Heel pain that is not plantar fasciitis can be caused by trauma to the heel bone (calcaneus) such as a fracture or heel spur, atrophy of the fat pad on the bottom of the heel bone, or an inflammation of the bursa (small fluid-filled sack) that lies between the Achilles tendon and the calcaneus (“Retrocalcaneal Bursitis”). Heel pain can be caused by improper gait mechanics, muscle imbalance and tightness, or ill-fitting footwear.

Arch pain that is not plantar fasciitis can be caused by a number of factors including muscle weakness, stress fractures, tendon or ligament damage. It is often caused by a recent change in activity levels, improper footwear, or an acute injury such as a strain, sprain or fracture.

Morton’s Neuroma is a condition that affects the ball of the foot (or “forefoot”). It is an impingement of a nerve, caused by the thickening of the tissue around the nerve. This is most commonly felt between either the second and third, or third and fourth toes. It may feel like there is a small pebble in your shoe, or a fold in your sock that won’t go away.

Metatarsalgia is a general term used to describe a number of conditions that cause pain in the ball of the foot. Symptoms may include numbness, burning, tingling, tenderness and/or swelling in the ball of the foot, metatarsal bones, or into the toes.

A bunion is a painful bump that develops on the outside of the big toe joint. They are often associated with Hallux Valgus, which is when the big toe drifts over towards the smaller toes. Bunions typically develop over time, and are caused by pressure on the big toe that pushes it toward the second toe. Age, genetics, tight fitting footwear, and previous injuries may contribute to the development of a bunion. Symptoms may include pain when flexing or extending the big toe, swelling and redness on the outside of the joint, pain when wearing tight footwear, and numbness in the big toe.

Hammer toe, mallet toe, and claw toe deformities are conditions that affect the lesser toes. In these conditions the toe, or toes, is bent at one or both of the joints in the toe. Typically they are initially flexible, but can develop into a more rigid contracture. Lesser toe deformities can be caused by ill-fitting footwear, neuromuscular factors, muscle imbalances or other chronic conditions.

Plantar fasciitis is the irritation and inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick fibrous band of tissue that attaches at the bottom of the heel and extends the length of the foot to all of the toes. Symptoms typically include pain in the heel or arch when weight bearing, and is typically worse first thing in the morning, getting up after long periods of sitting, or during long bouts of weight bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by a variety of factors including a recent increase in activities, improper footwear, very high or very low arches, overuse, or weight gain.

Achilles tendinopathy is a condition characterized by pain, swelling and stiffness of the Achilles tendon, which is a thick band that attaches the calf muscle to the back of the heel bone. This condition is often worse during activities that involve running, jumping or excessive strain on the tendon.

A leg length discrepancy occurs when there is a difference in the length of your legs. They can be either structural or functional. A structural leg length discrepancy occurs when the bones of the legs are different lengths. This can be congenital (from birth), or the result of an injury or surgery. A functional leg length discrepancy is the result of muscle tightness and imbalance. Symptoms may include pain in the back, hips, knees or ankles.

Pain along the inside of the shin bone is referred to as shin splints, or Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome. It often occurs as a result of overuse, running on hard surfaces, improper footwear, or excessive over-pronation. Shin splints are characterized by sharp pain along the lower tibia that is worse at the beginning of, or immediately following exercise. There may also be diffuse pain along the shin when pressure is applied to the area.

Excessive pressure or friction on the skin causes the skin to thicken which may lead to the development of calluses or corns. Calluses are areas of thick, hardened skin that may become dry and cracked over time. Corns characterized by a small hardened core that is surrounded by a round, thickened area of skin. Both can be caused by ill-fitting footwear, deformities of the foot or toes, or abnormal gait patterns.