This is one of the most common causes of pain in the heel area. It implies the inflammation of a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes (plantar fascia). Plantar fasciitis causes a shooting pain when taking the first few steps in the morning. The pain usually goes away as you get up and move, but can come back after long periods of standing up, or when you stand up after being in a sitting position for some time. People with overweight and people who wear shoes with inadequate support are at greater risk of having plantar fasciitis.

The inflammation of the metatarsals, i.e., one or all of the long bones that can be found in the front portion of the foot and reach the base of the toes. Along with the heel area, the metatarsals are the most important foothold when walking. When this area becomes inflamed, it causes strong, continual, and intense pain in the sole, exactly where the toes end, and it becomes worse when standing up, walking or running. It can also cause a sensation of having a stone in the shoe, numbness, or tingling in the toes.

Tendons are the tissue that inserts muscles into the bones. Our feet have several tendons and, if they become inflamed due to an overload, an abnormal gait, inadequate footwear, or injuries, they can cause great pain to different areas of the foot.

A progressive damage to the cartilage in one or several joints of the feet. The ankle is usually the first joint in the foot to become deteriorated with osteoarthritis.

Another potential physical disorder caused by inadequate footwear is poor circulation. Improper footwear can restrict blood flow to the feet, leading to numbness, tingling, and even a sensation of cold feet. Over time, this can result in more serious conditions such as peripheral neuropathy.