Ball of foot pain occurs just below your toes. These can range from injuries to certain health conditions. Frontera WR, et al., eds. The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain on the bottom of your foot, around your heel and arch. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons recommends a person see a doctor if they have: It is important to note that people should not soak their feet in water that is too hot. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with And when they do, you want. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Even better, you can use any of these services without getting a referral from your doctor. Moroni S, et al. What can cause nerve pain in the foot? Ferri FF. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Mendell, J.R. New England Journal of Medicine, 2003. Although many medical conditions can cause burning feet, diabetes is the most common. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. Morton's Neuroma. Learn about symptoms and diagnosis, as, A sprained toe is a common injury that is often tender and painful. (2010). The pain may come on suddenly or develop slowly over time. This pain concentrates in the lower leg between the knee and ankle. Stress fractures of bones in the feet: Pain can result particularly from fractures in the metatarsal bones, which are located in the top of the feet. It can be hard to tell whether the toe is bruised, broken, or sprained. Learn more about a. This content does not have an English version. Some illnesses cause foot pain, as well. For others, the sciatica pain might be infrequent and irritating but has the potential to get worse. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Morton's neuroma. A person who has experienced trauma to the foot should seek an examination from a doctor, as they may require an X-ray. But if you feel pain on the top of your foot, or through your arch, a nerve might be to blame. There are many possible causes of a swollen toe. Sinus tarsi syndrome: This is rare and characterized as an inflamed sinus tarsi, or the channel found between the heel and the bone of the ankle. Theperipheral nervous system is the network of nerves that lieoutside the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). feel like a burning, shooting, or sharp ache. The pain can change depending on what you're doing or the time of day. (2017). Typically, there's no outward sign of this condition, such as a lump. Diabetic polyneuropathy. You're likely to develop foot problems over time as a result. Pinched nerve. It can also cause problems with the digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels and heart. removal of any bone spurs. See additional information. A person without infection, or a high risk medical condition, may treat their ingrown toenail at home. Get evaluated for recent viral illnesses and toxins to which you may have been exposed. A person has 28 bones in their feet, 14 of which are in the toes. It's important to seea GP if you experience the early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Nerve pain may be treated with prescribed medicines called neuropathic pain agents, as standard painkillers often do not work. You might feel burning, shooting, "electrical," or stabbing pain when a nerve in your foot is irritated or damaged. If you have other symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy, these may need to be treated individually. Hovaguimian A, Gibbons CH. Several self-care strategies can help you cope and live better with unexplained nerve pain. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Psoriatic arthritis: How can occupational therapy help? Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Risk factors, or things that may make you more likely to develop sciatica, include. Treatment can include: The plantar plate is a thick ligament that attaches the metatarsals to the first bone of the toes. Metatarsalgia is a condition that causes pain in the ball of a persons foot. A burning pain in the ball of your foot that may radiate into your toes; Tingling or numbness in your toes; In addition to these symptoms, you may find that removing your shoe and rubbing your foot often helps to relieve the pain. Sharp Pain in Toes. University of Utah Health. Different types of foot pain require different responses. They carry you from here to there every day. 2020; doi:10.21037/apm-20-446. A toe fracture is when a person breaks a bone in their toe. A neuropathic pain specialist may be familiar with the multiple "off-label" uses of drugs for nerve pain and be able to provide you with additional help. Many people experience relief by switching to lower heeled shoes with wider toe boxes. You may have stinging, burning or numbness in the affected toes. How you can ease pain in the bottom of the foot If you see a GP about pain in the bottom of your foot, they may suggest trying these things: Do rest and raise your foot when you can put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas in a towel) on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours Has the pain kept you from doing any activities? Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Additionally, capsulitis can result in the toe becoming dislocated. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. When to see a doctor. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Another common symptom is a vague feeling of pressure beneath the toes, as if a sock was bunched up underneath them. In fact, researchers report that 77% of Americans experience it in their lifetime. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. (2017). Accessed Nov. 8, 2022. Diabetic neuropathy is a serious diabetes complication that may affect as many as 50% of people with diabetes. In the UK it's estimated almost1 in 10 peopleaged 55 or over are affected by peripheral neuropathy. A really useful foot pain identifier tool. A person without infection, or a high risk medical condition, may treat their ingrown . Factors that appear to contribute to Morton's neuroma include: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Disorders of peripheral nerves. Allscripts EPSi. Click here for an email preview. This content does not have an English version. Follow your health care provider's recommendations for good foot care. Or it may send excessive and inappropriate pain messages. Evaluation and diagnosis of common causes of forefoot pain in adults. Foot pain itself isnt really that uncommon. Peripheral neuropathy fact sheet. Do you sit for long periods of time? Feldman EL, et al. Rota E, et al. Often, the pain extends from the lower back all the way through the back of your thigh and down through your leg. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on (2016). Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters fromMayo Clinic Press. It can happen with an injury or just with the wear and tear of aging. If you have pain in the top of the foot, try to stay off your feet as much as possible for at least five days and apply ice to the affected area for no more than 20 minutes at a time. This is called unexplained (idiopathic) nerve pain, or idiopathic neuropathy. Last medically reviewed on August 19, 2019. poor circulation. Your symptoms depend on the type you have and which nerves are affected. Some examples include: Four common nerve problems can cause foot pain: Morton's neuroma, tarsal tunnel syndrome, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and a pinched nerve. