Foot pain can arise from a variety of conditions affecting the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the feet, leading to discomfort and difficulty in daily activities. Common causes include fractures, plantar fasciitis, bunions, arthritis, and nerve disorders like Morton’s neuroma. In India, foot problems are prevalent due to factors such as improper footwear, occupational hazards, and cultural practices like prolonged standing or walking barefoot.

Seek medical attention if you experience persistent foot pain that limits mobility, swelling, difficulty bearing weight on the foot, or signs of infection such as redness and warmth. Our orthopaedic specialists are dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot conditions, offering personalised care and effective treatment plans to restore foot health and improve quality of life.

Foot pain and problems can arise from a variety of causes, ranging from minor injuries to chronic medical conditions. Understanding the potential causes can help in diagnosing and effectively treating the underlying issues. Here are some common causes of foot pain and problems:

1. Trauma and Injuries: One of the most common causes of foot pain is trauma or injury. This can include fractures, sprains, and strains resulting from accidents, falls, or sports activities. These injuries can cause immediate pain, swelling, and difficulty in walking or bearing weight on the affected foot.

2. Overuse and Repetitive Stress: Overuse injuries, such as stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and tendinitis, are often the result of repetitive activities that place excessive strain on the foot. These conditions are common among athletes, runners, and individuals whose jobs require prolonged standing or walking. Over time, the continuous stress can lead to inflammation, pain, and functional impairment.

3. Flat Feet (Pes Planus): Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet are low or absent, causing the entire foot to touch the ground. This condition can lead to foot pain, particularly in the heel and arch areas, as well as in the knees and lower back due to altered gait and posture.

4. High Arches (Pes Cavus): Conversely, having high arches can also cause foot problems. High arches can lead to excessive pressure on the heel and ball of the foot, increasing the risk of conditions like plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and stress fractures.

5. Bunions and Hammertoes: Bunions are bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe, often causing pain and discomfort. Hammertoes are deformities where one or more toes are bent in a claw-like position. Both conditions can result from ill-fitting shoes, genetic predisposition, or arthritis, leading to significant foot pain and difficulty in walking.

6. Arthritis: Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause chronic foot pain and deformities. Osteoarthritis leads to the degeneration of cartilage in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints. Both conditions can result in pain, stiffness, and swelling in the feet.

7. Diabetes: Diabetes can lead to foot pain and problems through complications such as peripheral neuropathy and diabetic foot ulcers. Peripheral neuropathy causes nerve damage, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet. Poor circulation and immune response in diabetes can also result in slow-healing wounds and ulcers, which can become serious if left untreated.

8. Infections: Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections can cause foot pain and other issues. Conditions like athlete’s foot, plantar warts, and cellulitis can lead to discomfort, itching, and swelling.

9. Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions such as gout, which results from the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, can cause sudden and severe foot pain. Gout typically affects the big toe, causing intense pain, redness, and swelling.

10. Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes that do not fit properly, lack support, or have high heels can contribute to foot pain and deformities. Prolonged use of ill-fitting shoes can lead to conditions such as bunions, calluses, corns, and plantar fasciitis.

11. Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, lack of physical activity, and standing or walking for extended periods can also contribute to foot problems. Excess body weight increases pressure on the feet, while inactivity can lead to weakened muscles and poor circulation.

Foot pain and problems encompass a wide range of symptoms that can vary depending on the underlying cause. Here are some common symptoms associated with foot conditions:

1. Pain: Pain in the foot can manifest in different areas such as the heel, arch, toes, or ball of the foot. The pain may be sharp, stabbing, dull, or throbbing, and it can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that affects daily activities.

2. Swelling: Swelling or inflammation of the foot can occur due to injuries, overuse, or conditions like arthritis. It may be localised to a specific area or affect the entire foot, causing discomfort and reduced mobility.

3. Tenderness: The affected area of the foot may be tender to touch, indicating inflammation or injury to muscles, tendons, or joints.

4. Stiffness: Stiffness in the foot joints or muscles can make it difficult to move the foot or toes freely. This may be especially noticeable after periods of rest or upon waking in the morning.

5. Difficulty Walking: Foot problems can lead to difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected foot. This may be due to pain, instability, or reduced range of motion.

6. Changes in Skin and Nails: Conditions like fungal infections (such as athlete’s foot), ingrown toenails, or calluses can cause changes in the skin and nails of the foot. These changes may include redness, swelling, thickened nails, or discoloration.

7. Burning or Tingling Sensation: Nerve-related foot problems, such as Morton’s neuroma or peripheral neuropathy, can cause sensations of burning, tingling, or numbness in the foot or toes.

8. Deformities: Foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet can cause pain and affect foot alignment and function.

9. Limited Range of Motion: Conditions affecting the joints or tendons of the foot can lead to decreased flexibility and limited range of motion, making it challenging to perform certain movements or activities.