Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist) Questions foot pain

I have a strange pain in the bottom of my feet. What could be the reason for this?

I have a sharp pain when I walk fast at the bottom of my feet. The pain only occurs during these times, so I'm not sure where is it from. Why could this be happening? I'm also overweight, could it be due to that?

26 Answers

Hello, Thank you for your question. We you have to evaluate you and take foot x-rays if needed. Please call our office 973-817-9577 or on our portal drtotten.com for an appointment.
Thank you
It's possible you strained or tore a ligament on the bottom of your feet. Make sure you are wearing supportive shoes. If the pain continues you need a professional evaluation

It's best to be evaluated by a specialist
There are many possible causes for foot pain in the bottom of the foot but one of the most common causes is plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome. Increased weight, increased activity, change in activity, change in shoe-type, flat shoes, worn down shoes are some common causes for why the plantar fascia on the bottom of your foot could get irritated. Avoid walking barefoot and wear supportive slippers and see your local podiatrist.
Not sure cause. Pain in the feet can be for multiple causes and should be evaluated.
You could have a balance issue with your metatarsal bones. This can be easily treated with orthotics, which are custom-made inserts made for the inside of your shoes.

Dr. Snyder
Without a proper a History and Physical examination it would be impossible to properly give you a potential cause. Your weight may be contributory but not causative. I would recommend you be evaluated by a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon which may include x-rays or other testing.
Need an eval.
Actually could be a muscle problem. You can strain the muscles in the bottom of the feet. Need to wear good shoes for your feet and also stretch and strengthen those muscles

Missy Journot
It could be impingement of a nerve between metatarsal. Try an over-the-counter insert, it may help. If not, seek a specialist.
Stress to the muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments during exercise can exceed the integrity of the tissues. The first signs of ijury are pain followed by swelling. The severity of the pain and the duration of the pain after the fast walking can predict just how bad the problem is. Walking exercise for weight loss is excellent and I would like to see you keep it up. If the pain persists, see a professional with the mutual goals to relieve pain and continue a weight loss program.
Depends on where pain is at. Yes, being over weight places more forces/stresses across the foot and ankle
This could possibly be a condition referred to as a Morton's NEUROMA. Please see your local podiatrist for an evaluation and consultation.
Your pain can be caused by several reasons and with out seeing your foot it is hard to be very accurate, but a good ballpark estimation is that you may have a bit of equinus, often caused by a tight calf muscle. If this combines with a high arch the sharp pain that you are experiencing is very likely. For starts I'd look up some calf and hamstring stretches on the internet, often stretching your muscles will help your foot to function more efficiently. Your weight plays a part here for sure, every pound you loose will be a pound less that your feet have to carry, so any exercise and weight loss will help your situation. If you are walking for exercise, you can slow your pace a little until you get those muscles stretched and see how that helps.

I hope this information is a good start for you,

Dr. Michael Kowalski
Strange pains as opposed to severe pains may be due to a neurological problem. Obese people have much more serious problems to address, but obesity frequently causes spinal compression, affecting nerves. The simplest solution is actually cheaper than free. Eat less than you burn. You have already admitted to being unable to walk fast, and being obese will also damage your weight bearing joints if you attempt to increase activity. So, eat less and then, once you’ve lost significant weight, you will be more easily able to increase aerobic activity. If you don’t have self-control, there are surgical and psychological methods to help you. This will help your foot, but more importantly, your entire life. Take this advice seriously.
Pain on the bottom of the foot can be cause by many different foot pathologies, ranging from plantar fasciitis, if present on the heel or arch, to possible stress fractures, if present around the sole of the foot, to sesamoiditis if the pain is under the big toe. Best bet is to see a local podiatrist for evaluation.
Probably pulling of a tendon or fascia. Shoes need to be supportive. Weight contributes, but doesn't cause it.
Could be due to tight ligaments or a variety of things. Would recommend seeing a physician.
Probably an overuse strain. Would be helpful to alleviate the pressure points with shoegear modification or an orthotic. This would allow you to go further and help you loose weight in the long run. See your doc to evaluate you properly
There is a big ligament on the bottom of the foot called the plantar fascia. If this ligament is overused, it can become painful. I recommend you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation
Sharp pain usually suggests a nerve irritation. A Podiatrist should be able to determine which nerve and treat the issue.
If the symptoms occurs upon taking the first steps after resting for a while. The is probably plantar fasciitis .A good supportive off loading orthotics//arch support should give some relief.
Could be multiple reasons for sharp pain. The differential includes possible pinched nerve or neuroma, possible ligament injury, possible stress fracture. Weight is an issue, but a properly supported foot is the best solution
Pain on the bottom of the feet may be secondary to overuse, pronation, inflammation of the soft tissues, etc. Weight can definitely be a contributing factor. Having a professional exam earlier to diagnose the exact condition is always best before trying to treat it.
You may be developing tendonitis. This can become a serious problem and should be evaluated ASAP to avoid being laid up with the nice weather approaching.
It really depends on where your pain is. The foot and ankle are very complex with many bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels. The location of the pain may be a little more telling. And the fact that you are overweight will most definitely put more stress on your feet and ankles and all of the structures related to them.