Foot pain
Diabetic foot problems
People with diabetes can experience a number of potentially serious problems affecting their feet,some of which can be very painful. This is because the condition can damage nerves and blood vessels in your feet.
Foot problems that can affect people with diabetesinclude:
- nerve damage ( peripheral neuropathy ) , which cancause numbness and burning, stabbing or shooting pains in your feet
- poor circulation (ischaemia) , which can cause your feet to become painful, cold, red and swollen
- skin ulcers painfulsores that take a very long time toheal
- skin infections ulcers thatbecome red and swollen, and may produce a foul-smelling odour and green discharge
Contact your GP or diabetes care team immediately if you have diabetes and think you have developed a problem with one or both of your feet.
Occasionally they can occur as a result of osteoporosis (weakened bones).
Any bone in and aroundthe foot can be affected, including the:
- bones in the middle of your feet (such as themetatarsals)
- heel
- toes read more about a broken toe
- ankle read more abouta broken ankle
- bones of the lower leg read more abouta broken leg
The affected area will be very painful and tender to touch, and the skin may be bruised. You should stop all activity immediately and avoidputting weight on your foot until you see a doctor.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Foot pain is a common problem with a wide range of possible causes.
Common causes of foot pain
Common causes of foot pain include: sprains and strains gout verrucas blisters, corns and calluses bunions ingrowing toenails plantar fasciitis (heel pain) Morton's neuroma
Sprains and strains
Sprains and strains are very common injuries that affect muscles and ligaments (strong bands of tissue around joints that connect one bone to another). They often occur if you change direction or spee
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the result of damage to the tough band of tissue (fascia) that runs under the sole of the foot, which causes pain in the heel. It most commonly affects people aged 40 to 60 who ar
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia isthe term for pain that occurs in the front section of the foot. It's is often described as a burning or aching pain that ranges from mild to severe and gets worse when walking. It ca
Anobject embedded in your foot
Foot pain can sometimes be caused by an object embedded in the foot. It may therefore be worth considering whether you havestepped on something sharp with bare feet and examining your foot for a wound
Diabetic foot problems
People with diabetes can experience a number of potentially serious problems affecting their feet,some of which can be very painful. This is because the condition can damage nerves and blood vessels i
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