Why does the sole of the foot hurt when walking?

Generally, foot sole pain while walking may be caused by improper footwear, overexertion, plantar fasciitis, metatarsal tendonitis, flat feet, and other related conditions. Symptomatic management through general treatments and medications may be necessary. If symptoms are severe, timely medical consultation and following medical advice for treatment are recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Improper Footwear

Wearing inappropriate shoes can affect the foot's normal support and weight distribution, causing excessive pressure on the muscles and ligaments of the foot's sole, leading to pain. Prolonged wearing of high heels can place excessive pressure on the front part of the feet, easily causing arch collapse and metatarsalgia. It is recommended to choose suitable footwear, ensuring enough space for natural toe movement, and avoiding excessively high heels.

2. Overexertion

Extended periods of standing or walking increase the burden on the foot muscles and ligaments. Without sufficient rest and recovery, these tissues may become overly fatigued, leading to inflammation and pain. It is recommended to schedule adequate rest periods, avoid prolonged continuous standing or walking, and perform appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises for the foot muscles, such as rolling a massage ball under the foot or heel raises, which can help alleviate pain.

3. Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia connects the heel to the toes and supports the arch of the foot. When the plantar fascia is damaged due to overuse, sudden increase in load, or aging, an inflammatory response may occur, resulting in pain. This pain is often severe during the first steps after waking up or following prolonged rest. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as ibuprofen tablets, acetaminophen tablets, or celecoxib capsules to relieve symptoms.

4. Metatarsal Tendonitis

Metatarsal tendonitis is caused by excessive compression and friction on the metatarsal heads due to prolonged walking, standing, or wearing unsuitable shoes, resulting in localized aseptic inflammation and pain. The pain is typically located on the front part of the sole and worsens during walking or when pressure is applied. It is recommended to follow medical guidance and use medications such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, loxoprofen sodium tablets, or meloxicam tablets to alleviate symptoms.

5. Flat Feet

Flat feet can cause collapse of the arch, leading to uneven pressure distribution on the sole and resulting in pain. Walking may further exacerbate symptoms due to excessive stretching of the foot muscles and ligaments, potentially accompanied by foot fatigue, soreness, and abnormal gait. It is recommended to follow a doctor's instructions and use medications such as loxoprofen sodium tablets, naproxen tablets, or indomethacin capsules for treatment.

In daily life, attention should be paid to choosing appropriate footwear, avoiding excessive fatigue, and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits to help alleviate symptoms.