We rely on our feet daily for moving and other necessary tasks, which is why most people will experience foot pain at some point. Some reasons for foot pain are common, such as wearing improper footwear, but it can also mean that other serious problems exist. Because September is Pain Awareness Month, in today’s post, Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, and Cassandra Stache, DPM of greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center shares 9 common causes of foot pain.

Here are some common causes of foot pain:

1. Ingrown Toenails: This typically develops when a nail’s edge grows into the toe’s skin. The toenail initially appears swollen and red; in more serious cases, pus is near the infected area.
2. Calluses and Blisters: Calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop due to pressure. Blisters are similar, except they are pockets of fluid that accumulate in the top layers of your skin. We typically get blisters and calluses when our feet rub against our shoes.
3. Acute Injury: While painful, these injuries require only minor treatment. Some injuries can even be addressed at home. A common injury of this type is Achilles tendonitis, which is the overuse of the tendons in your feet.
4. Wearing Improper Footwear: This is a common cause of foot pain, typically caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or high heels that cause pain in your foot muscles.
5. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition is the compression of the posterior nerve in your ankle and has many causes. For instance, if you sprain your ankle, the injury can also harm the nerve. Irregularities such as flat feet can also affect this nerve.
6. Osteoarthritis: This condition develops when cartilage from within a joint breaks down, typically from excessive physical activity. It can cause severe pain and immobility and worsen with physical activity.
7. Overuse: If you spend much time on your feet, your feet will unavoidably hurt. This is common if you walk a lot for work.
8. Morton’s Neuroma: This condition develops when the tissue surrounding your toes’ small nerves thickens. It causes a sharp pain in the ball of the foot that can spread to your toes, causing discomfort when walking.
9. Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation and irritation of the thick band of connective tissue in the sole of your foot is called plantar fasciitis. The condition has many causes, including prolonged walking, running, standing, wearing improper footwear, and obesity.

We count on our feet for many daily activities, which is one of the many reasons why foot pain is common. While it’s not always a reason for concern, constant and intense foot pain may be the symptom of a more serious condition.

If you are experiencing chronic foot or ankle pain, contact Greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center. You can click here to locate contact information for the nearest office to book your appointment.