Your feet are your trusted vehicle to move from one place to another whenever you want to. Any foot pain can immediately halt your daily routine and make walking, running, and moving quite difficult. Since we utilize our feet the most, we unknowingly manage to put our feet through a lot by wearing tight shoes, overexercising, and walking rough terrains, which can cause a lot of Pain. However, sometimes, underlying conditions may be responsible for bringing aches to the bottom of our feet. In this article, we look at the most common causes of Pain in bottom foot and possible treatments to relieve the Pain. By the end of the article, you will find out whether your Pain can be reduced with the help of home remedies or if you need immediate medical attention.
This is the inflammation of the muscles connecting the heel to your toes' base. It is caused due to intense activity and standing for long hours. People suffering from this condition feel Pain when standing up.
What Causes Pain in bottom of my foot?
Feet are delicate structures prone to a lot of wear and tear. While our feet can be really strong and resilient, there are times when they give up due to excess Pain and inflammation. Here are 10 reasons that cause extreme Pain in the bottom foot:Intense physical activity-
- Our feet are delicate, and overworking them can result in Pain, swelling, and inflammation of the tissues. As you may have normally felt at the end of a long hike, your feet will show signs of swelling and reddening. The Pain involved may reduce over a few days with bed rest.
- Pain due to intense physical activity is also observed when ladies wear high heels that add strain to the ball of the foot. Also, when gym goers wear improper-sized shoes while exercising.
- Activities that damage the foot and form tiny fractures in the metatarsal can lead to a condition called Freiberg disease- a reason for severe Pain.
Corn-
The condition characterized by yellowish callus growth under the toes or on the bottom of the foot. The callus growth appears most in the areas that rub against the footwear. Corn is commonly observed among adults who walk a lot. The callus grows in layers and accumulates into a dense web, causing Pain while walking.Bunions-
Bunion is the misalignment of the toes of the foot especially seen at the base of the big toes or the base of the little toes. This makes the toes protrude out of their normal alignment. This condition affects the joints in the toes and occurs in females due to pressure on joints after wearing heels and confining shoes.Being overweight-
excess body weight can cause stress on the joints and muscles of the foot, leading to Pain in the bottom foot. If there is no other underlying condition, unless you control your weight, the Pain may persist longer than usual.
Heel spurs-
A condition wherein a bone grows on the underside of the heel. This bony growth interferes with the fascia muscle in the foot that stretches it to bring Pain and discomfort to the rest of the foot.Morton's neuroma-
This condition occurs when two bones of the foot rub against each other and squeeze the nerves between them. It leads to the growth of tissues around the nerves. It leads to swelling between the toes, which is the cause of foot pain.Plantar fasciitis-
Diabetic neuropathy-
long-term diabetes has the potential to cause damage to nerve endings. Diabetic patients are prone to this condition which leaves them feeling tingling or numbing sensations in their feet. The patient may be unable to walk.Metatarsalgia-
an unfortunate situation where exertion to the toes causes many tiny fractures in the metatarsals, which causes immense Pain in the bottom foot while walking.Hammer toes
are caused when you wear tight shoes for weeks and months, resulting in bent, curled toes. This stress on the toes applies pressure to the joints on the base of the foot and prevents you from walking smoothly.
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How is foot pain treated?
Most of the above causes are treatable by home remedies and self-care. Even where Surgery is involved, your doctor will urge you to follow one or more of the following treatment strategies to improve the condition of your foot and fasten the recovery after Surgery.Self-care:
- Manage body weight to put less strain on your feet.
- Use comfortable footwear when exercising and running to avoid curling your toes.
- Use ice packs to reduce the inflammation and swelling in the feet. Ice numbs the Pain to give relief from Pain and relax the muscles.
- Rest your feet from time to time; they deserve it.
- Orthotic insoles are shoe inserts that help align the foot, especially in the case of Bunions. Additional cushioning in the feet can also ease the Pain in the foot.
- Foot pads, also called Metatarsal pads, are particularly used to heal Pain due to Metatarsalgia.
- Use creams or moisturizers for the foot as a form of massage and softening callus growth.
- OTC painkillers such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are commonly taken when the Pain is unbearable.
Medical treatment:
- To control Steroid rapid growth of connective tissues, injections such as corticosteroids are injected in cases of Heel spurs.
- Medical shaving is a technique performed to shave off the accumulated dead skin layers on the bottom foot, as seen in the case of corn.
- Surgery is the ultimate resort when home remedies and medications do not work. Your doctor may recommend Surgery if you have any severe condition, including Plantar fasciitis, corn, heel spurs, and Metatarsalgia.
When should you see a doctor?
Typically, when feeling a sensation of Pain in the foot, it tends to subside upon rest and care. However, if the Pain begins to worsen and completely hinders your walking and moving sound, you should consider seeking medical help. Other reasons that may require medical assistance are:- Lose sensation in your foot or numbness in the foot
- Pain in the foot gets severe
- Completely unable to walk
- Intense swelling in the foot
- Diabetes or another condition that has the potential to cause nerve damage
- Tingling or burning sensation in the bottom foot
- An open wound that is not healing
Conclusion -
Pain in bottom foot can occur due to stress and trauma from exercise, bruising, or inherent genetic predisposition. While foot pain can be healed with self-care and bed rest, some conditions may require medical assistance to be treated. Be sure to reach out to your doctor in time to avoid any delay that may worsen the Pain in your foot. Treatments are easily accessible; all you need to do is pay attention to your feet as they will lead you where you want to go!Frequently Asked Questions
How long does foot pain last?
Pain in the bottom foot caused by a long day's work or intense activity can last up to a few hours to one day, depending on the rest your feet get. However, if the Pain in your feet persists longer than a few days, you should consider consulting a doctor, as there may be an underlying cause.
Can shoes cause Pain in bottom of my foot?
Ill-fitting or worn-out shoes can contribute to foot pain. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes that fit well and provide adequate arch support.
Are there any exercises I can do to alleviate Pain in bottom foot?
Stretching and strengthening exercises for the foot and ankle can help to alleviate Pain and improve flexibility. Consult with a physical therapist or healthcare professional to determine which exercises are appropriate for your specific condition.
Can corn be treated without Surgery?
Corns are formed due to irregularities in shoe size and excessive wear and tear of the feet. It is possible to heal corn by wearing socks/Cushing in your shoes and not roaming barefoot, even at home. Additionally, bed rest over a few weeks has shown to heal corn without Surgery.
What is the fastest way to treat bunions?
The fastest way to heal bunions is by Surgery. However, healing an alignment issue in your foot can be done naturally by wearing proper shoes, foot pads, orthotic inserts, and a splint at night to align the toe.
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