Gelenk-Klinik

Are sore feet part of life?

The upright gait takes its toll. It is a considerable stress for our locomotor system and in particular for our feet. They carry the whole bodyweight and walk an average of 5,000 steps a day. It is also true that modern leisure-time activities, e.g. sports, and the use of high-heeled and uncomfortable footwear, make us more prone to sore feet.

At some point in their lives, everyone will suffer from sore feet. Mostly this phenomenon is relatively harmless and disappears spontaneously after a short while, but sometimes, its origins are due to more serious health problems. The most classical causes are pain due to age, repeated pain after forefoot surgery, arthritis, hallux valgus (bunions) and rheumatoid forefeet.

Depending on the type and severity of the defect, it may be possible to use non surgical treatments such as foot gymnastics, adduction of the big toe, medical treatment, special orthoses, shoe inlays or orthopaedic shoes. Unfortunately, however, patients often consult with their doctor only when their feet show considerable malpositions.

If the foot pain cannot be eased by other means, then surgery may be the only solution. The aim is to compensate the traction in the foot, correct the pronation, and align the lower body, thus ensuring the muscles, particularly the adductor muscles, are back in balance.

The so-called chevron osteotomy is a standard procedure to correct bunions, but there are alternative methods appropriate for other malpositions, even in cases of more excessive angular deviations.

During the follow-up treatment, it is important to re-establish muscular balance and to stabilise and strengthen the foot sufficiently.

This is obtained through mobilizing exercises, massages and therapeutic appliances.

Who suffers from sore feet?

As we all put our feet under stress every day, almost all of us will have already suffered from sore feet at least once in our lives. Mostly this phenomenon is relatively harmless and will disappear spontaneously after a short time. But sometimes, its origins may lie in serious health problems. When the pain persists, it can be very inconvenient and the feet should be examined by a specialist.

Causes of sore feet

• Overuse of feet or inappropriate overstrain
• Pressure marks, corns and calluses due to poorly fitting shoes (too tight, too small, high heels, non damping soles)
• Overweight
• Ingrowing toenail
• Foot infections, fungal infection of feet
• Traumata of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons or muscles
• Foot sprain
• Hammer toe and claw foot
• Pain in the ball of the foot caused by bunions
• Heel spur
Foot pain can also result from certain diseases, such as:
• Non corrected deviations, such as skew feet, high arches, fallen arches and splay feet
• Morton's Neuroma
• Gout
• Arthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Skin diseases on the feet
• Osteoporosis
• Diabetes mellitus
• Circulatory disorders
• Neurological disorders (polyneuropathy)
• Thrombosis (blood clots)
• Tumours
• Herniated disc with a pinched nerve
• Abuse of alcohol

When to contact a medical professional

You should consult a medical professional if the pain persists for more than three days, gets stronger when strained or occurs alongside other diseases. You should consult an orthopaedic specialist immediately if: pain leads to a reduction in the range of motion, if the skin is reddened at the same time, if a fever is present or if the joint is swollen.

What can be done against foot pain?

One can try to reduce discomfort by avoiding overstrain, caused for example by long walks and by trying not to adopt an over compensating posture. This can be achieved through using comfortable well-fitting shoes, with inserts and damping heels. Furthermore, it is recommended to strengthen the foot muscles through foot gymnastics, to extend calves and soles of feet and to ensure thorough foot care. Footbaths, foot massages and weight reduction will also have a positive effect on sore feet.

Acute foot pain due do false postures or overstrain usually disappears spontaneously. Sometimes it can be helpful to use bandages, ointments or plaster bandages to immobilize the foot and help it recover. Strong pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory painkillers, but they will not eliminate its cause. When foot angles hurt, local anaesthetics or cortisone preparations injected into the joint may help. With certain causes, however, only surgery will reduce the pain. Comprehensive advice can be obtained from your doctor.