Foot Pain

Foot pain has many possible causes, and where exactly it hurts is often the most useful clue to what's causing it.

Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis — inflammation of the band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes — is the most common cause of heel pain, typically causing sharp pain with the first steps in the morning that eases with movement, then can return after prolonged standing.

Arch Pain

Flat feet, an unusually high arch, or the same plantar fasciitis mentioned above can all cause arch discomfort, often related to how weight is distributed across the foot.

Ball-of-Foot Pain

Metatarsalgia — inflammation and pain in the ball of the foot, often from high-impact activity or ill-fitting shoes — and, less commonly, a stress fracture, are common causes in this area.

Toe Pain

Bunions (a bony bump at the base of the big toe), ingrown toenails, and gout (which classically affects the big toe joint) are frequent, distinct causes of toe-specific pain.

General Risk Factors

Ill-fitting shoes, being overweight, sudden increases in activity level, and certain foot shapes all raise the risk of most of the conditions above.

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor for foot pain following an injury, an inability to bear weight, signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling with fever), or pain that persists beyond a few weeks despite rest and appropriate footwear.