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Foot Pain
Alternate Names : Pain - Foot
DefinitionPain or discomfort can be felt anywhere in the foot, including the heel, toes, arch, instep, sole, or ankles. See also ankle pain and heel pain.
Pictures & Images
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Common Causes
Foot pain can be caused by:
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Bunions -- a protrusion at the base of the big toe, which can become inflamed. Bunions often develop over time from wearing narrow-toed shoes.
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Hammer toes -- toes that curl downward into a claw-like position.
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Calluses and corns -- thickened skin from friction or pressure. Calluses are on the balls of the feet or heels. Corns appear on your toes.
- Plantar warts -- from pressure on the soles of your feet.
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Fallen arches -- also called flat feet.
Ill-fitting shoes often cause these problems. Aging and being overweight also increase your chances of having foot problems and foot injuries.
Morton's neuroma, caused by two bones on the sole of your foot rubbing together, leads to a sharp or burning pain in the ball of your foot (and sometimes toes). It is less common, but can be related to wearing tight-fitting shoes.
Other common causes of foot pain include
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Broken bones -- generally from falling or repeated pounding
- Stress fracture
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Arthritis
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Gout -- common in the big toe, which becomes red, swollen, and very tender
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Plantar fasciitis -- see heel pain
- Bone spur -- see heel pain
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Sprains -- see ankle pain
- Bursitis of the heel -- see heel pain
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Tendinitis -- see heel pain
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Foot Pain: Common Causes
• Foot Pain: Home Care & Treatment
• Foot Pain: Prevention
• Call your Health Care Provider if
• What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Acute Gouty Arthritis
• Arthritis
• Bunions
• Corns and Calluses
• Hammer Toe
• Pes Planus
• Plantar Fasciitis
Other Topics
• Ankle Pain
• Broken Bone
• Sprains
Review Date : 11/13/2003
Reviewed By : Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma., and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Thomas N. Joseph, M.D., Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU/Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (11/14/2002).
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