Other causes

Neurological causes of foot pain

The tarsal tunnel syndrome (Syn. bottleneck syndrome) leads to pain and sensory disturbances due to a constriction of the tibial nerve. Similarly, polyneuropathy as a nerve damage, for example as a result of chronic blood sugar disease (diabetes mellitus), can lead to pain and sensory disturbances in the area of the legs and feet.

Tumors

Tumors in the area of the foot, for example a bone tumor, are rare diseases that can lead to pain at rest and under stress. Osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumor in both children and adults. Ewing’s sarcoma is the second most common bone tumor disease in children. Adults are rarely affected by this tumor.

Joint diseases

Wear and tear of the ankle joint (arthrosis) can occur over the course of a lifetime if it is subjected to excessive prolonged stress. The pain usually occurs at rest and improves with movement. Rheumatoid arthritis of the foot is also possible and leads to pain under stress. Due to the inflammation of the small ankles, the therapy often has to be systemic.

Diagnostics Pain in the foot

In many cases, the foot pain disappears quickly, especially if it has occurred as a result of strong or new stress.However, if the pain does not go away, it is important to consult a doctor to make a diagnosis. As a rule, an exact anamnesis is first taken. The character of the pain, the duration of the pain and the time of onset of the pain are of particular importance.

Previous events, such as an accident or inflammatory changes are particularly important. In addition, the doctor will ask about accompanying symptoms such as fever, feeling of weakness, weight loss, diabetes mellitus or a rheumatic disease. Information on whether arthrosis has already occurred in other joints can also be important.

The foot is then thoroughly examined. A swelling or pressure pain at one point would be indicative of a traumatological cause, such as a broken bone. Immobility or severe pain during a certain movement would be indicative of a muscle or ligament injury.

Redness, overheating or a visible bacterial infection could be signs of an inflammatory genesis. As a rule, an x-ray is then taken in a still image, for example if a torn ligament is suspected. An MRI image of the foot is also possible.

If an inflammation is suspected, blood values and the inflammation parameters are determined. Blood values should also be determined if a tumor is suspected. In addition, the bone can be punctured and samples taken to confirm the tumor diagnosis. Neurological examinations, such as nerve conduction velocity or an electromyography (EMG) can be performed, as well as puncture in case of joint effusion or an ultrasound examination (sonography).