The soles of the feet should be capable of enduring all the pressure placed on them while engaging in various activities such as running, walking and standing. There are 26 bones along with ligaments in the foot that are structured to allow the foot to function as a lever and shock absorber. In most cases, the foot pain can occur in any part of the foot. If there is pain on the sole of the foot, it can be felt beneath the heel, in the middle of the foot beneath the arch and under the ball of the foot due to various conditions.
Metatarsalgia and arthritis
When it comes to metatarsalgia, it is pain that is felt under the ball of the foot. This condition can be a result of nerve injury, poor circulation or joint anomaly such as arthritis. The nerves can become irritated due to constant stress or from the formation of Morton’s neuroma.
Remember that nerve injury can cause burning pain in the toes and ball of the foot that is followed by loss of sensation. Arthritis can also affect any joints in the foot that causes dull aching pain that is worse upon rising in the morning and improves throughout the day.
Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs
The plantar fascia is a dense, broad ligament that runs throughout the bottom of the foot starting from the heel up to the base of the toes. Remember that this is responsible for maintaining the structure of the arch. The plantar fascia can end up inflamed due to injury or overuse, resulting to a dull ache on the sole of the foot.
As for a heel spur, it can form on the heel bone where the plantar fascia connects. This results to pain along the sole. Certain conditions that predispose an individual to plantar fasciitis or heel spurs include long-distance running, obesity and stiff flat or high-arched foot.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
The posterior tibial nerve runs through the constricted tunnel comprising of ligament and bone along the ankle as it goes through the leg into the foot. There is possibility for this nerve to become compressed and irritated which results to tingling pain throughout the foot. Individuals who have diabetes, flat feet and arthritis are more likely to end up with tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Plantar warts, calluses and corns
The plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus which are flattened warts that grow on the base of the foot. The virus can enter via these small breaks in the skin such as cuts.
Once the plantar warts develop on the pressure points on the sole, they can also trigger sharp pain. Calluses and corns are patches of dense skin that develop under the pressure points on the sole to protect the areas from friction. Take note that corns and calluses can also trigger piercing pain especially when walking.
Fracture and stress fracture
Any break in the bone is a fracture. These fractures can occur from direct or indirect trauma. As for a stress fracture, it can develop due to repeated and forceful stress such as jumping or running. A fracture can cause abrupt onset of sharp pain on the sole of the foot while the pain from a stress fracture initially manifests as a hardly perceivable ache that becomes incapacitating over time.