Why does the sole of the foot hurt when walking?

Generally, foot pain that occurs with walking may be caused by improper walking posture, overexertion, trauma, plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis, and other reasons. Patients can adjust their walking posture, take appropriate rest, and use medications as directed by a physician. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and undergo treatment accordingly. The specific details are as follows:

1. Improper walking posture: Changes in walking posture or wearing inappropriate footwear, such as high heels or flip-flops, may lead to soft tissue injuries or tendon strains in the foot, subsequently causing pain. Adjusting walking posture and choosing suitable footwear can help alleviate the pain.

2. Overexertion: Prolonged walking, standing, or engaging in strenuous activities may cause excessive fatigue in the foot, leading to pain. In such cases, the pain typically subsides after appropriate rest.

3. Trauma: The foot may sustain injuries such as punctures or impacts from sharp objects during walking, resulting in pain, bleeding, or swelling. In such situations, prompt medical attention at a hospital is necessary to treat the wound and prevent further injury.

4. Plantar fasciitis: This refers to an aseptic inflammatory response of the muscles and fascia, commonly associated with factors such as aging and obesity. The inflammation may irritate the nerves and muscle tissues in the foot, causing pain. Patients may need to take medications such as celecoxib capsules, eperisone hydrochloride, and dexamethasone acetate tablets as directed by a physician, which can help reduce inflammation, dilate blood vessels, and provide anti-inflammatory effects.

5. Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder primarily characterized by damage to the articular cartilage and involving the entire joint structure, possibly related to factors such as aging, obesity, and trauma. Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, and enlargement. Walking may exacerbate these symptoms. Patients need to use medications such as nimesulide capsules, Gukang capsules, and indomethacin enteric-coated tablets under a doctor's guidance for pain relief, strengthening bones and muscles, and anti-inflammatory treatment.

Patients can apply a warm towel or hot water bottle to the painful area to promote local blood circulation, or use an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain. Additionally, when experiencing foot pain, one should avoid prolonged standing, squatting, jumping, and other strenuous activities to prevent worsening of symptoms.