Foot pain can sneak up on anyone. One day, it’s a dull ache. The next, it’s stopping you from walking, working, or sleeping. But here’s the catch—most people wait too long before doing something about it.
Gelbmann Podiatry, a foot and ankle clinic based in Chicago, knows this better than anyone. They’ve been helping people get back on their feet since 2016. Their team uses the latest tools and techniques to treat pain fast. They’ve seen every type of foot issue—and they know which ones get missed most often.
This article will break down the most common causes of foot pain that often go ignored. We’ll also explain how to catch them early, what to do, and how to stay ahead of the pain.
What People Think Foot Pain Means—and Why They’re Usually Wrong
Most people blame foot pain on shoes. Or they say it’s just from standing too long. Sometimes that’s true. But often, it’s not the full story.
A 2023 study from the American Podiatric Medical Association found that 77% of adults have foot pain, but only a third ever see a specialist. That means a lot of people are walking around with fixable problems—and doing nothing about them.
“People come in and say, ‘I thought it was just from bad sneakers,’” says one provider at Gelbmann Podiatry. “But we’ll take a look and find early-stage tendinitis, a nerve issue, or a developing bunion.”
#1: Tendinitis That Lingers
Tendinitis is when a tendon—those rope-like cords that connect muscle to bone—gets inflamed or irritated. It can come from overuse, bad posture, or simple aging.
Pain usually starts in the heel or arch, but it can show up in the ankle too. Many people assume it’s just soreness. They keep walking on it. They ice it for a few minutes. Then they go back to their routine.
The problem: Tendinitis won’t heal if you don’t change what caused it.
Early signs:
Sharp or throbbing pain during or after movement
Stiffness in the morning
Pain when pushing off your foot
Treatment tip:
Rest helps, but not alone. Stretching the calf, switching shoes, and using MLS Class IV laser therapy (available at Gelbmann Podiatry) can speed up healing. Orthotics may also prevent it from coming back.
#2: Nerve Issues Like Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a lot like carpal tunnel—but in your foot. A nerve inside the ankle gets squeezed. This leads to tingling, burning, or shooting pain. Sometimes it feels like your foot just “shuts off.”
People usually ignore this one because the pain comes and goes.
“If you feel weird zaps, or your foot falls asleep for no reason, don’t wait,” says a team member from Gelbmann Podiatry. “It’s easy to miss the early signs, but the nerve damage can get worse fast.”
Early signs:
Numbness or tingling in the arch, heel, or toes
Burning pain that gets worse with activity
Symptoms that come and go, especially at night
Treatment tip:
Wearing a brace, avoiding tight shoes, and using targeted therapy can help reduce pressure on the nerve. Early diagnosis is key. Left alone, it can lead to permanent nerve damage.
#3: Hammer Toe in the Making
This is one people don’t notice until it’s visible. A hammer toe is when one of your toe joints starts curling downward, often from tight shoes or weak toe muscles.
Early stages are flexible and pain-free. But once it stiffens, the joint becomes hard to move and painful to the touch.
“People wait until the toe is totally bent, and then they want a fix,” says the clinic. “But we can do more if we catch it early.”
Early signs:
Slight toe bending, especially in the second toe
Rubbing or redness on the top of the toe
Trouble fitting into certain shoes
Treatment tip:
Toe straighteners, wider shoes, and foot exercises can stop it from getting worse. If caught early, surgery is rarely needed.
#4: Athlete’s Foot That Isn’t Just Itchy Skin
Athlete’s foot sounds like a minor issue. But it’s not always just a skin thing. If untreated, it can crack the skin, lead to infections, or cause toenails to thicken or yellow.
People often try over-the-counter creams for months. When they don’t work, they give up.
“By the time they come in, the skin is raw, and the nails are involved,” says Gelbmann Podiatry. “At that point, it’s a different game.”
Early signs:
Itchy, peeling skin between the toes
Burning or stinging, especially after a shower
Unusual foot odor
Treatment tip:
Catch it early and you can clear it up in a week or two. Wash feet daily, dry them fully, change socks often, and see a podiatrist if OTC treatments don’t work within 10 days.
Don’t Wait for Foot Pain to Get Loud
Most foot pain starts small. A slight ache. A weird numbness. A tiny curve in your toe. But these early signs are like check engine lights. You can ignore them—but you’ll pay more later.
A 2022 report from the CDC found that untreated foot conditions lead to 1.2 million ER visits per year. Many of these could’ve been avoided with early treatment.
Gelbmann Podiatry recommends getting a foot exam once a year, especially if you’re active, diabetic, or work on your feet all day.
“You don’t have to be in pain to come see us,” they say. “Our job is to keep you walking comfortably—for the long run.”
Simple Steps You Can Take Today
Swap tight or worn-out shoes for better support
Stretch your calves and arches daily
Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces
Use a foam roller or massage ball for sore feet
If pain lasts more than 3 days—see a podiatrist
Conclusion
Foot pain doesn’t have to be your normal. The key is catching the cause before it gets complicated.
Gelbmann Podiatry has spent years treating these issues. They’ve seen what happens when people wait too long—and how much better outcomes are when they act early.
Start paying closer attention to your feet. They’re telling you something—even when the pain is small. Listen now, walk easier later.
Read more:
The Most Overlooked Causes of Chronic Foot Pain—and How to Treat Them Early
