• Ankle arthritis: Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of the cartilage within the joint. When the cartilage wears down, this exposes the underlying bone and can cause painful and limited joint movement. Bone spurs may develop on the surrounding joint area. Inflammation is not believed to play a major role in osteoarthritis. Ankle arthritis most commonly develops as a result of abnormal foot mechanics or previous ankle trauma.
  

• Posterior tibial tendonitis: This type of tendonitis can cause pain at the inside of the ankle. When there is too much force, tension or stress on the posterior tibial tendon, the tendon becomes overworked. The result is microtears, inflammation and the development of tendonitis. Pain is accompanied by stiffness, especially at the first step in the morning, or rising after long periods of rest. There may be some swelling and extreme tenderness to the touch.

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• Nerve impingement: Pain, tingling and numbness on the top of the foot is a common problem resulting from a nerve impingement. A nerve impingement is commonly known as a “pinched nerve” or a nerve entrapment. The nerve is being irritated by structures within the foot or pressure from a shoe.

• Arch pain: Arch pain can be a result of general arch fatigue due to arch collapse and flatfeet. More commonly the pain is due to plantar fasciitis, which is the tearing and inflammation of the plantar fascia. Tendonitis, see below, can also cause arch pain.

• Posterior tibial tendonitis: The most common area of pain for posterior tibial tendonitis is at the inside of the arch, in the midfoot area. The pain can be localized to an area the size of a quarter, or can extend through the arch.

When there is too much force, tension or stress on the posterior tibial tendon, the tendon becomes overworked. The result is microtears, inflammation and the development of tendonitis. The most common area of pain is the inside of the arch, this is accompanied by stiffness, especially at the first step in the morning, or rising after long periods of rest. There may be some swelling and extreme tenderness to the touch. More.

• Peroneal tendonitis: The most common type of pain is on the outside of the foot which may be accompanied by swelling or a lump. It is generally localized to the size of a quarter, but may extend back into the ankle.

The pain is generally dull and achy, stiffness may be felt upon rising, but the pain can also be sharp with certain activities. The peroneal tendons are located on the outside of the ankle and insert on the outside of the midfoot. These tendons function to balance and stabilize the foot while walking. More.

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Forefoot Pain: Pain in the forefoot may occur on the top of the foot or in the ball of the foot. The conditions are divided into categories based on the area of the forefoot.

1. Top of the foot

• Stress Fractures: A stress fracture is an incomplete break of the bone. Stress fractures usually occur in the lesser metatarsal bones in the foot. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th metatarsals are the most commonly affected. The pain is usually sharp and develops suddenly, but it is not the result of a specific injury or trauma.

• Nerve impingement: Pain, tingling and numbness on the top of the foot is a common problem resulting from a nerve impingement. A nerve impingement is commonly known as a “pinched nerve” or a nerve entrapment. The nerve is being irritated by structures within the foot or pressure from a shoe.

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2. Ball of the foot

• Metatarsalgia: A catch all term for pain in the ball of the foot caused by faulty foot mechanics, trauma, infection, repetitive stress, arthritis and previous foot surgery. Pain is generally deep and dull with walking and occurs at the 2nd, 3rd and 4th metatarsal phalangeal joints (MPJs).

• 2nd metatarsal overload syndrome: When the weight is transferred to the ball of the foot and the 1st metatarsal elevates more than usual, this places a tremendous amount of force on the 2nd MPJ. This excess stress can result in callus development under the the 2nd MPJ and pain and inflammation at the joint.

• Neuromas: A neuroma is an inflamed nerve which causes pain in the ball of the foot which most commonly shoots out to the third and fourth toes. Pain is typically worst with standing and walking and relieved by rest. Some will complain of deep achy pain, others complain of a constant burning. There can be radiating pain, electrical pain or numbness.

• Sesamoiditis: Sesamoiditis is the pain and inflammation of two small bones under the big toe joint. This condition typically develops as a result of repetitive stress and is common in dancers, sports with quick sprints, sports involving a squating position (catchers in baseball) and individuals with high arch feet.

• Calluses: Calluses typically develop under the ball of the foot or the side of the foot. The pressure from the shoe causes friction and the body’s natural response is to build up the skin to protect it from breaking down. The result is a callus which can sometimes be very painful and even become red and inflamed.

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Big Toe Joint: The two main problems at the big toe joint are bunions and stiffness. Both problems are typically due to faulty foot mechanics and can result in bone spurs or arthritis.

• Bunions: A bunion is a structural change in the foot, resulting in a bone deformity at the great toe joint. The movement of the bones occurs gradually over time in response to abnormal tendon pull, abnormal position of the foot, abnormal motion in the foot or tight, narrow shoes. Women develop bunions more commonly than men.

• Hammertoes: A hammertoe is a crooked toe that is the result of tendon imbalance. Over time the tendons in the feet will gradual pull up the toes. It may take decades for the hammertoes to develop.

• Neuromas: A neuroma is an inflamed nerve which causes pain in the ball of the foot which most commonly shoots out to the third and fourth toes. Pain is typically worst with standing and walking and relieved by rest. Some will complain of deep achy pain, others complain of a constant burning. There can be radiating pain, electrical pain or numbness.

• Pain at the 5th toe: Pain and inflammation at the 5th toe is typically caused by rubbing and irritation from shoes. The most common result is a corn, which can occur on the inside of the toe or the outside of the toe.

• Corns: A corn is a buildup of dead skin on the top of a toe, on the outside of a toe, the inside, between the toes or at the end of a toe, as a result of excess pressure. Corns develop as a result of pressure from shoes or abnormal position or rotation of the toes.

• Toenails: The two most common problems with toenails are toenail fungus and ingrown toenails. Although two different problems, they commonly occur together.

• Fungal toenails: The medical term for toenail fungus is onychomycosis. The fungus causes the nails to become thickened and yellow. Sometimes they appear white and splotchy or yellowish-brown. The thickness can sometimes result in pain.

• Ingrown toenails: An ingrown nail is a nail that curves into the skin. It may or may not be painful, and may or may not cause infection. Ingrown toenails that cause inflammation or infection are usually very painful.