Foot pain can be secondary to internal pain (not visible to the naked eye) that affects different anatomical structures such as tendons, muscles, and ligaments.
An examination of your pain can be performed by a podiatrist in order to reach a diagnosis and possible treatments.
Here are some possible diagnoses:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bunion/hallux abducto-valgus
- Hammer toe
- Tendonitis/tendonopathy
It can also manifest as external pain (visible to the naked eye) that can affect your skin or nails. The podiatrist will perform podiatric treatment to remove calluses and care for your nails.
Several factors can cause the appearance of a bunion or hallux valgus:
- heredity,
- neuromuscular disorders or conditions affecting the joints such as rheumatoid arthritis;
- wearing shoes that are too small, especially young people, when training their feet;
- frequent wearing of high heels;
- menopause: women aged 40 and over are often the most affected, because menopause causes a relaxation of fibrous structures which promotes enlargement of the forefoot.
— Ordre des podiatres du Québec