Foot Pain

Foot pain on the top of the foot is commonly caused by conditions like extensor tendonitis, stress fractures, or arthritis. Extensor tendonitis occurs when the tendons on the top of the foot become inflamed, often due to overuse or tight footwear. Stress fractures can develop from repetitive high-impact activities, especially in athletes. Arthritis in the midfoot joints can also lead to pain in this area.

Pain on the bottom of the foot is often associated with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or flat feet. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot, usually causing sharp heel pain. Flat feet can place strain on the ligaments and muscles of the foot, leading to discomfort. Heel spurs, which are calcium deposits on the underside of the heel bone, can also contribute to pain in this area.

Foot pain in the ball of the foot, also known as metatarsalgia, is usually caused by overuse, improper footwear, or conditions like Morton’s neuroma. Metatarsalgia occurs when there is inflammation or irritation in the metatarsal bones, often due to repetitive impact from activities like running or jumping. Morton’s neuroma, a thickening of tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes, can also cause a sharp or burning pain in this area.

Foot pain on the outside of the foot, also called lateral foot pain, is often caused by peroneal tendonitis, stress fractures, or cuboid syndrome. Peroneal tendonitis is an overuse injury affecting the tendons on the outer part of the ankle and foot, commonly seen in runners and athletes. Stress fractures in the fifth metatarsal (the long bone on the outside of the foot) can result from repetitive strain. Cuboid syndrome occurs when the cuboid bone in the foot becomes partially dislocated, often causing sharp pain.

If your foot pain lasts more than a few days, worsens with activity, or is accompanied by swelling, redness, or numbness, it’s time to come see us. As an athlete or active adult, you’re used to pushing through discomfort, but ignoring pain can lead to more severe injuries. Relieving the pain is only the first step—we go deeper to address the biomechanical issues at the root, helping you recover fully and prevent future problems.

The best path forward is to schedule an evaluation with us to discover the root cause of your pain. We’ll build a personalized program of treatment that ensures complete recovery and future prevention. If you can’t come in for an evaluation or you want to get started immediately, we've created a home injury guide designed for athletes and active adults. You can find that guide here.