Foot pain
Causes of Foot Pain
1. Damaging effects on the foot:
Muscles tire, ligaments and capsules slackso one occurs Loosening of the skeleton in the Joints a. The consequences are changes and Foot painwhich, if they persist for a long time, especially if the damaging causes continue to act, not only can no longer be repaired, but above all intensify these changes. Also one Tendinitis in the foot may be responsible for the pain. The number of damaging influences on our feet is constantly increasing. The influence that footwear has on the disease in our feet has not yet been clarified. What contrast to the influences of the environment on the foot the mostly barefoot member of the uncivilized peoples! Constant walking in well-shaped shoes and stockings already causes damage to the foot, as normal secretions cannot evaporate, but are absorbed by the footwear. This makes the foot permanent in one humid atmosphere held, which softens the skin and hinders skin breathing.
2. Muscle inactivity atrophy / muscular atrophy:
Good footwear becomes ours Foot muscles relieved. On the one hand, this is very pleasant, and on the other hand, permanent relief leads to a decline in the foot muscles. Any muscle that is not exercised gradually atrophies. Walking barefoot on soft ground trains the foot muscles and protects against the above Civilization damage and foot pain.
Figure pain ankle
Foot pain
- Achilles tendonitis /
Achilles tendon rupture - Broken bones - toes,
Metatarsus, tarsus
(here outer ankle fracture) - Ligament stretch / torn ligament
at the ankle - Lower and upper heel spurs
Calcaneus spur - Hammer toe and claw toe
(Deformities of the toe bones)
Digitus malleus - Plantar warts
Verrucae plantares - Hallux valgus -
(Deviation of the big toe
in the base joint) - Hallux rigidus -
(Joint wear of the
Metatarsophalangeal joint) - Inflamed nails / nail fungus
- Osteoarthritis / arthritis -
degenerative change of
Joints / inflammation of the joints
You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations
Appointment with ?
I would be happy to advise you!
Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
But now enough is indicated ;-)
Athletes (joggers, soccer players, etc.) are particularly often affected by diseases of the foot. In some cases, the cause of the foot discomfort cannot be identified at first.
Therefore, the treatment of the foot (e.g. Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, etc.) requires a lot of experience.
I focus on a wide variety of foot diseases.
The aim of every treatment is treatment without surgery with a complete recovery of performance.
Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.
You can find me in:
- Lumedis - your orthopedic surgeon
Kaiserstrasse 14
60311 Frankfurt am Main
Directly to the online appointment arrangement
Unfortunately, it is currently only possible to make an appointment with private health insurers. I hope for your understanding!
Further information about myself can be found at Dr. Nicolas Gumpert
Development and prevention of foot damage and foot pain
Most of the successes of one are based on these considerations and those discussed previously systematic athletic training. The muscles specifically required for a sport are developed to the maximum and brought to training. We observe an anatomically completely different, but ultimately very similar process in the Joints. A joint that has been immobilized for a long time is then more or less stiff and has to be made mobile again, often with great effort and pain. The Reduced mobility the joints arise u. a. through shrinkage of the joint capsules, which, also as a result of non-use, very quickly adapts to the given conditions, to the immobilized, practically immobile joint. With normal footwear, even if it fits very well and is well made, the Musculature of the foot and leg to a large extent "Spared", d. H. condemned to inaction.
The effect is that the muscles become increasingly weaker.
With this, however, it can do less and less justice to its actual task of keeping the foot active and elastic. The effect is ultimately a completely slack, soft foot that is no longer able to actively participate in walking and running Foot pain triggers. This creates all the prerequisites for deforming the feet. Then there are shifts and changes in the joints and capsules, so that after a sufficiently long development in this direction, a healing, that is, healing Restoration of the normal state is no longer possible. Even during this development process, the complaints and pain increasingly occur. These phenomena are of course not solely due to the softening effect of the footwear, but they are supported by them. If the patients come into treatment in a timely manner, suitable measures such as active foot gymnastics, exercise treatment, etc.., this danger can be prevented and the development returned to normal.
