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foot pain

Includes: - heel pain - metatarsalgia Etiology: - Achilles tendonitis - Achilles tendon rupture - bone spur - bunions - bursitis - corns, calluses - flatfeet - fracture, stress fracture - gout - hammertoe, mallet toe - high heels or poorly fitting shoes - ingrown toenails - metatarsalgia - Morton's neuroma - osteoarthritis - peripheral neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy - plantar fasciitis - plantar warts - poor posture, postural defects - posterior tibial tendon rupture - rheumatoid arthritis - tarsal tunnel syndrome Radiology: - x-ray of foot if suspected fracture Management: 1) see specific etiology 2) general a) RICED: rest, ice, compression, elevation, Drugs (NSAIDs or other anti-inflammatory agent) b) substitute activities that aggravate the pain - running causes repetitive impact with the ground - bicycling, elliptical trainers, step machines, swimming, or ski machines minimize impact c) corrective prophylactic measures - new shoes or the replacement of current shoe insoles d) proper footwear fitting, including lacing & socks to eliminate compression & friction e) additional supports added to the shoes - heel pads or cushions, arch supports, & various wedges to help maintain the foot in a proper position f) athletic shoes lose the elastic properties of the soles through usage & age; replace shoes every 6 months g) replacement insoles can increase energy absorption & add support to the foot h) corrective and off-the-shelf orthotics may also improve the biomechanics of the foot. i) muscle strengthening & flexibility j) control inflammation or disease related symptoms k) biomechanical evaluation

Related

foot injury

Specific

heel pain metatarsalgia (forefoot pain)

General

leg pain foot disorder

References

  1. Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 11, 14, American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 1998, 2006
  2. Mayo clinic: Foot pain http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/foot-pain/MY00082
  3. Geriatric Review Syllabus, 8th edition (GRS8) Durso SC and Sullivan GN (eds) American Geriatrics Society, 2013
  4. Coughlin MJ. Common causes of pain in the forefoot in adults. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2000 Aug;82(6):781-90. Review. PMID: 10990297