Foot Pain: Fast Facts
Reviewed By:
Vikas Garg, M.D., MSA
- Though they may not seem it, feet are remarkably complex. Each foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments.
- The ankle bone is called the talus, and the heel bone is the calcaneus.
- The seven bones at the back of the foot are collectively called the tarsals.
- The five long bones of the feet are called the metatarsals.
- The bones of the toes, like those of the fingers, are called phalanges (singular: phalanx).
- The big toe is called the hallux.
- Just as carpal tunnel syndrome can develop in the wrist, a similarly painful condition called tarsal tunnel syndrome can afflict the foot.
- Foot pain is very common: Most people experience it at one time or another.
- The many sources of foot pain include fractures, other traumatic injuries, pressure wounds, arthritis, plantar fasciitis and diabetes.
- A callus is an area of hard skin, usually not painful, that forms from excess pressure.
- A corn is an area of hard skin, often horn-shaped, that typically forms on non-weight-bearing areas such as the top of the foot or side of the toes.
- A bunion occurs when compression forces the big toe joint to enlarge and turns the big toe toward the other toes.
- Hammertoes occur when compression forces the lesser toes to bend over in a claw shape, shortening their tendons.
- Gout, a form of arthritis, is typically characterized by severe pain in the big toe.
- High heels are a common cause of foot pain in women.
- Medications that may be used to treat foot pain include aspirin, other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and corticosteroids.
- Antifungal medication is used for athlete's foot.
- A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in foot care. A pedorthist is a specialist in footwear, including shoes and inserts, that can ease foot problems.
- In addition to its many other health benefits, loss of excess weight can help prevent foot pain by reducing stress on the feet.