At the same time, however, since the damage to the foot muscles and the foot skeleton continues, one must orthopedic shoe supply deploy. In this way, the changes that have already occurred in the damaged foot should not only be mechanically compensated for, but conditions should be created by appropriate shaping of the footwear that stimulate the foot to active activity. The healthy, still instinctive body defends itself against the development of deformation of the foot through an often unconscious, increased urge to move. Many members of professions that are particularly threatened by this damage to civilization have a pronounced wandering instinct in their free times, i.e. h- they then want to hike vigorously in the mountains without paved smooth paths or do sports or run barefoot on the firm sand of a beach. Those who are not familiar with these connections asks, in astonishment, why this man, who complains of complaints in his feet all year round, keeps his feet so "effort"instead of" finally giving them some rest ".
therapy
With foot pain you can generally use Immobilization, cooling or warming (depending on what is more pleasant), get better. Also pain relievers or creams like one Voltaren- Ointment bandages have a decongestant, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect. Especially with Sprains, Torn ligaments or Infections this can be helpful. At a Broken bone immobilization is often done in a cast, sometimes surgery is necessary.
With all types of foot pain, care should be taken to have comfortable shoes with a suitable footbed. The shoe shouldn't pinch and be big enough. Occasionally, insoles can be used to achieve improvements in gait (e.g. Splay, buckle, flat feet). Socks shouldn't be wrinkled and blister plasters and the like can counteract pressure points caused by shoes.
During sports (especially running) Special sports socks should be worn before Blow to offer adequate protection. Foreign bodies in the shoes, any painful blisters, splinters or Warts should be opened / removed. Warts can be iced up with cold therapy (Cryotherapy).
Inflamed nails can be avoided with special care and proper nail cutting. If a nail has grown in, regular foot baths, cleaning the wound and possibly placing cotton wool between the nail and skin can help. Occasionally, the entire nail needs to be pulled so that a new nail can grow back. By a regular foot care get warts, Athlete's foot and often prevent nail changes.
If the big toe is misaligned, the hallux valgus, results in pain on the outer pad. Since the misalignment is often triggered by a shortening of the tendons, night splints that pull the toe outwards or insoles of the Progress can be used to brake. However, a normal toe position can often only be achieved with an operation.
If the foot pain is caused by misaligned legs (If one, Knock knees, Pelvic inclination), an orthopedic surgeon should be consulted to discuss correction options.
Rare cancers like that Ewing sarcoma must be treated in specialized centers. Come along Chemotherapy, surgery and / or radiation for use.
The benign one Osteoid osteoma surgical removal is possible, but response rates are also good for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs described.
At Circulatory disorderswhich lead to the death of bone parts (M. Koehler 1 and M. Koehler 2) can often be alleviated by means of conservative therapy through immobilization in a bandage or plaster and subsequent care with insoles. In the case of M. Koehler 2, which mainly affects girls, this is unfortunately often not sufficient, so that an operation must be considered.
Rheumatic diseases can also occur in childhood and many Joints affect the foot as well. Children with joint pain and rheumatic diseases in their families should be examined for this at an early stage. Most rheumatic diseases in children go away completely, but in some the rheumatic disease becomes chronic, i.e. it remains for a lifetime. The various therapy options should be weighed up by a rheumatologist. Come often anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy for use.
For bone and bone marrow infections (Osteitis, Osteomyelitis), fast, targeted antibiotic therapy is important as it can lead to permanent damage and can also be life-threatening.
At Growing pains A hot water bottle on the painful area or a warm bath, which relaxes the muscles, often helps. The muscles can also be massaged and rubbed with oils by the parents. On Homeopathics should Calcium Phosphoricum and Manganum Provide relief, but these effects have not been proven. Before taking it, you should always seek advice. Painkiller (Paracetamol) must be used carefully with children and adapted to their weight and age.
Pain after getting up / starting pain
Patients often complain of foot pain after getting up.
Is it not a acute injury or their consequences, one has to think of different diseases.
