7 Common Foot Pain Locations and Their Causes

Whether you’re an athlete, a professional on your feet all day, or just going about your routine, foot pain can disrupt your daily life. Understanding where your foot hurts and why is the first step toward relief. Below, My Chicago Foot Expert has outlined 7 common foot pain locations and their most frequent causes.

1. Heel Pain

Heel pain is often due to plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue across the bottom of your foot. Other causes include heel spurs and Achilles tendonitis.

2. Arch Pain

Pain in the arch of the foot is frequently linked to flat feet, overpronation, or plantar fasciitis. It may also stem from strain or stress fractures, especially if you’re on your feet for long periods.

3. Ball of Foot Pain

Known medically as metatarsalgia, pain in the ball of the foot can result from high-impact activities, ill-fitting shoes, or foot deformities like bunions or hammertoes. Morton’s neuroma, a thickening of nerve tissue, is another possible cause.

4. Big Toe Pain

If your big toe hurts, it could be due to gout, bunions, or hallux rigidus (stiff big toe). Gout causes sudden, severe pain due to uric acid buildup, while bunions and joint stiffness can result from improper footwear or genetics.

5. Toe Pain

Pain in smaller toes might be caused by corns, calluses, or hammertoes—a deformity where a toe becomes bent in the middle joint. Nerve compression or ill-fitting shoes are common contributors.

6. Outer Edge Pain

Pain on the outer side of the foot may be due to peroneal tendonitis, stress fractures, or cuboid syndrome. This type of pain is often associated with sports injuries or repetitive strain.

7. Top of Foot Pain

Pain on the top of the foot can come from extensor tendonitis, stress fractures, or tight-fitting shoes. This type of discomfort is common in runners or people who lace their shoes too tightly.

Foot pain has many causes, but identifying the exact location is key to proper treatment. Always consult a podiatrist if pain persists.

If you’re looking for relief from foot pain, reach out to the tenured staff at My Chicago Foot Expert by calling (773) 561-8100 or by clicking here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.