Our feet not only carry the weight of our entire body, but also absorb the impact of every step we take. So it’s no surprise that many people experience foot pain from time to time. Chronic foot pain, on the other hand, can last for months or even years and is sometimes difficult to get relief from. Fortunately, there are some simple lifestyle changes that can help.
What are the most common causes of foot pain?
There are many different things that can cause occasional foot pain, such as shoes that are too tight, overuse or injury. This pain usually goes away once the problem is resolved. Foot pain can also be caused by certain medical conditions or structural issues, such as flat feet or collapsed arches, says Dr. Gary Schmidt, a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon at OrthoONE at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colorado.
“One of the main causes is post-traumatic arthritis and then general arthritic changes,” Dr. Schmidt said. “Ankle fractures are a very common problem, and then there are midfoot and big toe changes.”
However, it may take some time to notice these changes after they have been in place for a while. “It’s human nature. We want to ignore it and let it go, but often it doesn’t,” Dr. Schmidt said.
Foot pain can also come from electrical problems such as tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can lead to chronic nerve pain. Tarsal tunnel is similar to carpal tunnel in that it affects the hand and is caused by a compressed nerve. Although it is an uncommon cause of foot pain, tarsal tunnels are often underdiagnosed due to the similarity of symptoms to other foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
What are the risk factors for chronic foot pain?
Athletes and highly active people are often at high risk for foot pain, Dr. Schmidt said. People who have been injured, especially high-energy trauma such as a motor vehicle accident, may also experience foot pain when returning to their level of activity. Certain health conditions can also increase someone’s risk of developing foot pain.
“Up to 30 percent of cases of rheumatoid disease are associated with chronic foot and ankle pain,” says Dr. Schmidt. “People with generalized osteoarthritis have a high rate of foot and ankle pain. It is important to remember that of any weight-bearing joint in the body, the ankle experiences the greatest forces, so if you are predisposed to any of these conditions, it It usually appears on your ankle or foot.”
When is foot pain a cause for concern?
Generally speaking, chronic foot pain is pain that lasts for more than a few weeks or keeps recurring. But what may be worrisome to one person may not be a big deal to another.
“There’s a difference between a nuisance and a problem. A nuisance bothers you, but you do whatever you want anyway,” explains Dr. Schmidt. “But the problem is stopping you from doing the things you want to do. So if you’re just having trouble, you might want to see how it goes and treat yourself. But if it’s really a problem and you’re not doing the things you want to do because of it , that’s when you need to investigate.”
It’s also important to take a careful inventory of why and when your feet hurt, and what makes your feet feel better. Some people’s pain may worsen at night, while others’ pain may worsen with activity. Being able to answer these questions can help doctors determine the cause of pain.
What lifestyle changes can help manage chronic foot pain?
If you’ve had foot pain for a while, you can make some lifestyle changes to relieve it. However, before making any changes, you need an accurate diagnosis to ensure the correct issues are being addressed. Some pain may be related to specific events or changes in daily activities. For example, if you started exercising more as a New Year’s resolution and you’re experiencing foot pain, it might make sense to start with a lower fitness level and increase it as your body’s habits of activity change.
Another simple change you can make is finding the right shoes. Many people wear shoes that are too tight and cause pain, so wearing shoes that give the foot more room can help. Orthopedic shoes are designed to support the structure of the ankle, foot and leg. They are beneficial for people with plantar fasciitis, bunions, flat feet, or other conditions that can affect the structure and mechanics of the foot.
Many patients also find relief after starting a regular stretching program, Dr. Schmidt says, and physical therapy can also help. Surgery is often a last resort for foot pain because patients can often manage it with simple lifestyle changes. Only about 10 percent of foot pain solutions are surgical, Dr. Schmidt explained.
“We have a saying that everyone who comes into our barbershop doesn’t get a haircut. In other words, not everyone who comes in gets a surgery,” he said.
Foot pain doesn’t have to stop you from living your life. If the situation gets to the point where you have trouble or can’t function normally, it’s important to consult your doctor to find a solution.
Adds Dr. Schmidt: “I often say to my patients, ‘This is not a dress rehearsal for your next life. This is it. So you should do what you want.'”
