Foot is the most complex part of the body that consists of 38 bones that are connected with various muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. The general term used for painful foot is m etatarsalgia. The pain can be felt in any part of the foot including heels, ankles, toes and soles. But it usually occurs in the ball of the foot that is the area between arch and toes. As the foot bears many stresses the foot problems can cause foot pain, inflammation and injury that further result in limited movement and mobility.

The problems with the feet can be the first sign of serious conditions like arthritis, diabetes, nerve and circulatory disorders.

Types Of Foot Problems

There are many types of foot problems that affect the heels, toes, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and joints of the foot. Common types of foot problems are:

• Infections
  Wearing shoes for a longer time causes humidity, darkness and warmness and all these factors increases the growth of fungus. Fungal and bacterial conditions can cause redness, itching, blisters and dry skin. These infections should be treated immediately as its cure becomes impossible with the time.

• Corns and Callus
  Corns and callus are the most common foot problems. They are referred to as the localized thickening if the skin due to friction and pressure when the bony parts of the feet gets rubbed against the shoes. Corns and callus are also known as hyperkeratosis. They usually occur on the top of the toes, soles of the foot and between toes. They are usually yellowish in colour but can also be white, brown or gray depending upon the skin type. They are actually a normal and natural way of the body to protect itself. They can become very painful and can also take a form of cancer if not treated in time.

• Warts
  Warts are the skin growths often caused by viruses of the human papillomavirus (HPV) family. They are also regarded as the tumors of the epidermis. Warts can grow on any parts of the body.They can grow on the skin, on the inside of the mouth, on genitals and also on the rectal areas. Some HPV viruses cause warts on the skin and some may cause warts on the genital and rectal areas. Warts are contagious and can spread through direct or indirect contact.

• Heel spurs
  Heel spurs are calcium growths that develop on the bones of feet. They are often caused by muscle strain in the feet. The condition can be worsened from long standing periods, wearing badly fitted shoes, and also being overweight. In some people that are painless but in some it can be very painful.

• Bunions
  Bunion refers to the enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint. It usually occurs on the base of the big toe or at the babes of the little toe. They develop when the joints in the big toe no longer fit together as they should be and become swollen and tender. The women are more susceptible to bunions as they wear tight fitted shoes.

• Hammertoes
  Hammertoes refer to the buckling of toes. It is caused by a shortening of the tendons that control toe movements. The toe knuckle usually gets enlarged and draws back the toes. With the time the joint enlarges and stiffens as it rubs against shoes. Sometimes this condition can also cause corns.

• Ingrown toenails
  This usually occurs when a piece of the nail breaks the skin. This condition usually occurs in the big toes. Ingrown toenails can be avoided by cutting the toenail straight across and level with the top of the toe.

Causes for Foot Pain

Callus that forms on the bottom of the foot often results in foot pain. A callus is a build-up of skin that forms in response to excessive pressure over the bone. Other problems that can cause foot pain are ligament injuries and joint irritation. Wearing tight fitted shoes are the main cause of foot pain. The high heeled shoes results in pressure on the toes that ultimately causes foot pain. Improper way of walking may be due to physical abnormalities can also result in foot pain. Temperature and weather affects the feet as they contract with cold and expand with heat. Frequent increase in the size and shape of the feet can also cause foot pain.

There are various medical conditions that can cause foot pain and they are:

• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Broken bones
• Gout
• Parkinson's disease
• High blood pressure
• Pregnancy
• High levels of uric acid

Treatment for Foot Pain