Many systemic diseases have symptoms that are first observed in the feet and may cause pain elsewhere. For example, the joint inflammation of arthritis may be felt in the feet, knees, hips and arms. Gout, a form of arthritis, usually attacks the big toe joint first but may later strike other joints as well.

Some pain that originates in other parts of the body is perceived in the feet. This type of pain is known as referred pain. A person experiencing foot pain may also experience:

• Knee pain
• Hip pain, calf pain or other leg pain
• Back pain