Symptoms > Arthritis Symptoms By Body Part > The Foot

The Foot

We walk on them, neglect them, cram them into to ill-fitting shoes and scarcely give them a thought – that is, until they cause us pain. And, as anyone who has foot pain can tell you, when your feet hurt, you hurt all over.

The feet are the foundation of our body. If there's a problem with the foundation, everything else – our knees, hips and back – is thrown off.

Here's what you need to know about your feet to help ease foot pain and keep your feet in tip-top shape.

Anatomy of the Foot
An inside look at the structure of the foot

Arthritis & Diseases that Affect the Foot
From joint inflammation and narrowed blood vessels to compressed nerves, problems that may be to blame for painful feet

Diagnosing Foot Problems
From blood work to X-rays, tests your doctor uses to find the cause of foot pain

Foot Injuries and Other Problems
Common and some not-so-common injuries and other problems that affect the feet

Imaging and Electrodiagnostic Tests
Noninvasive tests that allow your doctor to see inside your feet

Lab Tests for Foot Problems
Tests that tell what's going on inside your body

Medications to Treat Feet
What you need to know about the many medications used for foot problems

Preventing Foot Problems
What you need to know to protect your feet from painful problems

Surgery
Surgical options for arthritis and other problems that affect the feet

Ways to Prevent Foot Pain and Get Around
Proper footwear, shoe inserts and other means to help manage foot pain and get around better