and difficulty walking.
Fasciitis heals very well if treated quickly. On the other hand, it could lead to the development of heel spurs if neglected. This is a bony growth that forms below the back heel bone, where the plantar fascia intersects the calcaneus.
Foot fracture
Fractures of the foot are traumatic injuries that can affect different bones in the foot. The bones of the toes, the metatarsal bones (stress fracture) and the heel bones are particularly prone to fractures.
A fracture occurs when one or more bones are broken. It can occur as a result of an impact, a twist of the foot, a direct blow or a crushing. In the case of a fatigue fracture of the foot, related to muscular fatigue, it is the size of the load imposed on the limb that is at issue.
The main symptom of a fracture is pain, which can be more or less intense depending on the severity of the injury and its location. It generally intensifies when you put weight on the foot, i.e. when you put your body weight on it to walk.
In order to know the severity of the injury, you must consult a healthcare professional. In some cases, a fracture requires surgery.
Ankle sprain
You were walking on a sidewalk, missed a step and ended up on the ground with pain in your ankle and foot? You may be suffering from ligament pain in your foot – a sprain!
This traumatic condition affects the ligaments and occurs during an uncontrolled and sudden movement of the foot. Inversion of the foot (inward movement) is more common than outward movement of the foot. When we say sprain, it is not a very precise diagnosis.
In fact, there are three grades: mild sprain (stretching of the ligaments), moderate sprain (partial tear), or severe sprain (full ligament tear).
It can happen while playing sports as well as in everyday life. A wrong movement can be enough to cause it.
When the trauma occurs, the pain in the ankle and foot is usually immediate. It may also come with swelling in the foot and trouble walking.
Metatarsalgia and burning sensation under the soles of the feet
Are you struggling with pain in the forefoot, in your toes? Does it hurt to stand on your tiptoes? It could be metatarsalgia! It is caused by an inflammation of the area between the arch of the foot and the toes.
It can be caused by repeated stress on this area, inappropriate footwear or a condition like osteoarthritis.
Metatarsalgia causes a sensation of discomfort in the front of the foot, as if you had pebbles in your shoe, but also a sensation of burning and numbness. Standing on tiptoes, whether in a squatting or standing position, can be painful and awkward.
Osteoarthritis of the foot: what are the symptoms?
Osteoarthritis is less common in the foot than in the knee, but it is still a condition that can affect the foot. It is a progressive degeneration of the cartilage, and it sets in slowly.
Athletes whose activity requires repeated impacts, such as runners, are particularly at risk. It can also develop following a previous injury.
Depending on its progression, foot osteoarthritis can affect a person’s daily life to a greater or lesser extent. Pain and stiffness are two symptoms of osteoarthritis. Over time, walking, for example, can become more difficult.
Hallux valgus or foot bunion
You have probably already heard of it, as it is such a common problem in the population. Hallux valgus is a deformity located at the front of the foot, on the big toe. It develops progressively and very slowly, over several years, and is due to the deviation of the joint.
There are a variety of causes for it, and it is not always possible to identify a specific one:
- Excessive wearing of heels or narrow shoes;
- Excessive friction between the foot and the shoe;
- The nature of your job (such as serving in a restaurant);
- A sport;
- Genetics.
The symptoms of hallux valgus vary. Depending on its progression, local pain may be felt to a greater or lesser extent, as well as difficulties in putting on shoes. You may also notice morning stiffness and a loss of sensitivity.
Foot tendinitis (Achilles and tibial tendons): what are the symptoms?
Foot tendinitis is less common than elbow tendinitis or shoulder tendinitis, but it can still occur. The anterior tibial tendon and the Achilles tendon are the most commonly affected.
Tendinitis is related to overuse of the foot, and can therefore be caused by a sports or professional activity that puts a lot of strain on the foot. Achilles tendinitis is particularly common in runners.
Pain during exercise and then at rest is the main symptom of foot tendinitis. It can come with stiffness, numbness and a feeling of discomfort when walking.
There is confusion between tendinitis, tendinosis and tendinopathy. Tendinopathy is the name given to tendinitis once the inflammatory stage has passed.
What to do in case of foot pain, how to relieve it?
If you are experiencing foot pain as a result of your activity or from a recent trauma, the first thing to do is to give your foot some rest and limit the pressure on it. Elevation can be a good option, as well as wearing crutches to reduce the load on the injured foot.
As soon as you can, see a healthcare professional. A consultation with a physiotherapist may help you recover by preventing further symptoms, rehabilitating your foot, and allowing you to return safely to your activities.
Treatment varies by condition and by patient. Your treatment plan may also be modified over time as your injury progresses.
Your teatment may include stretching and rehabilitation exercises, instruction and advice on how to walk or the use of adapted footwear. If necessary, the therapist may refer you to an orthotist for the purchase of inserts.
If you suffer from pain under or on your foot, make an appointment with one of our physiotherapists.