From the Guidelines
Foot pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including peripheral neuropathy, altered biomechanics, evidence of increased pressure, bony deformity, and peripheral vascular disease, as noted in studies such as 1 and 1.
Causes of Foot Pain
The causes of foot pain are multifactorial and can be attributed to various conditions. Some of the most common causes include:
- Peripheral neuropathy with loss of protective sensation
- Altered biomechanics, such as those present in patients with diabetes
- Evidence of increased pressure, including erythema, hemorrhage under a callus, or measured pressure
- Bony deformity, including conditions such as hammertoes, prominent metatarsal heads, and bunions
- Peripheral vascular disease, which can lead to decreased or absent pedal pulses
Risk Factors
Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing foot pain, including:
- A history of ulcers or amputation
- Severe nail pathology
- Diabetes mellitus, particularly in patients with peripheral neuropathy
- Poor glucose control
- Cardiovascular, retinal, or renal complications
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosis of foot pain involves a thorough clinical examination, including assessment of protective sensation, foot structure and biomechanics, vascular status, and skin integrity. Management of foot pain depends on the underlying cause, but may include:
- Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Proper footwear with good arch support
- Stretching exercises
- Custom orthotics or physical therapy for persistent pain
- Corticosteroid injections or surgery in severe cases It is essential to note that the management of foot pain should prioritize the prevention of morbidity, mortality, and improvement of quality of life, as emphasized in studies such as 1 and 1.
From the Research
Causes of Pedal Pain
The causes of pedal pain, also known as foot pain, can be attributed to various factors. Some of the common causes include:
- Plantar fasciitis, a degenerative disorder that affects the plantar fascia, leading to heel pain 2, 3, 4, 5
- Biomechanical imbalance, resulting in tension along the plantar fascia 4
- Obesity or a sedentary lifestyle, which can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis 2
- Exercise or physical activity, which can lead to stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, or arthritis 5
- Neurologic, traumatic, or systemic origins, such as Morton's neuroma, Achilles tendinopathy, or tarsal tunnel syndrome 4, 6
- Inflammatory conditions, such as gout, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis 6
Risk Factors
Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing pedal pain, including:
- Age, with patients in their fourth and fifth decades being more commonly affected by plantar fasciitis 2
- Diabetes, which can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis due to common risks and co-morbidities such as obesity or a sedentary lifestyle 2
- Gender, with foot pain being more common in women 5
- Obesity, which can increase the risk of developing foot pain 5