The foot is a complex structure of 26 bones that forms two crossing arches in the foot. The longitudinal arch runs the length of the foot and the transverse arch is the arch that runs across. The ankle joint is formed by the interaction of the foot and leg, and the toes are far apart. The bones of the foot are linked together and are connected by fibrous tissue known as ligaments. The muscles of the foot, along with the hard, fibrous tissue that provides secondary support to the foot.
Why do we have foot pain?
- The feet have internal muscles that originate from and insert into the muscles of the foot and ends that originate in the leg. In addition, there are also some fat pads on the foot to help with weight bearing and shock absorbency. But sometimes this is not enough because the feet can hurt.
- Achilles tendonitis, for example, is a very common cause that is caused by overuse of the Achilles tendon. The band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the back of the leg to the heel bone. When it breaks, immediate great pain can be felt at the back of the ankle and the leg can be so affected that you cannot walk properly.
- Other types of pain are: fractures in the foot or fingers, bone spurs -which are the projections that form on the edges of the bones, ankle fractures or even bunions or calluses.
- There is a layer of fat under that foot that is designed to protect the foot. A conditions called fat pad atrophy takes away some of that protection. There are fat pad injections that can be used to treat it. It is not possible to regenerate the fat pad.
- In addition, there may also be foot pain due to flat feet, excessive use of poor quality heels, ill-fitting shoes, or even ingrown toenails; as well as plantar warts, arthritis or tendinitis.