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies/all-content. Common causes of foot pain include nerve damage, inflammation, overuse, overstretching, and trauma. Being overweight. How it helps arthritis, migraines, and dental pain. Plantar fasciitis commonly causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. Ingrown toenails usually affect the skin at the sides of the nail. Treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends on the symptoms and underlying cause. Accessed Jan. 10, 2020. The pain usually goes away after walking for a few minutes. Stress fractures in your toes or metatarsals. Treatment for Freibergs disease can depend on certain factors, such as a persons age or its severity. 8th ed. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Slide show: 5 smart exercise choices for psoriatic arthritis, From a Mayo Clinic health care provider: Signs your psoriatic arthritis medications may need adjusting, Balance your life to make things easier with psoriatic arthritis, Coping with the emotional ups and downs of psoriatic arthritis, Diabetic neuropathy and dietary supplements. If we combine this information with your protected Other causes of pain on the top of the foot can include: If you have persistent foot pain that lasts longer than a week despite home treatment, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. It includes different types of nerves with their own specific functions, including: The main symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can include: These symptoms are usually constant, but may come and go. Freibergs disease is a rare condition that generally affects a persons second or third metatarsal. Typical shoe modifications include lifts, orthotics with metatarsal pads, and rocker soles, which provides cushion where it's needed. Not all of the underlying causes of neuropathy can be treated. This condition can result from: Physical trauma resulting in nerve damage. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. This injury will likely have swelling as a symptom. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. Accessed Nov. 8, 2022. B vitamins including B-1, B-6 and B-12 vitamin E and niacin are crucial to nerve health. The first thing your doctor probably will do is ask questions about your back pain: Do you have numbness or weakness in your legs? Diabetes Care. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. (n.d.). Common treatments include shoe modifications, arch supports, and alcohol or cortisone injections to decrease swelling. BETA The sharp, shooting pain in your big toe symptoms explained While small in comparison to the rest of the body, the big toe is often stubbed, twisted, bumped, or otherwise injured. For example, arthritis is a common cause of foot pain. Accessed Dec. 17, 2021. DOI: Is your leg pain sciatica or something else? Plantar fasciitis occurs when too much pressure on your feet, Our feet get us around every day, and often in uncomfortable shoes. 2011;2(1):27-38. How can I treat big toe pain? There are treatments for it. Smith, G. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, March 2006. Simply put, a pinched nerve can happen when too much pressure is placed on a nerve. Peripheral neuropathy mayaffect the nerves controlling the automatic functions of the heart and circulation system (cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy). You'll probably know when trouble strikes. All of these parts, from your toes to your Achilles tendons, help you stand upright, balance, and walk. For many people, the cause of nerve pain cannot be identified even after extensive testing. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2019). Whats causing that bump on your elbow? Typically, metatarsalgia begins as a callus on the bottom of the. All rights reserved. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The pain may occur with cramping, which may spread to the hips. Varicose veins causing tibial nerve compression in the tarsal tunnel. Have you ever felt a sensation of pain or numbness in one of your feet and wondered what could be causing it? Sometimes corticosteroid injections or surgery may be necessary. For example, arthritis is a common cause of foot pain. Arthritis Foundation. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition, A feeling as if you're standing on a pebble in your shoe, A burning pain in the ball of your foot that may radiate into your toes. This leads to increased traction on the nerve. Neuropathy Association: "Treatment of Painful Peripheral Neuropathies.". High blood sugar (glucose) can injure nerves throughout the body. It could be a cyst, infection, bursitis, a lipoma, basal cell carcinoma, or a side effect of your avid tennis, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Torn ligaments in your feet. Pain in a persons second toe is often due to injury. Also have your health care provider check your feet at each office visit and take good care of your feet at home. (2018). Surgical options may include: fusing the joint. But you can often prevent diabetic neuropathy or slow its progress with consistent blood sugar management and a healthy lifestyle. Corn vs. Callus: What Are the Differences? You have trouble walking or holding up your weight. Baute V, et al. Pharmacological treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Peripheral neuropathy due to vitamin deficiency, toxins, and medications, Clinical approach to the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy, Physical trauma, such as after surgery or an accident, Certain cancer drugs, antiviral drugs, or antibiotics, Infectious diseases, such as complications from. We discuss ways to remedy your sore feet no matter what the cause. Millions of people have unexplained nerve pain. However, if your symptoms dont get better, see your doctor to get a diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. We also excel at building personalized therapy plans designed to reduce your pain. Sometimes, well feel pain at the top of our foot that can be uncomfortable when walking and even standing still. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/musculoskeletal-and-connective-tissue-disorders/foot-and-ankle-disorders/overview-of-foot-and-ankle-disorders. other information we have about you. Carrying additional weight can place extra pressure on the soft tissue in your feet and the nerves surrounding the tissue. Three foot problems that can cause this type of pain are: Not sure where you can find treatment for intermittent sharp pain on the top of your foot? We avoid using tertiary references. Sometimes, even the area closest to the nerve will be sensitive to the touch. Koepsel K. (n.d.). We interviewed four experts on what to look for (and avoid) in a shoe if you have plantar fasciitis. Tell your doctor about all medicines and dietary supplements you are taking. These conditions include: If you think you may have a pinched nerve in your foot, there are self-care measures you can take to help ease the symptoms. (2017). Joint Pain in the Feet: A Symptom of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Causes of Ankle Pain and Treatment Options, 7 Ways to Stop Foot Pain from Standing All Day, Foot Pain Causes, Treatment, and When to Seek Help, Morton's interdigital neuroma: instructional review, Nerve entrapment in ankle and foot: ultrasound imaging.