The equivalent of 2-3 times our body weight is placed on our feet with every step we take, and since it is estimated that in the course of a typical day we take between 8,000 to10,000 steps, it’s not surprising that most of us will suffer from foot pain at some time during our lives. As a result, foot pain conditions are fairly widespread. Approximately 70 percent of people will suffer foot pain at some time in their lives. Human feet are constituted of twenty-six bones and thirty-three joints layered with an intricate network of more than 120 muscles, ligaments, and nerves. As such, our feet are extremely complex anatomical structures . We aim to provide a brief overview of the most common types of foot pain conditions, why they occur, and what you can do to alleviate these conditions.

Most Common Types of Foot Pain Conditions

Plantar Fasciitis Plantar Fasciitis is a condition involving soreness along the ligaments and tendons accompanied by small tears of these tissues, stretching from the heel towards the ball of the foot. The affected area is known as the Plantar Fascia, and serves as one of our bodies' shock absorbers. It resembles a bow string, and forms the arch of the foot. Sharp heel pain, especially during our first steps after getting up in the morning, is often associated with this type of foot ailment. The type of shoes we wear is very important to providing proper arch support and relief from foot pain. Many podiatrists advocate the use of orthotic insoles as plantar fascitis treatment to provide relieve this condition in many people.

Heel Spurs A heel spur is a bony growth on the heel bone (calcaneus). Heel spurs, often the result of plantar fasciitis, can cause sharp foot pain at the bottom or front of the heel bone. The inflamed tissue around the spur causes pain and discomfort. This painful bony growth on the heel is the result of continued pulling of the fascia as a result of over-pronation. The usual therapy for plantar fasciitis involving the use of orthotic insoles can prevent and relieve these types of foot pain conditions.

Ball of Foot Pain Pain in the ball of the feet is also known as "Metatarsalgia" in medical terms, and occurs when the metatarsals (forefoot bones) drop and the surrounding ligaments weaken. The entire forefoot structure collapses, in turn leading to excess pressure and friction under the ball of the foot. Podiatrists often recommend orthotic insoles with metatarsal support to provide needed relief.

Shin Pain or Shin Splints It is not uncommon for runners to experience pain in the shin area, also known as Shin Splints. This condition involves inflammation in the front or inside section of the shin bone. In many cases, shin splints are the result of intense physical activity such as running or jumping, and is a condition that can often take a long time to heal. Another cause of shin pain is tight leg muscles. Muscle imbalances caused by improper running posture can also lead to shin pain. Over-pronation is frequently a contributing factor in shin pain. Excessive foot pronation typically results in rotation of te tibial bone, increasing pressures on the ligaments and muscles of the lower leg. Podiatrists often recommend orthotics to provide relief in these types of foot pain conditions.

Achilles Tendonitis The Achilles Tendon joins the heel bone (calcaneus) to the calf muscle, and is the largest tendon in our bodies. Since this tendon supports most of our body weight, extreme physical activities involving the feet may cause this type of foot pain. In other cases, arthritis may be the culprit. If over-pronation is a major factor in causing this condition, orthotic insoles can provide significant help in relieving these types of foot pain conditions. Additionally, plenty of rest and calf muscle exercises are also helpful. Although orthotic insoles can be of significant help in relieving these types of foot pain conditions, you should consult with a podiatrist if the pain becomes chronic, or if it increases in intensity.