Nerve Conditions
Nerve pain in the foot is a common problem that can result from injury or damage to the nerve anywhere along its path from the spine down to the foot. There may be localised burning pain, tinging, numbness or weakness, or these symptoms may radiate to other areas like the leg.
Nerve symptoms can be a direct result of an injury to the back, leg or foot, an underlying medical condition or a side effect of medication.
Neuroma & Bursitis
This painful condition occurs when the nerve and small fluid-filled pads (bursae) that cushion bones, tendons and muscles near the joints become inflamed.
Symptoms are especially painful when walking barefoot on hard surfaces like tiles in the shower or floorboards around the house.
Charcot foot
Charcot foot is a serious complication that can affect those with peripheral neuropathy, especially those with Diabetes. It is a progressive, degenerative condition which results in weakening of bones and soft tissues of the foot or ankle. Due to numbness of the foot, symptoms go unnoticed, and the condition can become very serious.
This condition requires regular monitoring by a Podiatrist.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy can have many causes; Diabetes is one of the most common. Sensory nerves, motor nerves and autonomic nerves can all stop working.
Complications of peripheral neuropathy can include:
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Burns and skin injuries: due to inability to feel temperature variation or pain e.g walking barefoot on burning hot pavement.
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Infection: due to a combination of undetected trauma and the inability to monitor difficult areas (e.g between toes or the bottom of the foot).
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Falls: due to weakness and/or lack of balance.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease is a genetic neurological disorder. The onset of disease can occur at any age.
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The disease causes:
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Loss of muscle bulk in the legs and feet
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High arches of the feet
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Hammertoes
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Difficulty walking/running
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Footdrop
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Frequent tripping/falling
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Decreased sensation or a loss of feeling in the legs and feet
Foot drop
Foot drop can affect one or both feet and causes difficulty lifting the forefoot which results in dragging of the foot and an increased risk of having a fall.
People with this condition will lift the knee higher than usual to increase floor clearance of the forefoot. There may also be numbness.
Causes of footdrop include:
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Weakness or paralysis of the muscles of the foot
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Damage or compression of the nerve that supplies the foot muscles
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Diseases of the muscles (e.g muscular dystrophy)
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Diseases of the nerves-brain/spinal cord (e.g. stroke and multiple sclerosis)
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
CRPS is a broad term to describe excess and prolonged pain and inflammation that follows an injury to the leg.
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Usually there is:
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combinations of spontaneous pain or excessive pain following a mild touch
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Changes in skin colour
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Changes in temperature
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Swelling on the leg below the site of injury