Why Do My Feet Hurt So Badly?

Dozens of conditions, from minor surface issues like corns and calluses to more impactful problems like osteoarthritis and bone fractures, can cause foot pain. If your feet are in pain for more than a day or so, the consequences can quickly accumulate: You might miss work, stay sedentary, or lose sleep. It’s a good idea to get in touch with our experts at North Point Orthopaedics in Munster, Valparaiso, and Crown Point, Indiana, as soon as possible to get your foot pain under control. 

Factors that make foot pain worse

There may be controllable parts of your lifestyle that are making your foot pain worse than it would be otherwise. By increasing your awareness of lifestyle factors that cause and worsen foot pain, you can become more mindful of your behaviors and take steps to change them. Even if your foot pain comes from a medical condition like arthritis, your lifestyle has a strong influence over the level of pain you experience and the condition’s progression. 

Lots of standing or walking

Do you work in a position that requires you to be on your feet all day? If so, it’s no surprise that you have foot pain. Even if you’re not able to sit down often during your workday, you should try to take intermittent breaks from being on your feet. You can also explore options for custom orthotics to redistribute the pressure of your steps and ease foot pain in the process. 

If you’re athletic and experience foot pain from lots of running, be sure to allow yourself rest days so your feet get a break. This can greatly reduce your risk of experiencing foot pain and lower any existing pain in your feet. 

Being overweight

The more body weight you have, the more pressure is on your feet when you stand and walk. Managing your weight with dietary adjustments, exercise, or even a personalized medical weight loss program can offer your feet some relief. 

Shoes that don’t quite fit

Your footwear choices can predict whether you’ll experience foot pain. Podiatrists and orthopedists encourage you to be selective when it comes to your shoes and the support they offer. 

While shoe shopping, you should look for shoes that have plenty of arch support and cushioning to absorb shock. As stylish as they might be, high heels, shoes with pointed toes, and shoes that are too small or narrow in size should be avoided. 

When to book an appointment

If you’re aware of a foot injury, seeking treatment early gives you the best possible outcome. However, ambiguous foot pain often requires treatment, too. If you have foot pain that disrupts your lifestyle in any way, our team encourages you to book an evaluation. 

You may try various tactics at home, such as staying off your feet for a while or wearing supportive shoes. Over-the-counter medications might also offer some relief. But if your pain persists beyond your own efforts, it’s time to seek professional help. 

To find out why you have painful feet and explore professional treatments, call North Point Orthopaedics or schedule an appointment online today.