Why does my foot hurt? What might be causing it and how to find relief.

Common causes of foot pain: what might be behind that ache.

Foot pain can show up in many forms and there isn’t just one reason behind it. Some causes are simple, like wearing the wrong shoes. Others might point to an injury or a medical issue that needs attention. 

Here are some of the most common reasons why your foot might hurt.

• Plantar fasciitis. This is one of the top causes of heel pain. It usually feels worse when you take your first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while.
• Flat feet or high arches. If you don’t properly support your feet, it can lead to strain, pain and fatigue. You’ll notice this pain and discomfort after walking or standing for long periods.
• Bunions and hammertoes. These bony bumps and toe joint issues can make shoes uncomfortable and lead to pressure and swelling.
• Sprains, strains, or fractures. Whether from a sports injury or just an awkward step, damage to the soft tissues or bones in your foot can cause severe discomfort.
• Arthritis. Joint pain from arthritis can affect the toes, midfoot, or ankle. It may come with stiffness and swelling that gets worse with activity.
• Neuropathy. Often linked to diabetes, neuropathy causes burning, tingling, or numbness in the feet. It can also lead to balance problems or pain that gets worse at night.
• Gout. Gout causes sudden and intense joint pain, often in the big toe. The area may become red, swollen and tender to the touch.

If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to take a closer look at what’s going on.

How to relieve foot pain and prevent it from coming back.

Once you know what’s causing your foot pain, there’s a lot you can do to feel better. Many treatments are pretty simple and you can take care of them right at home. Others may need medical guidance, especially if your pain is caused by a more serious condition like gout and neuropathy.\

At-home relief tips:

• Rest your foot. Try to stay off it as much as possible until the pain improves.
• Ice the area. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers. Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain and swelling.
• Wear supportive shoes. Skip the flip-flops and look for footwear with arch support and cushioning.
• Stretch regularly. Stretching can help a lot. Gentle foot and calf stretches can relieve tension and improve flexibility.

Prevent future foot pain:

• Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces. This can increase strain on your feet.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight puts added pressure on your feet.
• Choose the right footwear for your activity. Running shoes for running, walking shoes for walking and so on.
• Replace worn-out shoes. Old shoes can lose their support and contribute to pain.
• Stay active. Low-impact exercise like swimming or cycling can improve circulation without overloading your feet.

Should you use heat or ice for foot pain relief?

When your foot hurts, it’s natural to wonder whether you should reach for a heating pad or an ice pack. The answer depends on the type of pain you’re experiencing.

Ice works best for sudden or recent foot pain.

If the pain started after an injury or you notice swelling, go with ice. Cold helps reduce inflammation. It also numbs the area, which can make the pain more manageable. Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel. 

Apply it to the sore spot for 15 to 20 minutes. You can do this a few times throughout the day.

Heat may help with long-term pain or stiffness. 

If your foot feels sore from overuse or you have tight muscles, gentle heat can bring relief. A warm compress or foot soak can help loosen things up and improve blood flow. 

Just make sure the heat isn’t too intense!

Safety tip: Never apply ice or heat directly to your skin. Always use a barrier, like a towel or cloth. If your symptoms don’t get better or the pain becomes more intense, consider visiting a medical provider at CityMD for a proper evaluation.

Should I be worried about foot pain? When foot pain means it’s time to see a doctor.

Not every sore foot needs medical attention. Sometimes a little rest and ice do the trick. But there are moments when ignoring the pain can lead to bigger problems.

Here’s when you should consider visiting a doctor or urgent care clinic:

• The pain is severe or came on suddenly. Sharp or sudden pain, especially after an injury, could be a sign of a fracture or torn ligament.
• You have trouble putting weight on your foot. If it hurts to walk or stand, your body is telling you something isn’t right.
• There’s swelling, redness, or warmth. These can be signs of inflammation, infection, or even a blood clot.
• You see an open sore that isn’t healing. This is especially important if you have diabetes, since wounds on the feet can lead to serious complications.
• You’ve tried home care but nothing is working. If your pain sticks around for more than a few days or keeps coming back, get it checked out.

You can get fast answers at CityMD. Our providers can diagnose the cause of your foot pain and recommend the right next steps, whether that’s rest, imaging, or a referral to a specialist. No appointment is needed; just walk into your local CityMD clinic.