Chronic Foot Pain: Causes and Management

What Is Chronic Foot Pain?

Prolonged injuries or overuse of the foot and the associated structures can lead to foot pain that persists for long periods, called chronic foot pain. Aching foot makes it hard to keep up with the routine chores. It makes doing one's favorite activities challenging and impairs physical health due to the sedentary lifestyle one adopts after developing foot pain. Chronic pain is not when a person stands or walks for a prolonged period and feels soreness on the feet but when the pain persists for days or weeks and does not improve with home remedies or taking medications.

What Causes Chronic Foot Pain?

The following are some of the causes of chronic foot pain:

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Chronic regional pain syndrome is a chronic pain affecting the legs and arms. The pain develops after surgery, injury, heart attack (impaired blood flow to the heart muscles), or stroke (impaired blood supply to the brain). The exact cause of complex regional pain syndrome must be thoroughly studied. It develops a throbbing or burning pain in the foot and arms, which may be sensitive to temperature. Altered skin color and swelling are some other symptoms of the condition. The skin texture and temperature may also change, affecting the ability to move.

• Achilles Tendonitis: Achilles tendinitis is the tendinitis of the heel. The Achilles tendon is a band that connects the muscles of the calf region to the back of the heel bone. Overuse injury to this tendon leads to Achilles tendonitis. It mainly develops in runners or sports like basketball or tennis. In this case, mild pain develops initially above the heel or back of the leg after doing specific activities. Prolonged movements lead to severe pain associated with stiffness or tenderness of the related structures. Severe morning pain may make it challenging for the affected individuals to start their routine work.

• Osteoarthritis: Deterioration of cartilage leads to a condition called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis leads to joint stiffness and pain. Osteoarthritis affects the foot as the joints bear most body weight, decreasing mobility. Chronic injury or inflammation of the foot joint leads to cartilage wear and tear, causing pain. Bone injuries or ligament sprain may also cause foot osteoarthritis. Pain in the ball of the foot, limited range of motion, Heel pain, soreness, swelling, and stiffness are the main symptoms.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An inflammatory autoimmune condition called rheumatoid arthritis impacts the lining of the joint membrane. This lining typically provides lubrication and makes the movements easier. Rheumatoid arthritis thickens the lining and increases the joint fluid, causing swelling and softening within the joint, weakening the joint. Redness, increased temperature, and pain are the main symptoms. It alters the foot shape and leads to heel pain. The Achilles tendon may develop specific nodules called rheumatoid nodules.

• Gout: Sudden pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness in the foot may be due to gout. Gout may also make the affected individual wake up in the middle of the night out of pain and discomfort. Gout is joint inflammation and pain due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals. The condition develops when the uric acid levels in the blood increase. The big toe is mainly affected by gout. Limiting the range of motion is another symptom of gout.

• Morton’s Neuroma: Morton’s neuroma is the inflammation of the foot nerve. The interdigital nerves )nerves between the digits) between the third and fourth toes enlarges in this condition. The thickened nerves will develop pain and difficulty walking. The affected individual may feel pain between their toes, increasing when wearing high-heeled shoes. Swelling, numbness, or tingling sensation are other symptoms of the condition.

• Diabetic Neuropathy: Diabetes is a metabolic condition when the blood sugar or glucose level increases. It is a complication of diabetes that causes nerve damage. There are different types of diabetic neuropathy based on the sites it affects, and the symptoms vary accordingly. Peripheral diabetic neuropathy is when the nerves of the feet get affected. Numbness, tingling or burning sensation, muscle weakness, or intense pain are some symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

• Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis, or policeman's heel, is the inflammation of the plantar fascia. Plantar fascia is the band that connects the toes to the heel bone. As a result, the affected individual may experience stabbing pain, especially on waking up in the morning. The pain subsides afterward and returns after some time of doing work, walking, or exercising. The pain will be felt on the bottom of the foot. Stretching or tension in the plantar fascia leads to tearing of the band, causing plantar fasciitis.

• Sesamoiditis: Inflammation of the sesamoid bone is called sesmoiditis. The bone embedded with the tendon or muscles is called a sesamoid bone. Overuse of this bone, especially by athletes or dancers, leads to sesamoiditis. It affects the football, leading to pain and difficulty bending the toes, especially the big toe. Swelling, bruising, redness, and difficulty walking are other symptoms of the condition.

• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: The tibial nerve runs through a canal in the ankle. Tibial nerve damage or compression leads to tarsal tunnel syndrome. It mainly affects individuals with high arch feet, flat feet, irregular growth, or conditions like lipoma, arthritis, and others. Tingling or burning sensation, numbness, and muscle weakness are the main symptoms of the condition.

How to Manage Chronic Foot Pain?

Chronic foot pain can be managed by providing adequate rest to the foot. Seeking medical care is essential, especially when the pain is unbearable and persists for a prolonged time, even after trying out home remedies.

• The doctor may provide steroid injections to subside swelling and pain.

• Custom-made orthotic devices will also help reduce the pressure on the foot.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, and cold compress will help reduce pain.

• Massaging the area or physical therapy helps enhance blood circulation and relieves the injury and symptoms.

• The healthcare providers may suggest stretching exercises once the individual can stand up and move.

Conclusion

Chronic foot pain is long-running foot pain that could prevent the person from doing daily chores and participating in exercises or sports activities. A variety of causes can lead to chronic foot pain. Seeking medical help is essential in relieving the symptoms and removing any underlying persistent cause.