The Foot Clinic

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Different types of Foot pain and heel pain

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There are many different types of foot complaints. This article briefly explains the most common foot conditions such as Arthritis of the foot, heel pain and flat feet. Arthritis in the feet is a painful, but rather common condition that affects mostly elderly patients and sometimes younger people as well. It is important to understand that there are different types of arthritis. Namely Osteo-arthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is present because of natural wear and tear of the joints with ageing in particular to the soft cartilage in our joints, acting as a shock absorbing mechanism. On the other hand Rheumatoid arthritis is mostly due to genetic factors or because it has been initiated by other problems in the body. The foot and ankle has many joints so it comes as no surprise that the lower limb and knees are very susceptible to the development of arthritis. Osteo-arthritis if the foot develops with age and is characterised by joint stiffness, as well as pain and swelling in the affected areas. As the cartilage degenerates our natural lubrication disappears and the bones now rub together leading to pain and inflammation. People with flat feet or high arches have a far greater chance of developing oste-oarthritis. The same applies to people have suffered some trauma or injury to the foot or ankle. Fractures or sprains will also contribute to the degeneration of the soft cartilage of the foot joints. Drugs including pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications may be useful. For example, paracetamol contains pain relieving and anti-inflammatory benefits. Orthotic shoe insoles may provide a reduction of pressure and pain during walking.

Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)

This pain is basically any type of discomfort or pain in the heel region of the foot. This can be under the heel or at the back of the heel. Symptoms can range from very sharp, acute pain to a dull ache (like a stone bruise). Some people experience Plantar Fasciitis on and off, others have it have it permanently for many months or even years! There are many possible causes for heel pain. Generally pain in the heels may stem from simply being on your feet all day, especially in shoes that don't provide any good support or ankle stability. The most common cause of heel spurs, however is a condition referred to as plantar fasciitis. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia under the arch of the foot becomes inflamed and irritated. This usually happens from the fascia being overstretched as a result of incorrect foot mechanics. This ligament inserts into the heel bone and can becomes strained from continuous stretching. Foot abnormalities such as fallen arches and flat feet make this problem even worse. If you are experiencing heel pain following a long day on your feet, it is recommended to take a look at your footwear. If your doctor or foot specialist has diagnosed you with plantar fasciitis they will recommend ice treatments, heat packs, anti-inflammatory drugs they will also probably suggest the use of orthotics, designed to reduce the pressure on the heel and the tension on the plantar fascia.

Flat Feet Most of us will find that they have a raised area under the foot located between the ball of the foot and the heel. This is the natural anatomy of our feet. It is referred to as the arch or instep of the foot. In some people the arch is very low or the foot is completely flat on the ground from heel to toe. This is condition is known as flat foot or Pes Planus. Flat feet are often diagnosed in children as many toddlers appear to have flat feet, because the arches have not yet developed yet. Children who suffer with flat feet usually don't display any complaints until the age of 9 or 10 years. Conditions like Sever's Disease (heel pain) and Osgood Schlatters (knee pain) will become appearent as a result of growing pains, combined with flat feet or fallen arches.