Tag: foot pain

Metatarsalgia

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Metatarsalgia is a ‘waste bucket’ term that means pain in the forefoot or metatarsal region. It could be any number of things such as sesamoiditis, plantar plate dysfunction or a mortons neuroma

Metatarsalgia is a general term that refers to pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, specifically around the metatarsal heads—the bones just behind the toes. This condition often feels like a sharp, aching, or burning pain in the forefoot, especially during activities like walking, running, or even just standing for long periods. Many people describe it as feeling like there’s a pebble in their shoe or that they’re walking on a bruise. It typically develops over time due to repetitive stress rather than a single traumatic event.

There are a variety of causes and contributing factors for metatarsalgia. Improper footwear—like high heels or shoes with a narrow toe box—can concentrate pressure on the metatarsals. High-impact sports, foot deformities (like bunions or hammertoes), tight calf muscles, or having a high arch (pes cavus) can all shift weight abnormally to the forefoot. Additionally, carrying extra weight or experiencing age-related fat pad thinning under the metatarsals can make someone more prone to this condition. Sometimes, metatarsalgia occurs in tandem with other problems like Morton’s neuroma or stress fractures, complicating the diagnosis.

Treatment is usually conservative and focuses on offloading pressure and reducing inflammation. This includes wearing shoes with a wide toe box and cushioned soles, using metatarsal pads or custom orthotics to redistribute weight, and modifying activities to avoid prolonged standing or high-impact movements. Ice, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and stretching exercises—especially for the Achilles tendon and calf—can also help. In rare, persistent cases, surgical intervention may be considered to correct anatomical issues or relieve nerve compression. Early management is key to preventing chronic pain and long-term changes in gait.

Most Useful Resources:
Metatarsalgia (Podiatry Arena)
Metatarsalgia (PodiaPaedia)
Metatarsalgia (Foot Health Forum)
M is for Metatarsalgia (Podiatry ABC)
Metatarsalgia (Best Running Shoes)

Growing Pains

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Most cases of growing pains in the child are benign and they come right, but on rare occasions the symptoms are the same as some pretty nasty things, so for thos reason all cases of growing pains have to be taken seriously and properly investigated.

Growing pains are a common, benign condition in children, typically characterized by aching or throbbing sensations in the legs, most often felt in the thighs, calves, or behind the knees. These pains usually occur in children between the ages of 3 and 12 and often strike in the late afternoon or evening, sometimes waking the child from sleep. Despite the name, growing pains are not directly caused by growth spurts—bones grow gradually and don’t cause pain themselves. Instead, the discomfort may be linked to muscle fatigue or overuse from physical activity during the day.

The pain is typically bilateral, meaning it affects both legs, and is not associated with swelling, redness, or limping. That’s an important distinction because if the symptoms are persistent, occur in only one leg, or are accompanied by fever or swelling, it may point to something more serious like juvenile arthritis, infection, or injury, which requires medical evaluation. Growing pains often go away by morning, and children usually don’t have any pain during the day. The condition tends to come and go over time and may be more noticeable after particularly active days.

No single test can diagnose growing pains, so healthcare providers usually base the diagnosis on symptoms and physical exam findings, while ruling out more serious conditions. There’s no specific treatment, but symptoms can be relieved with gentle massage, stretching exercises, or warm baths. Some parents also find that applying a warm heating pad or giving a mild over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (under a doctor’s guidance) helps. It’s also reassuring to explain to the child that the pain, while uncomfortable, is not dangerous or permanent.

Although growing pains are not harmful, they can be distressing—both for kids who experience them and for parents trying to comfort them. Open communication, reassurance, and a consistent bedtime routine can help ease the emotional and physical discomfort. It’s a good idea to keep a symptom diary if the pains are frequent, just in case patterns emerge or the doctor needs more context. And while growing pains are normal, anything unusual—like pain in one specific spot, persistent or worsening pain, or other symptoms like joint stiffness—should be evaluated to rule out other causes.

Most Useful Resources:
Growing Pains (Foot Health Forum)
Growing Pains (Podiatry TV)
Growing Pains (PodiaPaedia)
Growing Pains (Podiatry Arena)
Growing Pains in Children (Podiatry Arena)
Night-time foot pain in children (Foot Health Forum)
Growing Pains? (Podiatry Experts)
Growing Pains in Children (iPodiatry)
Take Growing Pains in Kids Seriously (Foot Health Friday)
Growing Pains (Foot Health Guide)
Growing Pains in the Leg: Throwing the kitchen sink at growing pains

Foot Pain

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Foot pain is what Podiatrists do. There are plenty of good and bad resources on the web on foot pain.

Foot pain is a common complaint that can arise from a variety of causes—ranging from overuse and injury to underlying medical conditions. The human foot is a complex structure with 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments, all of which must work together smoothly to support body weight and enable movement. When any part of this intricate system is stressed or damaged, pain can develop in different areas such as the heel, arch, toes, or ball of the foot. The nature and location of the pain often provide clues to its cause.

