What causes foot pain?
There are many possible sources. These include fractures, tendon tears, corns, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, athlete's foot, plantar warts, arthritis, bone spurs and plantar fasciitis.

Do certain conditions commonly involve foot pain?
Yes. Arthritis, diabetes and certain conditions involving damage to the nerves or blood vessels are among those that can be marked by foot pain.

Can foot pain be a sign of diabetes in someone who is not diagnosed?
Yes. People sometimes have diabetes for years without being diagnosed. They may have tingling, pins-and-needles pain, numbness or other problems in the feet that could be a sign of nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy). That's one reason why it's important to see a doctor if you have such symptoms.

How do corns, calluses and bunions differ?
A callus is an area of hard skin, often painless, that forms from excess pressure. A corn is an area of hard skin, often cone-shaped, that typically forms on areas that don't bear weight, such as the tops of the toes. A bunion occurs when compression forces the big toe joint to enlarge and turns the big toe toward the other toes.

What are hammertoes?
Hammertoes develop when compression forces the lesser toes to bend over in a claw shape, shortening their tendons.

If I have heel pain, does that mean I have plantar fasciitis?
Not necessarily. Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, but arthritis, a bone spur, Achilles tendinitis or other condition could also be the cause. Heel pan can even be a symptom of an inherited form of high cholesterol.

Are women especially prone to foot pain?
Women who wear high heels and pointy-toed shoes are increasing their risk of several painful foot conditions.

How is foot pain diagnosed?
Often a doctor can determine the problem just by looking at or feeling the foot. Sometimes diagnostic tests are necessary. As needed, a doctor may order tests such as x-rays, electromyography, MRI or synovial fluid analysis.

What is synovial fluid analysis?
This is a test in which a needle is used to take a sample of fluid from a joint. It can be used to detect some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout, that may be causing your foot pain.