[49M] Experiencing foot pain, fatigue, and tachycardia

Patient Description

A 49-year-old male reports sharp pain under the metatarsals of both feet, which has been ongoing for one month. The pain is exacerbated by standing or walking and is relieved by sitting. There have been no recent injuries to the feet. Additionally, the patient experiences fatigue and tachycardia, with a current pulse of 115 bpm while sitting and 143 bpm upon standing, persisting for the same duration as the foot pain. The tachycardia is not associated with any specific time of day but is noted to be significantly above the patient's usual heart rate. There is no chest pain, but the patient mentions breathing harder after exertion. No dizziness or fainting spells have been reported, and there is no observed swelling, redness, or bruising in the area of the foot pain.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, here are a few possibilities:

  • Metatarsalgia: This is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot. It's often caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, being overweight, or having an intense training regimen. It can also be caused by foot deformities and arthritis.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, ice, over-the-counter pain relievers, and proper footwear. In some cases, physical therapy or orthotics might be recommended.
  • Plantar Fasciitis: This is a common cause of heel pain that involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia).

    • Treatment usually involves physical therapy, night splints, orthotics, and in some cases, steroid injections.
  • Tachycardia: This is a condition where your heart rate is higher than normal. It can be caused by various factors such as stress, high blood pressure, smoking, heavy alcohol use, use of stimulants, and certain medical conditions.

    • Treatment usually involves addressing the underlying cause. In some cases, medication or procedures to correct the heart's rhythm may be necessary.

What you can do

  1. Rest your feet as much as possible and avoid activities that put pressure on your feet.
  2. Apply ice to your feet for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
  3. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
  4. Wear shoes with good arch support and a cushioned sole.
  5. Try to reduce stress and avoid stimulants like caffeine and nicotine which can increase your heart rate.
  6. Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your foot pain becomes severe or doesn't improve with rest and home treatment.
  • You have chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting spells.
  • Your heart rate remains consistently high or you experience palpitations, dizziness, or lightheadedness.

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm an AI and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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9 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are the common causes of metatarsalgia and how can it be treated?

Metatarsalgia is often caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, being overweight, or having an intense training regimen. It can also result from foot deformities and arthritis. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, over-the-counter pain relievers, and proper footwear. In some cases, physical therapy or orthotics might be recommended.


How does plantar fasciitis differ from other foot pain conditions?

Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, causing heel pain. It differs from other foot pain conditions like metatarsalgia, which affects the ball of the foot. Treatment for plantar fasciitis often includes physical therapy, night splints, orthotics, and sometimes steroid injections.


What are the potential causes of tachycardia and how is it managed?

Tachycardia can be caused by stress, high blood pressure, smoking, heavy alcohol use, use of stimulants, and certain medical conditions. Management involves addressing the underlying cause, and in some cases, medication or procedures to correct the heart's rhythm may be necessary.


When should someone with foot pain and tachycardia seek immediate medical attention?

Immediate medical attention should be sought if the foot pain becomes severe or doesn't improve with rest and home treatment, or if there are symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting spells, consistently high heart rate, palpitations, dizziness, or lightheadedness.

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