The soles of the feet should endure all the pressure placed on them during daily activities such as walking, standing and running. There are 26 bones along with ligaments in the foot that allows it to function as a lever and shock absorber. The foot pain can occur on any part of the foot. The foot pain on the sole can be felt beneath the heel, middle of the foot under the arch as well as under the ball of the foot due to several conditions. If you want to effectively manage this symptom, read here.
Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis
A heel spur can develop on the heel bone where the plantar fascia connects. This can cause pain along the sole. As for plantar fasciitis, the plantar fascia becomes swollen due to overuse or injury which causes a dull foot pain on the sole. Take note that the plantar fascia is the dense, broad ligament that travels along the base of the foot starting from the heel up to the base of the toes. There are certain conditions that increase the risk for heel spurs or plantar fasciitis such as long-distance running, flat or high-arched foot and obesity.
Stress fracture and fractures
If there is a break in the bone, it is called a fracture. This can occur from indirect or direct trauma. As for a stress fracture, it occurs due to repeated and forceful stress such as jumping or running.
A fracture can cause abrupt, piercing foot pain on the sole while a stress fracture causes pain that is hardly noticeable but becomes worse over time.
Metatarsalgia
It is important to note that metatarsalgia is basically foot pain under the ball. This can occur due to nerve injury, joint abnormality or poor circulation. The nerves can become irritated due to constant stress or due to the formation of Morton’s neuroma which is a benign nerve tumor. The injury on the nerve causes burning pain in the toes and ball of the foot and followed by loss of sensation.
Arthritis
Arthritis typically affects any joint in the foot and causes dull and achy foot pain that is worse upon waking up in the morning and improves throughout the day.
Plantar warts
The plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus. They are described as flattened warts that grow on the base of the foot. The virus can enter through small-sized breaks in the skin such as wounds or cuts. Once the plantar warts form over the pressure points on the sole, they can cause piercing foot pain.
Corns and calluses
Corns and calluses are described as patches of thick skin that develop under the pressure points on the sole to protect against friction. They are also capable of causing sharp pain especially when walking.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
It is important to note that the posterior tibial nerve traverse a constricted tunnel of ligaments and bones along the ankle as it passes from the leg into the foot. There is a possibility for this nerve to be compressed and irritated, thus producing tingling pain along the sole of the foot. Individuals who have arthritis, diabetes and flat feet are likely to develop tarsal tunnel syndrome.