Anxiety, Depression, and Foot Pain: Innovation research in the podiatric approach to psychological component

This study reviews the relationship between anxiety and depression disorders and painful foot conditions. Foot pain, one of the main reasons for seeking podiatric care, is caused not only by biomechanical factors but also by emotional ones, according to the IASP's own definition of pain.Through a literature review in PubMed, Scopus, Dialnet, and Google Scholar, 14 articles were selected that address plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle, Achilles and posterior tibial tendinopathies, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetic foot.The results confirm that patients with painful foot conditions have a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression, especially when the pain is severe or causes functional disability. These disorders exacerbate the condition, hinder healing, reduce treatment adherence, and impair quality of life.The study concludes that a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach is needed-one that combines physical treatment with psychological support, along with education and prevention programs-to optimize clinical outcomes in podiatric care.