Even very banal, restrictive footwear can be the reason for foot pain after getting up.
arthrosis or arthritis (Rheumatoid arthritis) cause so-called starting pain in the ankles.
Osteoarthritis refers to wear and tear on the joint surfaces, which means that there is a problem Cartilage reduction so that there is direct friction between the joint surfaces.
The cartilage layer enables the joint surfaces of the bones that form the joint to move smoothly and painlessly without resistance or direct contact.
Furthermore, the Rheumatoid arthritis to inflammation of the joints as well as the structures nearby (Tendons, ligaments, muscle attachments). This inflammation can lead to foot pain after getting up.
Also irritation and inflammation of the Plantar fascia (the large tendon plate on the sole of the foot) leads to a stabbing pain, especially after rest.
However, less serious reasons can also lead to the onset of pain, such as a change in the Arch of the footthat is found in most people as they age.
If you suffer from the foot pain described above after getting up, an idea is at Orthopedists recommended, as only a careful diagnosis and the resulting treatment can remedy the symptoms.
Pain when walking
Footwear that is too tight can hurt your feet when walking. In general, you should pay attention to suitable footwear and women in particular should not constantly walk in high heels. Foot pain when walking is exacerbated by being overweight, as the weight presses on the feet. This can also lead to a flat foot, in which the longitudinal arch flattens out.
Overloading from walking and standing a lot puts a strain on the feet. Misalignments such as splay / kinked / flat feet can also lead to pain, but these can often be corrected with insoles.
Changes in the feet are common in adults, so it can too Hammer toe, Claw toes and one hallux valgus come in which the big toe bends towards the other toes and creates a thick ball. They are often accompanied by splayfeet.
Corns and calluses can also develop. But blistering, warts, ingrown toenails, athlete's foot and foreign bodies such as splinters can also be the cause of the pain. In addition, it can develop an infection with swelling, Redness and overheat goes hand in hand.
In some people, an increase in uric acid can lead to an attack of gout, which can particularly affect the thumb and big toe. This results in swelling and overheating.
Rheumatic diseases must also be clarified in a differential diagnosis.
Osteoarthritis can also develop in the foot, e.g. after an injury, but the cause is often unknown.
Circulatory disorders such as those that occur in peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD) can have dire consequences in the feet. Patients report pain in their calves when walking and tingling and numbness in their feet. It is important that even the smallest wounds no longer heal due to the lack of blood flow and cause tissue destruction (Necrosis) to lead. If the person concerned is also diabetic, his nerves can be so damaged by the high sugar level that he hardly feels any pain and notices the necrosis too late.
The diabetes itself leads even without peripheral arterial disease (PAOD) to a circulatory disorder. In Germany, diabetic foot syndrome is one of the most common reasons for foot amputations.
Heel spurs or irritation of the Achilles tendon (med. Achillodynia) also cause foot pain when walking. In particular, the lower heel spur, which is created on the sole of the foot as a result of overload, hurts those affected when stepping on. Here the tendon attachment of the sole tendon, the plantar fascia, becomes calcified. This plantar fascia can also become inflamed (Plantar fasciitis) and cause pain when moving the foot. This is also favored by misaligned feet and overweight.
In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the nerve that innervates the sole of the foot and the inner edge of the foot is trapped (Tibial nerve). This runs in a canal behind the medial ankle, along the tarsal tunnel. The compression can result from footwear, swellings, after injuries in the ankle area or tissue changes. The compression of the nerve results in burning pain and numbness in the treated area, similar to the hand in carpal tunnel syndrome.
A herniated disc in the lumbar spine can also lead to burning pain and numbness due to the herniated disc in the foot area.
Nerve pain is also triggered by alcohol consumption and can also lead to foot pain.
How to properly treat Achilles tendon irritation, read the following article: Achilles Tendon Irritation - How To Treat It Correctly
Foot pain in children
Many children complain of tired legs and feet and pain in them while walking. Just about all children do this because their shorter legs make them take more steps than an adult and tire sooner. This is usually not a problem, but if a child says after just a few steps that their feet are sore, or that the pain does not subside and is also present at rest, there may be other causes.
