What causes foot pain?
With their intricate network of tendons, muscles, ligaments, and bones, your feet are highly susceptible to injury and pain, especially because they bear the weight of your entire body. If any part of the many structures in the foot becomes inflamed or injured, it can result in pain ranging from mild to debilitating.
The most common causes of foot pain include:
- Achilles tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Bone spurs
- Plantar fasciitis
- Plantar warts
- Broken and fractured foot bones
- Autoimmune diseases, such as ankylosing spondylitis
- Arthritis
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Bunions
- Hammertoe
- Gout
- Pain from high-heels or poorly-fitting shoes
- Injury or trauma to the foot and overuse
- Poor foot alignment and genetics
Injury to the nerves in your feet might result in intense burning pain, tingling, and numbness, or peripheral neuropathy. Muscle strains and sprains are also common foot complications. While mild foot pain might respond well to home treatments, chronic and more severe pain might require medical intervention.
How is foot pain treated?
The right treatment for your foot pain depends on the cause. After your podiatrist has performed a physical exam and any necessary imaging tests to determine an accurate diagnosis of your condition, treatment might include:
- Lifestyle and nutrition changes
- Physical therapy and regular exercise
- Custom orthotics
- Topical or oral pain relievers
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy
- MLS laser therapy
- Amniotic fluid injections (stem cells)
- Sculptra® biodegradable filler to restore volume loss in the heel of the foot
When other treatment methods aren’t successful, surgery might be necessary. The doctors at Associated Podiatrists, P.C. are skilled and experienced foot and ankle surgeons with operating privileges at several area hospitals.
Why should I see a podiatrist for foot pain?
Working with an experienced podiatrist can help you to:
- Reduce or alleviate your foot pain and inflammation
- Discover the cause of your foot pain and get effective treatments and orthotic devices
- Obtain valuable medical care and support from a provider specially trained in treating complications of the foot
If you’re experiencing foot pain, don’t let it impact your ability to enjoy the activities you love. Call Associated Podiatrists, P.C. or book an appointment online today for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
