The anatomy of the foot and its function can predispose to common foot problems. Show
Common causes of foot pain include plantar fasciitis, bunions, flat feet, heel
spurs, mallet toe, metatarsalgia, claw toe, and Morton's neuroma. If your feet hurt, there are effective ways to ease the pain This article provides an overview of foot anatomy and
foot problems that come from overuse, injury, and normal wear and tear of the foot. Foot AnatomyEach of your feet has 28 bones, 30 joints, and more than 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These structures work together to carry out two main functions:
Plus, the foot must be flexible to adapt to uneven surfaces and remain stable. The foot has three sections: the forefoot,
midfoot, and hindfoot. There are bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in each of these sections. BonesForefoot Bones
Midfoot Bones The midfoot contains five irregularly shaped bones called the tarsals. Together, the tarsals form the arch of the foot. The arch plays a key role in weight-bearing and foot stability. These bones include:
Hindfoot
JointsJoints are where two bones meet. In the feet, each big toe has two joints: the metatarsophalangeal joint at the base of the toe and the interphalangeal joint just above it. The other four toes have three joints each: the metatarsophalangeal joint at the base of the toe, the proximal interphalangeal joint in the middle of the toe, and the distal phalangeal joint closest to the tip of the toe. MusclesThe muscles that control the movements of the foot start in the lower leg and are attached to the bones in the foot with tendons. These are the main muscles that facilitate movement in the foot:
TendonsTendons are fibrous connective tissues that attach muscles to bones. There are three major tendons that help facilitate foot movement, including flexion (forward bending of the foot) and dorsiflexion (backward bending of the foot):
LigamentsLigaments are fibrous connective tissues that connect bone to bone. These are the primary ligaments of the foot:
Common Foot ProblemsThe average person has walked about 75,000 miles by age 50. Given how many moving parts there are in the foot, it's not surprising how vulnerable it is to injury or overuse. Nine conditions specific to the foot can cause pain, restrict the movement of the foot, or lead to foot instability. Verywell / Alexandra Gordon Plantar FasciitisPlantar fasciitis is caused by microtears in the thick fibrous tissue on the underside of the foot, usually due to overstretching. Symptoms include pain in the heel and arch that is often worse in the mornings. Plantar fasciitis is common among-distance walkers or runners. BunionsA bunion is a bony protrusion on either the inside edge of the foot or the pinkie toe side. Bunions form gradually when the bones in the foot become misaligned, often due to wearing shoes that don't fit well or that squeeze the toes together tightly. The big toe can bend so far inward that it actually crosses under or over the adjacent toe, causing a secondary misalignment called a hammertoe. Usually, a painful callous will form on top of the second toe. Flat FeetPes planus (flat feet) is when the arc of the foot straightens out, often so completely that the entire sole comes in contact with the floor. Flat feet can cause pain in the midfoot area as well as swelling of the ankle and arch. The imbalance can also lead to hip, knee, or lower back pain. Pes planus can be congenital (meaning you are born with it), but more often it is a result of age or injury. Between 20% and 30% of people have some degree of flat-footedness. Heel SpursAs the largest bone in the foot, the calcaneus (heel) is prone to injury caused by faulty foot biomechanics (meaning problems with your gait). One of the more common is the development of bony overgrowth called heel spurs that cause severe pain when standing or walking. Also known as calcaneal spurs, heel spurs are most common in people who have plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or high arches. Mallet ToeWith a mallet toe, the joint in the middle of a toe becomes permanently bent to the extent that it points downward. Mallet toes develop because of an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that hold the bones straight. As with bunions and hammertoe, mallet toe often forms as a result of wearing ill-fitting shoes, although it can also be caused by trauma or certain diseases. MetatarsalgiaMetatarsalgia is pain under the ball of the foot. It is often the result of pressure caused by high heel shoes or from conditions such as arthritis, nerve compression, or fractures or tears in ligaments that support the ball of the foot. Claw ToeA claw toe is a deformity in which a toe bends downward from the middle joints and can sometimes even curl under the foot entirely. When this happens, callouses or corns will form on top of the affected toe. Sometimes, a corn can place pressure on nerves in the foot, causing pain. Morton's NeuromaThis is a common problem in which compression on a nerve in the ball of the foot causes burning, tingling, and pain near the third and fourth toes. High heels are most often the culprit. Morton's neuroma can make you feel like you have a pebble in your shoe or on a fold in your sock. Medical Conditions That Can Cause Foot ProblemsThe feet are subject to a variety of medical problems, including:
DiagnosisTo diagnose problems related to the anatomical structures in the foot, your healthcare provider or an orthopedic specialist will look at your foot to look for signs of swelling, deformity, skin growth, or misalignment. They will review your symptoms and medical history and ask you to walk around to look for abnormalities in your gait (referred to as a gait analysis). Imaging tests are often central to the diagnosis and can include:
TreatmentThe treatment for a foot problem will depend on the underlying cause. Foot pain from any cause can often be relieved with over-the-counter painkillers such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen), or Aleve (naproxen). More severe cases may require steroid injections to reduce joint inflammation or prescription pain relievers like Celebrex (celecoxib) to relieve chronic arthritis pain. For foot problems caused by anatomical deformities, foot orthotics (inserts worn inside the shoes) can help compensate for these problems and reduce pain. Standard versions are available in pharmacies, but often a doctor will order custom-made orthotics or custom-fitted shoes. Physical therapy can improve the strength and flexibility of the feet and ankles. Sometimes conditions like a displaced fracture, bunions, or hammertoe will require surgery if they are causing severe pain or disability. SummaryThe foot is a complex structure comprised of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It is vulnerable to injury both from trauma and overuse, as well as diseases and infections. Among some of the more common structural foot problems are bunions, claw toes, flat feet, hammertoes, heel spurs, mallet toes, metatarsalgia, Morton's neuroma, and plantar fasciitis. The diagnosis of a structural foot problem may involve a physical exam, a review of your symptoms and medical history, a gait analysis, and an imaging test such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI scan. The treatment can vary based on the condition
but may involve over-the-counter or prescription painkillers, foot orthotics, custom-fitted shoes, physical therapy, or surgery. Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the bone on the top of my foot hurting?Common causes of pain in the top of the foot
Pain in the top of your foot is often caused by exercising, especially if it involves running, kicking or jumping. It may also be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight and some conditions, like gout. Your symptoms might give you an idea of what's causing your pain.
What is it called when you hurt the top of your foot?Symptoms of Extensor Tendonitis in the Foot
The main symptom of extensor tendonitis in the foot is pain on the top of the foot. It is often right where your shoelaces are. You may feel this pain while you are running or walking.
How do you get rid of pain on the top of your foot?If you have pain in the top of the foot, try to stay off your feet as much as possible for at least five days and apply ice to the affected area for no more than 20 minutes at a time. If home treatments don't seem to help after five days, make an appointment with your doctor.
What's the bone that sticks out on your foot?A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It occurs when some of the bones in the front part of your foot move out of place.
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