Foot pain in children can have a variety of reasons. First of all, you should see for yourself whether there is a banal explanation for the pain. This could be a stone in the shoe or a shoe that is too tight that pinches the child's foot. Pressure points on the child's foot can also be used to check whether the shoe is too tight. Red painful areas or welts, as well as blisters indicate this. A splinter when walking barefoot could also cause pain in the foot.
Warts can also become very painful and often require treatment. Inflammation of the nail bed or ingrown toenails are common and very painful. This can be recognized by redness and possibly white purulent melts next to the nail in the nail bed. Relieving the pus is often effective; the entire nail rarely has to be pulled.
Changes in the arch of the foot, such as flat arched feet, are often normal variations that usually do not require any therapy because it grows out again. Occasionally, however, deposits can be useful.
A misalignment of the big toe (hallux valgus) can manifest itself in childhood and be accompanied by pain at the ball of the big toe. Hallux valgus can occur in childhood, for example, with splayfoot.
Misalignments of the hip and pelvic bones, as well as knock knees (Genu valgum) and bow legs (Genu varum) Cause foot pain.
Foot pain in children is rarely caused by worse illnesses. Theoretically, bone or soft tissue tumors such as Ewing's sarcoma or an osteoid osteoma are possible. In the context of circulatory disorders (aseptic bone necrosis), bones or bone parts can go under due to the insufficient oxygen supply; in children one speaks of Köhler's disease (M. Koehler 1: The navicular bone (Os naviculare) is affected, M. Koehler 2: A metatarsal head is affected.)
Likewise, overexertion caused by a lot of running and jumping or strains and torn ligaments when twisting ankle can lead to pain in the feet. If the ankles are swollen, red-blue discolored, overheated, and painful, a doctor should be seen. An x-ray of the foot is often required to rule out a broken bone.
Another common cause is what is known as growing pains in children. These should affect up to a third of all children in the growth phase, occur several times a year and last for a few weeks. Why this occurs is not yet clear. An uneven growth of ligaments and tendons is suspected, which does not keep up with the bone growth and thus experience stretching. Most often, growing pains can be observed at night when the child is at rest. The pain can be so severe that the child cries or even wakes up from the pain. The next morning, however, the pain has mostly disappeared. Especially areas of the arms and legs near the joints are affected, such as the knees and calves, but foot pain is also possible in the child. A hot water bottle on the region or a warm bath can relieve pain. Pain medication may also be necessary.
Rheumatic diseases can also occur in children and lead to foot pain.
Inflammation of the bone marrow, osteomyelitis, or the whole bone (Osteitis) is a possible explanation for leg / foot pain. This can happen after an open injury (e.g. on the shin) or bacterial infections such as the respiratory tract or tonsils (Tonsils) occur. Inflammation is usually accompanied by redness, swelling and fever and the suspicion can be confirmed by taking a blood sample. Rapid antibiotic therapy must be given here, as the disease can be life-threatening.
Read also: Growing pains in the foot
Foot pain heel
Foot pain in the heel area can have very different causes, such as Accidents varying degrees with bone fractures, ligament ruptures, ligament stretching and not optimal healing of the same.
This leads to acute pain.
Also introduce Heel spurChanges in the shape of the calcaneus (Haglund's heel), Overstressing the foot from long walks on very hard surfaces or incorrectly chosen footwear add to the symptoms.
Of course there is also one here rheumatic illness to think that in addition to joint and inflammatory ligament involvement, including the Achilles tendon, leads.
Bale
The ball of the foot represents the connection between the sole of the foot and the big toe and is, under certain circumstances, a very pain-sensitive area.
There can be different causes for experiencing pain, for example Incorrect loads when running, wrong footwear and especially mentioned high-heeled shoes, which lead to a shift of body weight forward, so that a particularly high load is on the ball of the foot.
That in itself causes pain.
In addition, there is also an increase due to incorrect loads and strong mechanical stress Cornea- or Callus formation in this area, which in turn can lead to foot pain again.
