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Published on: 7/15/2026
What are the causes of foot pain in the soles based on its location?
Foot pain in the soles can have many causes, and the exact reason often depends on where the pain is located. Pain in the heel may point to conditions like plantar fasciitis, while pain in the arch, ball, or toes may signal different issues such as flat feet, metatarsalgia, or nerve problems. Identifying the location of your sole pain is the first step toward understanding its cause and finding the right treatment.
Because sole pain can stem from so many possible conditions, self-diagnosing is difficult and often inaccurate. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you quickly narrow down likely causes based on your specific symptoms, guide you on when to see a doctor, and give you clarity on next steps—all in just a few minutes. Taking a moment to check your symptoms now could save you time, worry, and unnecessary discomfort later.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026
Important Next Steps
Explanation
Based on the location of your foot pain, some possible causes include:
Heel
Plantar fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a layer of tissue connecting the heel to the toes that helps the toes grip the ground. When it get irritated or inflamed, people often experience pain at the heel or along the arch of the foot. This condition is called plantar fascitis.
Traumatic heel fracture
Typically heel fractures can occur after trauma, car accidents, sports injuries or falls from a height like a ladder.
Heel stress fracture
Stress fractures are overuse injuries that lead to breaks in the bone from wear-and-tear. They can happen in long-distance runners and other athletes due to accumulated strain on bones over time.
Sever's disease
A type of pain that occurs in the heel from inflammation at the growth plate of the heel. During periods of rapid growth, usually the growth spurt from 9-14 years of age, the tendons can pull on the growth plate leading to pain. Children who are more active or engage in running sports are at increased risk.
Midfoot
Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Some people are born with flat feet while others can develop it over time for a variety of reasons. With flat feet, more pressure is placed on the arch of the foot and can lead to pain in the arch of the foot.
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD)
The tendon that connects the calf and foot muscles allowing us to stand on our tiptoes can get inflamed. The inflammation of this tendon leads to pain and swelling. It may even progress to flat feet.
Painful accessory navicular
Some people have an extra small bone on the inside of the foot near the navicular bone. This extra bone can become inflamed from increase physical activity leading to pain in the midfoot.
Base of the Toes
Hallux valgus (bunion)
Commonly referred to as a bunion, hallux valgus occurs when a bony callus forms on the inner side of the big toe. The callus then causes the big toe to start bending towards the little toe. As the deformity continues, pain and problems with walking can develop.
Sesamoiditis
There is a small bone called the "sesamoid bone" on the base of the big toe. When this bone gets inflamed from overuse or ill-fitting shoes, the condition sesamoiditis develops.
Metatarsalgia
When the ball of your foot between your 2nd and 4th toes becomes painful, it can often be a result of metatarsalgia, or inflammation at the joints at the base of your foot. It can happen from lots of running or jumping, ill-fitting shoes or occur as a result of other foot deformities.
Morton's neuroma
The nerve going to the toes from the sole of the foot can get compressed near the base of the toes. The nerve then gets irritated leading to a burning sensation or feeling as though a pebble is stuck in your sock.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, use our free symptom checker to help identify what might be causing your foot pain and determine if you should seek medical care.
(References)
Buchanan BK, Sina RE, Kushner D. Plantar Fasciitis. [Updated 2024 Jan 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.
Ramponi DR, Baker C. Sever's Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis). Adv Emerg Nurs J. 2019 Jan/Mar;41(1):10-14. doi: 10.1097/TME.0000000000000219. PMID: 30702528.
Van Boerum DH, Sangeorzan BJ. Biomechanics and pathophysiology of flat foot. Foot Ankle Clin. 2003 Sep;8(3):419-30. doi: 10.1016/s1083-7515(03)00084-6. PMID: 14560896.
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