Foot pain is very common. Our feet play an important role in soaking up the weight of our bodies, which enables us the ability to run, jump and walk. On average, a person takes 7,500 steps in a day, more if you’re an active individual. Therefore, it’s not a shock that 75% of Americans will experience foot and ankle pain at some point in their life.

Our feet play a vital role in our life. They are the foundation of our bodies and carry us through our everyday activities. The most common cause of foot pain and discomfort is trauma, disease, and injuries.

There are countless causes that can be the reason for your foot pain. Below you will find some of the most common:

Ingrown toenail: Ingrown toenails are very common and can lead to foot pain if not treated. This condition is caused by an in-growth of the nails edge into the skin of the toe. Typically in the beginning stages it only causes discomfort but over time an infection may progress or it could become a reoccurring issue. The ingrown toenail is typically caused by cutting toenails on the sides of the nail too short. At times tight footwear has also been known to cause ingrown toenails.

Bunion: A bunion or hallux valgus is a bony bulge or swollen tissue usually at the base of the big toe making the toe angle inward toward the toes next to each other throwing the bones out of alignment. This causes pain, redness and rubbing against footwear. As the bone gets larger, the pain worsens. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis have also been known to cause bunions.

Diabetic foot: It’s known that people with diabetes are prone to nerve damage causing your foot pain or for you to lose feeling in your feet. Furthermore, people with this disease are also at high risk for circulation issues and infections. Which is when diabetic foot comes into play. When the disease is not managed properly, blisters and wounds become something more serious which progress into serious infections, some cases causing amputation. It is important if you’re experiencing foot pain from diabetic foot to get your wound treated immediately by a professional.

Hammertoe: Hammertoe is caused by a muscle imbalance between the tendons on top and the tendons on the bottom of the toe. This unbalance may cause increased stress on the joints and tendons in the toe forcing to the development of hammertoe. Unfortunately, due to poor shoe choice, Women are at a higher risk compared to men. Other causes include hereditary/genetic, trauma, arthritis and other foot conditions such as bunions or corns.

Flatfeet: Flat feet, also known as flat foot, occurs when the entire sole of your foot lays flat on the ground when weight is applied. This condition commonly occurs during adolescence. Normally a child’s foot will develop an arch. Although there is no way to correct this you are able to manage flatfoot with arch support and stretches. There is typically no pain associated with this but if you do find your flatfeet are painful, consult a doctor immediately.

Gout: Gout is classified as a form of arthritis caused by an overabundance of uric acid crystals in the joints. Typically, gout affects the joint of the base of the big toe. An uncommon way of handling uric acid and crystallization of these compounds in joints can cause an invasion of painful arthritis, kidney stones, and blockage of the kidney filtering tubules with uric acid crystals, which could lead to kidney failure. Acute gout attacks are indicated by a rapid onset of pain in the affected joint followed by warmth, reddish discoloration, swelling, and marked tenderness.

Bone Spurs: Foot pain can often be a sign of bone spurs. Bone spurs can occur in any bone but are most common in the joints.

Plantar fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It is most often seen in middle-aged men and women, but may also occur in those who are often on their feet. The plantar fascia is constructed to absorb the strain and high stress accustomed by the foot daily. When there is too much pressure applied, the plantar fascia ligaments become injured or torn. The body’s natural response to the injury is inflammation leading to heel pain and heel stiffness.

Fifth metatarsal fracture: Breaks are common in the fifth metatarsal, which is the long bone on the outside of the foot that connects the little toe. A Jones fracture is prone to be more a difficulty in healing. Whereas an avulsion fracture will heal quickly and without difficulty. Depending on the part of the fifth metatarsal has been fractured will depend on the treatment. Consult a doctor immediately if you are experiencing a fracture.

Most foot pain can be treated by at home with over-the-counter medicine and home remedies such as ice, heat and rest. Unless it is widespread or involving both feet and particularly if you have diabetes, see your doctor immediately. Typically before or after treatment of foot pain physical therapy is usually recommended. However, if you experience foot pain for longer than a couple of weeks it is recommended to seek additional advice from your physician.