Is there a fracture of a Tarsal bone in the metatarsal area, there is also pain.
A stepped transverse arch of the foot with the resulting ground contact also leads to pain in the ball of the foot through callus formation.
Ultimately there is still the splayfoot with a hallux valgus Mention Education.
This misalignment causes the big toe to tilt outwards, i.e. in the direction of the other toes. Hallux valgus is favored by the wrong choice of shoes, but it also occurs more frequently in families.
Appointment with ?
I would be happy to advise you!
Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
But now enough is indicated ;-)
Athletes (joggers, soccer players, etc.) are particularly often affected by diseases of the foot. In some cases, the cause of the foot discomfort cannot be identified at first.
Therefore, the treatment of the foot (e.g. Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, etc.) requires a lot of experience.
I focus on a wide variety of foot diseases.
The aim of every treatment is treatment without surgery with a complete recovery of performance.
Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.
You can find me in:
- Lumedis - your orthopedic surgeon
Kaiserstrasse 14
60311 Frankfurt am Main
Directly to the online appointment arrangement
Unfortunately, it is currently only possible to make an appointment with private health insurers. I hope for your understanding!
Further information about myself can be found at Dr. Nicolas Gumpert
Foot pain on the inside
Irritation or inflammation of the plantar fascia or heel spur can cause severe pain on the inside of the foot. This pain can be alleviated by appropriate physiotherapy exercises, which can also be performed at home, but must also be done regularly.
Another cause can be the so-called "Tarsal tunnel syndrome" be. In the wrist area, it is better known to us as carpal tunnel syndrome. Through the tarsal tunnel, which lies behind the inner ankle, nerves and vessels run from the upper area of the foot towards the sole of the foot. This tunnel tends to narrow as the connective tissue increases. As a result, the tibial nerve in particular is pressed and as a result, foot pain occurs on the inside.
In addition to this, there may also be abnormal sensations and sensory disorders. Of course, misaligned legs also lead to a changed statics of the arch of the foot and thus to pain, knock-knees and bow-legs in particular should be mentioned here.
Hallux valgus can also lead to internal foot pain, as can osteoarthritis in the metatarsophalangeal joint (Hallux rigidus).
In the case of foot pain on the inside, flat feet also play an important role. It is caused by weak muscles and ligaments in the area of the longitudinal arch, which flattens out as a result. The pain caused by this can be relieved by targeted training of the muscles and wearing insoles.
Read more about this: Pain on the inside of the foot
Foot pain outside
There are different causes for foot pain on the outside of the foot.
For example, the ball of the small toe ("Tailor's Bales"), A misalignment of the little toe as a result of splayfoot, causes such pain.
The little toe is pressed in the direction of the big toe, so that, as with hallux valgus, the basic joint is overloaded, which can then swell.
Furthermore, misalignments of the legs and an unnatural rolling movement of the foot cause pain.
Not to be neglected are irritations and stretching of the entire ligamentous apparatus, which can also lead to foot pain in the outside area.
Read more on this topic at: Pain on the outer edge of the foot
There are different treatment options for all these diseases, such as wearing special insoles, physiotherapy or movement exercises that can be learned.
Surgery may also be necessary. An appropriate specialist should be consulted for clarification.
You can read more about this under pain on the instep.
Foot pain during pregnancy
During and after pregnancy, mothers repeatedly report various different pain sensations, including foot pain.
On the one hand, the cause will be seen in the physical overload.
This leads to changed, initially increased organ functions, which then have to adjust to the initial value again after delivery.
This restlessness and increased stress on the organs often lead to a Hyperacidity of the organism.
The acidic metabolites are then deposited in the joints, causing pain.
Second, another factor is that Weight gain during pregnancy.
This results in increased stress on the foot skeleton, possibly also in painful incorrect stress or in a penetrated transverse and longitudinal arch.
During pregnancy, women often complain Edema, that is, water accumulation in the tissue due to reduced / difficult blood return through the venous system. It is particularly common here Water in your feet.
This increases the tissue pressure, which leads to compressions Lymphatics and also the pain fibers running there.
