Structural defects, injuries to the muscles or tendons, nutritional deficiencies, the use of ill-fitted shoes, etc., can lead to pain in the foot. This article provides information on the common causes of the pain in the foot that is felt after running.

Our feet pounds the ground for around 800 times per mile. So, it is quite obvious that they feel the occasional pang. Aching feet can be experienced due to structural defects in feet or slight imbalance in your stride. The age, gender, physical activity, infections, injuries, diseases, etc., are to be taken into consideration, while looking for the reasons behind such a pain. It is not uncommon to everyone achy feet after running, and it could due to the presence of blisters and corns. At times, the pain might be due to serious issues such as stress fractures. Certain foot problems require prompt medical attention, while some can be cured with simple home remedies or just by changing some habits.

Causes of Aching Feet

• Lack of Exercise: Sedentary lifestyle can weaken the foot muscles. Regular exercise plays an important role in strengthening the foot muscles.
• Injuries: Sometimes, the injuries are detected with the help of an X-Ray. Hairline fracture or torn ligaments can lead to severe pain.
• Blood Circulation Problems: A blood clot in the foot or any problem related to blood circulation in the foot, can lead to aching foot after exercise.
• Infections: Fungal foot infection can cause pain after walking or running. The symptoms of athlete's foot include patchy, dry, scaly, and itchy skin. This infection is usually picked up from swimming pools and other public places.
• Improper Diet: Deficiency of vitamins, insufficient supply of the necessary nutrients to the body, irregular eating habits, obesity leading to hormonal imbalance, etc., can cause foot and leg cramps.
• Flat Feet: Flat feet or fallen arches are common in infants and toddlers. Flat feet in adults are noticed as a result of aging, injury, or pregnancy. Strengthening exercises for flat feet, if performed regularly, can help avoid aching feet.
• Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fascia helps the foot bones to bear the weight of an individual. Inflammation of plantar fascia can lead to severe foot pain. The characteristic heel pain which is noticed after exercise, is a symptom of an inflamed plantar fascia.
• Bursitis: The small, fluid-filled sacs, which are located between the bones and the muscles, are known as bursa. These act as shock absorbers. Inflammation of these sacs is called bursitis, which can lead to pain in the foot.
• Diseases: Arthritis leads to stiffening of joints, which in turn can cause foot ache. Gout is another form of arthritis, wherein excessive uric acid gets deposited in the joints, and can lead to sharp pain in the affected foot. Other diseases like diabetes can also cause pain in the foot.
• Improper Shoes: Wearing improper shoes results in achy feet, after any physical activity. You should always wear the shoes that fit properly, and that are comfortable for your foot structure. This is very important, as many of the aforementioned injuries are the result of simply wearing the wrong shoes.
• Spurs: If the muscles in the feet are strained, and if there is growth of calcium deposits on the bones of the feet, then spurs are noticed. Obesity and continuous standing or running can worsen the condition. Spurs are usually painless; however, they can also become quite painful sometimes. You may use heel pads, heel cups, and foot supports to treat this condition. In some rare cases, surgery might be required.
• Bunions: The bursa of the first joint of the big toe can swell due to some genetic or other causes. To relieve the pain, you can wear pads to cushion the affected area, you may tape the affected foot, or you can wear shoes that are cut wide at the toes and instep (middle part of the foot). Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or cortisone injections, to get rid of the pain. Surgery might be recommended to repair the affected toe joint and relieve the pressure.
• Calluses: Corns or calluses are developed, when the feet are exposed to severe pressure or friction. They are more prominently noticed on the balls of the feet, and underneath the big toe or between the toes. Actually, they are hard; however, due to the moisture present in the area, they feel softer. Calluses are actually nothing but a collection of dead skin, which becomes thick, and sometimes painful if not treated at the right time.
• Tendonitis: Achilles tendinitis is a common problem, which can be taken care of with some rest, ice, medicine, and exercises. Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Inflammation of this tendon can cause a lot of discomfort to the affected person. It can cause piercing, burning, or shooting pain in the area. In people, who have a regular habit of wearing high heels, the Achilles tendon gets shortened. However, if they wear flat shoes, the tendon gets stretched and inflamed.

Determining the underlying cause is essential to decide the treatment. In case of severe and persistent symptoms, you should immediately consult your doctor.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.