One of the most frequent culprits is plantar fasciitis, a condition involving inflammation of the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that connects the heel bone to the toes. This typically causes sharp pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. Other common causes include bunions, flat feet, high arches, Achilles tendinitis, and stress fractures. Footwear plays a huge role too—shoes lacking proper arch support, cushioning, or fit can gradually lead to discomfort or exacerbate existing problems.

Systemic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and gout can also manifest as foot pain. Diabetic neuropathy, for instance, leads to nerve damage that causes burning, tingling, or numbness, especially in the feet. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause swelling and deformity in foot joints, while gout results from a buildup of uric acid crystals, often striking suddenly with intense pain in the big toe. These types of foot pain usually require medical management beyond just physical therapy or orthotic support.

Treatment depends entirely on the cause. For overuse injuries or inflammation, rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may offer relief. Proper footwear, custom orthotics, stretching exercises, and weight management can go a long way in preventing recurrence. Chronic or severe pain should always be assessed by a healthcare provider, as ignoring it can lead to long-term dysfunction or more serious conditions. If your foot pain lasts more than a few days or interferes with your daily activities, it’s best to get it checked sooner rather than later.

Most Useful Resources:
Foot Health Forum (Foot Health Forum)
Foot Pain Info (Foot Pain Info)
Foot Pain (ePodiatry)
Foot Health Friday (Foot Health Friday)
Dr the Foot Without the Dr (Dr the Foot Without the Dr)

Duct Tape for Warts

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Duct tape has many practical uses and it has been advocated for the use of treating warts or verrucae by occluding the area. The clinical trials show that it does not work too well.

Duct tape, though originally designed for industrial and household repairs, has found a surprising range of medical uses—especially in improvised or emergency settings. One of its most well-documented medical applications is in the treatment of common warts. The “duct tape occlusion therapy” involves covering the wart with duct tape for several days, then removing it to exfoliate the top layer of skin, and repeating the process. Studies have had mixed results, but many anecdotal cases report successful removal, likely due to the combination of occlusion, irritation, and immune stimulation.

Another notable use of duct tape is in first aid and wound management, particularly in situations where medical supplies are limited. It can be used to secure bandages, create splints, or even fashion makeshift butterfly closures to bring wound edges together. When paired with sterile gauze or even clean cloth, duct tape can form a reasonably effective pressure dressing for bleeding control. Its water-resistant backing also provides a barrier against dirt and contaminants, although it’s far from ideal compared to medical-grade adhesives due to potential skin irritation.

Beyond minor injuries, duct tape can play a role in orthopedic or structural support, especially for stabilizing sprained ankles or immobilizing fingers in wilderness medicine scenarios. When combined with padding or soft cloth, it can reinforce a joint or secure a limb to a splint. However, caution is essential: direct application on skin for prolonged periods can cause blistering or allergic reactions, and its strong adhesive can tear fragile skin upon removal. While not a replacement for proper medical care, duct tape remains a clever, multipurpose tool in emergency kits and survival settings.

Most Useful Resources:
Duct Tape (PodiaPaedia)
Duct Tape for Warts? (Foot Health Friday)
Duct tape does not work for Warts or VP’s (Podiatry Arena)
Duct Tape (Foot Health Forum)

Cuboid Syndrome

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Cuboid syndrome is a reasonably common problem affecting the function of the cuboid bone and the joints around it. It is a common cause of lateral foot pain. Manipulation of the cuboid bone is a common treatment.

Cuboid Syndrome is a foot condition that occurs when the cuboid bone—one of the small bones on the outer side of the midfoot—becomes partially dislocated or its alignment is disrupted. This bone plays a key role in supporting the foot’s arch and enabling smooth movement during walking or running. When the cuboid bone is out of place or the ligaments surrounding it are strained, it can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness along the outside of the foot. The condition is sometimes called “subluxation of the cuboid” and is relatively common in athletes, especially runners, dancers, and those who frequently engage in sports with sudden side-to-side movements.

The most common cause of Cuboid Syndrome is overuse or repetitive strain, though it can also result from an ankle sprain or sudden twisting injury. In many cases, the peroneus longus tendon—which runs along the outer side of the lower leg and attaches to the foot—can exert excessive force on the cuboid bone, pulling it out of alignment. Risk factors include poorly fitting footwear, training on uneven surfaces, inadequate warm-up, and having flat feet or very high arches. Because the pain may be mistaken for other injuries, such as a stress fracture or peroneal tendonitis, diagnosis can sometimes be tricky without proper examination.

Symptoms of Cuboid Syndrome typically include sharp or aching pain on the lateral (outer) side of the foot, tenderness when pressing on the cuboid bone, difficulty bearing weight, and pain that worsens with push-off during walking or running. In some cases, there may be visible swelling or bruising. The discomfort often makes the foot feel unstable, and athletes might find themselves limping or avoiding activities that require sudden changes in direction. While rest can sometimes reduce symptoms, the pain often persists until the bone’s alignment is corrected.

