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General Foot Pain & Pressure Points

Pain on the bottom of the foot, calluses and sore spots often point to areas that take too much pressure. Finding out why a spot is overloaded is the key to lasting relief.

Common causes

  • Shoes that are too tight, too narrow, too flat or worn out
  • Thinning of the natural fat pad under the ball of the foot
  • Bunions, hammertoes and other deformities that shift pressure
  • Flat feet or high arches that change how weight is spread
  • Metatarsalgia, pain in the ball of the foot
  • Nerve irritation such as a neuroma, and arthritis in the toe or midfoot joints
  • Long hours standing or walking on hard surfaces

Where pressure builds

Common pressure points include the ball of the foot, the heel, the side of the big toe joint, and the tops and tips of the toes. Calluses and corns are the skin's response to repeated pressure or friction, and they show where the foot is being overloaded.

How it is evaluated

Evaluation looks at your footwear, the shape and flexibility of your feet, how you stand and walk, and the skin over pressure areas. X-rays can show bone alignment and arthritis.

Treatment

  • Properly fitting, supportive footwear matched to your activity
  • Padding and cushioning to relieve sore spots
  • Orthotics to spread pressure more evenly
  • Professional care of calluses and corns, instead of cutting them at home
  • Stretching, strengthening and activity changes
  • Treatment of the underlying problem, and surgery to correct a structural deformity when non-surgical care is not enough

When to be seen

  • Foot pain that lasts more than a few weeks or limits your activity
  • Any open sore, or skin that is red, warm or draining
  • Numbness or burning, or diabetes with any new foot problem

What to expect at your visit

A first visit typically includes a review of your symptoms and history, an examination of the foot and ankle (often including how you stand and walk), and imaging such as X-rays when needed. Dr. Ajdari will explain your options, including non-surgical care, so the two of you can choose a plan that fits your goals. Dr. Ajdari sees patients in Metairie on the Southshore and in Slidell on the Northshore, serving the Greater New Orleans area.

This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an examination and advice from a qualified clinician. Treatment recommendations depend on your individual situation. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.