Bunions (Hallux Valgus) are one of the most common causes of foot pain. It is characterized by a large, hard protrusion at the base of the big toe. It can become swollen and feverish. This is a condition that is usually caused by wearing shoes with pointed or narrowing toes. The bump is, in fact, a bone sticking out and turning toward the inside of the foot. The big toe often is found resting under or on top of the second toe which is called overlapping toes.
Hammer toes are also a common cause of foot pain. In this condition the toes protrude and curl down into a claw like position. Hammer toes are contracted at the middle joint in the toe (PIP Joint). When ligaments and tendons tighten the joints in the toe are rolled downward. Hammer prepares do not occur in the big toe.
Calluses and corn are another common cause of foot pain. They are actually patches of thickened skin caused by friction or pressure. Calluses appear on the balls of the feet or on the heels while corn will appear on the toes. Calluses are caused by an accumulation of dead skin cells. In several cases, the callus has a deep severed core called a nucleation. This type of callus is exceptionally painful. Corns are similar to calluses as they are also thickened patches of dead skin cells which have formed as a protective mechanism against pressures on the foot. Corns however are found on the toes.
Plantar warts are another common painful condition. They grow on the plantar or bottom part of the foot. They are found in areas where the most pressure is applied such as the heel and ball of the foot. Although plantar warts will go away in their own time they should be treated with an over the counter remedy to less the painful symptoms that they bring with them. Plantar warts cause pain with walking. They will also spread to others area with the same type of skin. They are common issues in those with feet pain.
Fallen arches cause little pain in the foot. Also called flat feet, or pes planus, it is condition where the arch or instep of the foot collapses and becomes flush with the ground. This happens in conjunction with injury or disease.This is a condition that people are sometimes born with. The arch usually usually develops in childhood. Although not usually very painful, in some cases when the arch falls the feet want to roll inward and the bones may push down on the supporting membranes causing moderate amount of pain.
There are other causes of foot pain, more serious, that need attention from a health care professional. These include gout, broken bones and arthritis. Foot pain can be treated with simple medication found over the counter. One such product, PAINenz, is aa roll-on topical analgesic that has been found to be effective in the fight against feet pain. The main ingredient, capsaicin is known for its pain-relieving properties.