Treatment usually starts with a manual realignment technique known as the “cuboid whip” or “cuboid squeeze,” performed by a trained healthcare professional such as a sports physiotherapist or podiatrist. This may be followed by supportive taping, orthotic inserts to stabilize the foot, and targeted stretching or strengthening exercises for the surrounding muscles and tendons. Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory measures can help manage pain in the short term. For prevention, it’s important to wear properly fitting shoes, gradually increase activity intensity, and maintain flexibility and strength in the foot and ankle. With prompt treatment, most people recover quickly, but ignoring the condition can lead to chronic pain or recurrent injuries.

Most Useful Resources:
Cuboid syndrome (Foot Health Forum)
Mobilisation for cuboid syndrome (Podiatry Arena)
Cuboid syndrome (Podiatry Arena)
Cuboid Syndrome (PodiaPaedia)
Manipulation for Cuboid Syndrome (Podiatry Update)
Woke up with pain on the outer side of my foot, what could it be? (Podiatry Experts)
Could it be plantar fasciitis? (Podiatry Experts)
Cuboid Syndrome (Podiatry TV)

Corns on Toes

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Corns develop on the toes when the medium to long term pressure on an area. The skin thickens in response to that pressure, but becomes so thick that it becomes painful. The only way to permanently get rid of corns is to remove that cause.

Corns on toes are areas of thickened skin that develop as a protective response to repeated friction or pressure, often from ill-fitting shoes or abnormal toe alignment. They usually form on the tops or sides of toes and can be either hard (dense and compact) or soft (moist and rubbery, often found between toes). While corns themselves are not dangerous, they can be quite uncomfortable and even painful, especially when pressure is applied while walking or standing. The body creates this extra layer of skin as a defense, but over time, it can actually increase discomfort if not addressed.

The primary causes of corns include wearing tight or narrow shoes, high heels that shift weight to the front of the foot, or shoes without enough cushioning. Toe deformities like hammertoes or bunions can also contribute by creating friction points. Activities that involve repetitive motion or prolonged standing can exacerbate the problem. In some cases, people with underlying conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation may be at higher risk, as they may not notice irritation until the corns are more advanced, increasing the risk of complications.

Treatment for corns typically focuses on removing the source of friction and softening or carefully reducing the thickened skin. This can involve changing to properly fitting footwear, using protective pads or toe separators, and soaking the feet in warm water to soften the skin before gently filing with a pumice stone. Over-the-counter medicated corn pads containing salicylic acid can help dissolve the thickened skin, but they should be used with caution—especially for those with diabetes or sensitive skin. In persistent or painful cases, a podiatrist can safely trim the corn and advise on preventing recurrence.

Most Useful Resources:
Corns on Toes (Foot Health Forum)
Painful corn on toe (Foot Health Forum)
Corn on toe(Foot Health Forum)
Foot Corns & Callus (hyperkeratosis) (ePodiatry)
Corns on the Toes (Dr the Foot)
What causes corns on the toes? (Foot Health Friday)

Foot Problems in Ankylosing Spondylitis

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Ankylosing Spondylitis is primarily a problem of the spine, but the arthritis there can also cause arthritis in the foot and pain in the heel. The involvement of the spine also means the feet are going to be difficult to reach to provide self care for foot problems.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, inflammatory rheumatic disease that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. It falls under the broader category of spondyloarthropathies, which are conditions characterized by inflammation of the joints and entheses (the areas where tendons and ligaments attach to bone). The hallmark feature of AS is inflammation of the axial skeleton, leading to back pain and stiffness, which often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood. Over time, persistent inflammation can cause the vertebrae to fuse, resulting in reduced flexibility and a rigid spine.

The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not fully understood, but genetic factors play a major role. A strong association exists with the HLA-B27 gene, which is found in the majority of patients, although not everyone with this gene develops the condition. Environmental triggers, such as infections, may also contribute by activating the immune system in genetically predisposed individuals. Men are more commonly affected than women, and symptoms often present gradually rather than suddenly, which can delay diagnosis.

Clinically, the main symptoms include chronic lower back pain, stiffness that improves with exercise but not with rest, and reduced range of motion in the spine. Extra-articular manifestations are also common, such as inflammation in the eyes (uveitis), cardiovascular complications, and, less frequently, lung and gastrointestinal involvement. As the disease progresses, spinal fusion can lead to a characteristic stooped posture, sometimes referred to as a “bamboo spine” on imaging studies.

Treatment for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on controlling inflammation, relieving symptoms, and preserving mobility. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually the first-line therapy, while more severe or refractory cases may require biologic agents such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors or interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitors. Physical therapy and regular exercise are critical in maintaining posture and spinal flexibility. While there is no cure, early diagnosis and appropriate management can significantly improve quality of life and slow the progression of structural damage.

Most Useful Resources:
Ankylosing Spondylitis (PodiaPaedia)
Ankylosing spondylitis (Foot Health Forum)
Heel Pain and Ankylosing Spondilitis ? (Podiatry Experts)
Impaired Gait in Ankylosing Spondylitis (Podiatry Arena)
Tarsal involvement in ankylosing spondylitis (Podiatry Arena)
Ankylosing spondylitis (Podiatry Arena)