Not to be disregarded hormonal change in the context of pregnancy, which can affect both the experience of pain and the entire organism.
As a result of all of the above, foot pain can occur during pregnancy.
The extent to which the foot pain is a finding that requires treatment requires medical clarification.
In order to counteract the foot pain a little, it is advisable to rest more often to relieve the feet.
Common foot conditions that can lead to foot pain
hallux valgus
vvDer hallux valgus is the most common and significant toe deformity in humans. It is characterized by an outward deviation of the big toe in the base joint and an inward rotation of the toe (internal rotation). Often there is foot pain due to a arthrosis (Hallux rigidus) in the Metatarsophalangeal joint.
Further information can be found under our topic: hallux valgus
Hallux rigidus
Of the Hallux rigidus is a wear-related disease of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe (arthrosis). Consequences are restricted mobility and Foot pain. If left untreated, this leads to the stiffening of the Metatarsophalangeal joint.
Further information is available from: Hallux rigidus
Claw toe / hammer toe
In the Hammer toe Misalignment results in a fixed maximum flexion in the distal phalanx.
In the Claw toes Misalignment there is maximum flexion in the mid-toe joint and overstretching in the metatarsophalangeal joint.
Splay feet
Of the splayfoot is the most common acquired foot deformity. It almost always arises due to the system.
It comes through in the course Lowering of the transverse arch of the foot to foot discomfort with Widening of the forefoot.
Ligament stretch
To a violation of the Oberries S.jumpGelenkes (OSG) it often occurs in the context of sporting activities, but also in everyday life. Most events do not lead to serious structural damage, i.e. an injury with foot pain and permanent consequences. Still, it can become one Torn ligament above all come in the area of the outer ankle. When the doctor examines the ankle, they are hardly affected Ligament stretch or partial or complete ligament tears Torn ligaments to distinguish. The transition is fluid.
Torn ligament
Of the Torn ligament at the ankle is a partial or complete disruption of one or more ligament structures. The affected joint shows swelling with pain and bruising. Torn ligaments are usually treated by immobilizing them for usually 2-6 weeks or surgically with a ligament suture or by fixing torn pieces of bone. Also read our topic Torn ligament
Achilles tendon tear
In the Achilles tendon (= tendo calcaneus (Achilles)) it is supposedly the strongest tendon in the human body. She sets on Calcaneal tuberosity (= Heel bone) and united as the end tendon of the Triceps surae muscle (Calf muscle) the terminal tendons of the three calf muscles. In case of a Achilles tendon rupture, which occurs with previous degenerative damage, it is a complete severing of the tendon, mostly as a result of direct or indirect violence and Foot pain.
Haglund heel / Haglund exostosis
It is a variant of the shape of the calcaneus body, which is prominently formed in its side and back and can therefore lead to pressure pain in the shoe (foot pain). The term is often synonymous Haglund exostosis used.
You can find more information on this topic at: Haglund exostosis
Heel spur
The lower Heel spur (frequently) is a painful bony extension on the inner body of the calcaneus under the heel.
As upper or dorsal Heel spur (Rare) refers to a painful bony extension at the heel bone attachment of the Achilles tendon.
You can find more information on this topic at: Heel spur
Ankle joint
The upper ankle (OSG) is of three bone educated. Of the Outer ankle (Fibula = Fibula) forms the outer Ankle fork; the Shin (Tibia) forms the inner ankle fork. As a transfer of force to the foot, this forms Ankle bone (Talus) the joint opponent. The ankle fork surrounds (Malleole fork) from the tibia and fibula the talus is U-shaped. The calf and shin bones are connected by a very tight ligament (syndesmosis).
Further information is available under our topic: Ankle joint
Stinky foot
Of the Stinky foot (Pes olens) is a common problem in the office hours of the Orthopedics. The examiner often suffers more from the symptoms of stinky feet than the person concerned. Stinky feet occur in all age groups. In addition to the unpleasant smell for the environment, it creates ideal conditions for roommates of the foot, such as Athlete's foot, Nail fungus and eczema.
