Sore soles? Identifying foot pain causes and treatments

Foot pain is a common issue that can occur in the heel, sole, or arch of the foot. If left untreated, it can make movement difficult and impact daily life. But what causes foot pain, and how can it be treated? Discover the answers in the detailed article below.

1. What condition is indicated by sole pain?

The source of pain in the sole of either the right or left foot depends on its specific location. Here’s a breakdown:

1.1. Pain in the heel

When pain is felt in the heel, it may stem from several possible causes:

• Plantar fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a strip of tissue running from the heel bone, along the foot’s arch, to the base of the toes. When inflamed, it often leads to heel pain, particularly noticeable in the morning upon waking. Factors increasing the risk of plantar fasciitis include having flat feet, prolonged walking or standing on hard surfaces, or excess body weight.

• Heel spurs

Heel spurs occur when calcium builds up, forming bony growths beneath the heel bone. This condition can cause a sharp, stabbing sensation in the heel, especially after standing up in the morning or after long periods of sitting. The pain may vary between sharp and dull and tends to worsen when walking on hard surfaces or lifting heavy items.

• Heel bruise

A heel bruise is one reason for intense pain in the sole. It happens when the thick fatty pad of the heel suffers a strong impact or injury. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and trouble moving the foot. With proper rest and care, these symptoms typically improve over time.

1.2. Pain in the concave area of the foot’s sole

Discomfort in the concave part of the sole may be linked to flat feet, a condition where the foot’s arch lacks its natural curve and lies flat against the ground when standing. This structural issue can lead to intense pain in the sole, as well as discomfort extending to the ankle, calf, and beyond.

1.3. General pain in the sole of the foot

When pain affects the sole broadly, it may arise from the following causes:

• Pain in the Bunion of the Big Toe

Wearing ill-fitting shoes or engaging in strenuous activities (like lifting heavy objects, jumping long distances, or high jumps) can place excessive strain on the forefoot. Over time, this pressure may damage the ball of the foot, resulting in sharp or aching pain.

• Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma occurs when the tissue around a nerve thickens, leading to a sharp, burning sensation in the foot. Beyond the sole, this condition can also cause stinging pain or numbness in the toes.

• Sesamoiditis

The sesamoid bones, two small, semicircular bones, help support the foot during motion. If these bones become inflamed due to injury or displacement, significant pain can result. Individuals at higher risk for sesamoiditis include dancers, runners, and those with flat feet.

2. Is foot pain a serious concern?

Typically, sudden sharp pain in the sole of the foot resolves on its own within a few weeks. However, whether brief or prolonged, this discomfort can make every step unpleasant for the individual. In certain instances, sole pain may signal underlying conditions like heel spurs, Morton’s neuroma, or others. As a result, if the sharp pain persists without improvement, it’s advisable to consult a doctor promptly for evaluation and treatment.

3. When should individuals with sharp sole pain seek medical attention?

If the pain in the sole becomes intense, seeing a specialist right away is recommended. Key warning signs that the condition may be worsening include:

• Pain that lingers beyond two weeks despite home remedies.
• Pain paired with inflammation symptoms like swelling, chills, or fever.
• Discomfort severe enough to hinder walking.
• Numbness or a tingling sensation in the soles.
• An open sore on the sole showing pus or redness.

Additionally, immediate medical consultation is crucial if sole pain occurs alongside these circumstances:

• Injuries from sports or work-related activities causing foot discomfort.
• A history of diabetes or nerve-related conditions.

If sharp sole pain isn’t addressed early, it could evolve into chronic pain, significantly disrupting daily life. Therefore, at the first appearance of these symptoms, individuals should seek a doctor’s guidance for the best course of action.

4. How is foot pain diagnosed?

To pinpoint the reason behind sharp pain in the sole of the foot, a doctor begins by asking about the pain’s intensity, location, and the patient’s medical background. Next, they examine the foot for structural issues, such as tight hamstrings or flat arches. Depending on these findings, the doctor may order additional tests to evaluate the condition’s severity:

• X-rays: These scans allow the doctor to detect bone changes due to fractures, infections, or arthritis.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: A CT scan provides detailed images of the foot’s bones, helping identify fractures, arthritis, or unusual structural features.
• Ultrasound: Using sound waves, this test examines soft tissue conditions like neuromas, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or plantar fasciitis.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This advanced imaging uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce clear pictures, aiding in the diagnosis of sesamoiditis, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, or tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• Nerve Conduction Study (NCS): Electrodes placed on the skin measure nerve function, useful for detecting conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome or peripheral neuropathy.
• Electromyography (EMG): By inserting a needle into the skin, this test assesses nerve and muscle activity to determine if the pain stems from muscular, neural, or other sources.

5. Effective methods to treat foot pain

For those experiencing pain in the sole of the foot, the following treatment options can provide relief:

5.1. Relieving mid-foot pain at home

You can ease pain and swelling in the soles of your feet with these at-home strategies:

• Diet: Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can improve sole pain. This involves eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, to help reduce inflammation in the feet.
• Weight Loss: Excess weight heightens the risk of foot pain, inflammation, and related issues. Shedding pounds can lessen the strain on your feet, lowering the chances of conditions like diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• Posture Adjustment: Better posture can reduce stress on your legs and alleviate sole pain and tiredness. Stand with shoulders pulled back to distribute weight evenly across both legs. If you tend to slouch, a posture brace can assist in keeping your shoulders aligned.

5.2. Medication use

Based on the pain’s intensity, a doctor might recommend over-the-counter painkillers like Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Naproxen, or Acetylsalicylic Acid, or stronger opioids for severe cases. Cortisone shots may also be suggested for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, sesamoiditis, or neuromas.

Note: Always follow the doctor’s guidance on medication use to ensure effective treatment and safety. The appropriate drug will depend on the specific condition causing the sole pain.

5.3. Alternative approaches

Alternative therapies can help manage and reduce foot sole pain. Patients may try:

• Acupuncture or electroacupuncture.
• Massaging and stretching the feet and ankle muscles.
• Movement-based practices like yoga or tai chi.
• Applying hot or cold compresses.

5.4. Chiropractic care with physiotherapy & medical orthotics at ACC

Foot pain often stems from misaligned foot structures pressing on nerves. Chiropractic treatment addresses this by realigning the foot to its natural position, relieving nerve pressure and effectively reducing pain.

Since 2006, ACC Clinic in Vietnam has led the way in using Chiropractic for musculoskeletal issues. The clinic boasts a team of internationally trained Doctor of chiropractic with extensive credentials and deep knowledge of skeletal anatomy. Leveraging their expertise, they design tailored treatment plans to quickly and effectively relieve sharp sole pain.

For cases linked to flat feet, ACC doctors combine Chiropractic with custom medical orthotics to support the foot’s arch. We also incorporate physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs, including Shockwave therapy and Class IV laser treatments, which accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and ease pain.

👉 For professional advice and comprehensive treatment, reach out to ACC Clinic today via hotline/WhatsApp: +84 946 740 066.