1. Causes of pain in the sole of the foot
Each foot has 26 bones, 30 joints, and nearly 100 muscles and ligaments connecting them. All these parts, from the toes to the Achilles tendon, help you stand upright, maintain balance, and walk. Therefore, when any abnormality occurs, the foot can become uncomfortable and painful whenever you stand or move.
Because of this complex structure, you may feel different types of pain. It may occur only when you press on the area, or it may appear at night. Some common causes of pain in the sole of the foot include:
1.1 Plantar fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a band of tissue running from the heel bone across the arch to the base of the toes. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of sharp pain. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of plantar fasciitis include:
- Flat feet or very high arches
- Being overweight or obese
- Wearing shoes with poor arch support
- Walking, running, or standing for long periods on hard surfaces
- Walking barefoot
- Pregnancy
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis are usually most severe in the morning, causing pain in the sole of the foot when you wake up. When you get out of bed, you may feel sharp pain with the first steps.
1.2 Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia refers to pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, the area between the arch and the base of the toes, under the metatarsal bones. The pain is often described as sharp, aching, or burning in the middle of the sole of the foot. Symptoms usually become more severe when you stand, run, or walk.
A study showed that 80% of people will experience metatarsalgia at some point. This condition is more common in people who perform high-impact activities on the soles of the feet, such as running or jumping. Older adults have a higher rate of occurrence. Other risk factors include:
- High foot arches
- Playing high-impact sports involving running or jumping
- Being overweight or obese
- Regularly wearing high heels or ill-fitting shoesGout
- Diabetes
1.3 Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve pain caused by damaged or malfunctioning nerves and is a common cause of pain in the soles of the feet in people with chronic conditions.
These diseases damage peripheral nerves, including diabetes, chronic alcohol abuse, Lyme disease, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, or peripheral nerve injuries. The pain is often described as tingling, burning, or stabbing in the soles of the feet or hands and may spread to the lower legs or arms.
1.4 Neuroma
A neuroma is an abnormal mass of nerve tissue that forms between the toes, often after injury. Women are more likely to develop neuromas than men. Other factors increasing the risk include:
- Playing sports involving running or jumping
- Wearing shoes without proper support
- Frequently wearing high heels
- Frequently wearing tight shoes such as ballet or climbing shoes
Neuromas most commonly occur between the second and third toes, or between the third and fourth toes. Symptoms include burning pain in the sole of the foot, numbness, and tingling that radiates into the toes.
1.5 Sesamoiditis or stress fracture of the sesamoid bone
Sesamoid bones are two small bones located under the base of the big toe. They help the tendons flex and extend the big toe. If these bones are overused, it can cause sesamoiditis, leading to dull pain and swelling at the base of the big toe. In more severe cases, a stress fracture can occur.
Risk factors include:
- Playing sports that put pressure on the ball of the foot, such as running, ballet, or tennis
- High arches
- Frequently wearing high heels
In addition, pain in the sole of the foot may also result from other causes such as tarsal tunnel syndrome or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
2. When should you see a doctor?
Sometimes, pain in the middle of the sole resolves on its own after a few days. However, some cases become chronic and affect your quality of life. It is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment or lifestyle changes to reduce the pain. You should seek medical care if you experience any of the following:
- New pain lasting for several days
- Loss of sensation or tingling in the sole of the foot
- Pain becoming more severe
- Pain causing difficulty walking or performing daily activities
- Pain caused by an injury
- Fever or swelling accompanied by foot pain (a sign of infection)
- Diabetes or other conditions affecting nerves
- Flu or infection in the days or weeks before the onset of foot pain (possible Guillain-Barré syndrome)
- A wound on the sole showing signs of infection such as pus or redness
3. Treatment for pain in the sole of the foot
Treatment depends on the cause.
3.1 Lifestyle changes
Use shoe insoles: Wearing supportive shoes or insoles can help relieve pain, especially for conditions like plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and neuromas.
Diet: Start an anti-inflammatory diet, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and whole grains. Foods with turmeric, lemon, and antioxidants may help reduce inflammation in the foot.
Weight loss: Being overweight increases the risk of pain, inflammation, and other foot problems. Losing weight helps reduce strain on the feet and is especially important for people with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Posture: Improving posture can relieve pressure on the feet and reduce pain. Keep your shoulders back and distribute your weight evenly. If you tend to slouch, consider using a posture brace. Stretching exercises for the back, hips, and buttocks also help.
3.2 Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin can help.
If conservative treatment fails, cortisone injections may be effective for plantar fasciitis, sesamoiditis, or neuromas.
For severe pain, opioid combinations such as acetaminophen/codeine or hydrocodone/acetaminophen may be prescribed.
Peripheral neuropathy may require antiepileptic or antidepressant medications.
3.3 Complementary and alternative therapies
Alternative or complementary methods may help relieve foot pain temporarily, such as acupuncture, electroacupuncture, or massage. Movement therapies like yoga or tai chi can improve muscle strength and flexibility.
Cold or warm compresses may help. Apply for 20 minutes each time, up to three times per day, and avoid placing ice directly on the skin.
3.4 Physical therapy
The goal of physical therapy is to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. A physical therapist will design a program to help restore the foot so you can walk and stand without pain. The rehabilitation program may include stretching exercises to improve strength, balance, and range of motion in the foot and ankle. Physical therapy can help manage symptoms of plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, neuromas, sesamoiditis, or peripheral neuropathy in some cases.
3.5 Surgery
Surgery is usually the last option when all other treatments fail, such as removing an inflamed sesamoid bone or a neuroma.
If you have pain in the middle of your foot, visit a medical facility for examination, diagnosis, and early treatment. This helps improve the condition sooner and minimize future complications.
To arrange an appointment, please call … or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
