Why Do My Feet Hurt? 7 Common Causes of Foot Pain & How to Fix Them
Foot pain can be frustrating, limiting your ability to walk, exercise, or even go about daily activities comfortably. Whether it’s a sharp pain in your heel, aching toes, or persistent discomfort, understanding the cause is the first step to finding relief. Here are seven common causes of foot pain and how you can fix them
1. Heel Pain: Plantar Fasciitis
What It Feels Like: A stabbing pain in the heel, especially in the morning or after long periods of rest.
Cause: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot.
Fix It:
- Stretch your feet before getting out of bed.
- Wear supportive shoes or custom orthotics.
Try ice therapy and anti-inflammatory medication.
- Consider plantar fasciitis treatment from a foot specialist if pain persists.
2. Bunions
What It Feels Like: A bony bump on the side of your big toe, causing pain and swelling.
Cause: Misalignment of the joint at the base of the big toe, often due to genetics or wearing tight shoes.
Fix It:
- Wear wide-toe shoes with good arch support.
- Use bunion pads or splints to reduce discomfort.
- Severe cases may require bunion removal surgery.
3. Ingrown Toenails
What It Feels Like: Redness, swelling, and pain at the edge of the toenail.
Cause: Toenails growing into the surrounding skin, often from improper nail trimming or tight shoes.
Fix It:
- Soak feet in warm water and gently lift the nail.
- Trim nails straight across, not curved.
- See a foot doctor for ingrown toenail treatment if infection occurs.
4. Fungal Nail Infections
What It Feels Like: Thickened, discolored, and brittle nails.
Cause: Fungal growth in the nails, often from moist environments like public pools or sweaty shoes.
Fix It:
- Keep feet dry and clean.
- Use antifungal creams or oral medications.
- Professional fungal nail infection treatment may be needed for severe cases.
5. Achilles Tendonitis
What It Feels Like: Pain and stiffness at the back of the ankle, especially in the morning.
Cause: Overuse or strain of the Achilles tendon, common in runners and athletes.
Fix It:
- Rest and ice the area.
- Stretch and strengthen calf muscles.
- Wear supportive footwear or foot braces.
- Severe cases may require Achilles tendonitis treatment from a podiatrist.
6. Plantar Warts
What It Feels Like: Small, rough, painful growths on the bottom of the foot.
Cause: HPV virus entering the skin through cuts or cracks.
Fix It:
- Use over-the-counter wart treatments.
- Keep feet clean and avoid walking barefoot in public areas.
- Seek plantar wart treatment for stubborn or painful warts.
7. Diabetic Foot Pain
What It Feels Like: Tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in the feet.
Cause: Poor circulation and nerve damage due to diabetes.
Fix It:
- Keep blood sugar levels in check.
- Wear diabetic-friendly shoes and inspect feet daily.
- Schedule regular check-ups for diabetic foot care to prevent complications.
When to See a Foot Specialist
If foot pain doesn’t improve with home remedies, gets worse, or affects your ability to walk, it’s time to see a podiatrist near you. At The Pod Practice, we specialize in treating all types of foot conditions to help you stay pain-free.
Need relief? Book a consultation today!