What causes foot pain?
Your foot is strong enough to bear your body weight and is made up of a complex system of ligaments, tendons, muscles, and bones.
Foot pain can affect any part of your foot, from your Achilles tendon at the back of your heel to your toes. The most common causes of foot pain are:
- Injury or trauma
- Overuse
- Arthritis
- Nerve damage
- Achilles tendinitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Fracture
- Bone spur
- Bunion
- Gout
- Flat feet
- Hammertoes
- Corns
- Ingrown toenails
- Plantar warts
- Tumors
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain.
When should I visit a podiatrist about my foot pain?
Even if you’re suffering from relatively mild foot pain, it’s best to visit the qualified podiatrists at Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC for an evaluation to find relief and protect your foot health.
Be sure to seek prompt medical care if you:
- Have severe swelling or pain
- Have a wound that’s oozing pus or an open wound
- Have signs of infection, such as warmth, tenderness, and redness in the affected area or you have a high fever
- Are unable to put any weight on or walk on your affected foot
You should also seek medical attention as soon as you can if you have diabetes and a wound that isn't healing or that’s red, deep, swollen, or warm to the touch.
How is foot pain treated?
The right way to treat your foot pain depends on its cause and severity. Following a thorough evaluation, your podiatrist devises a personalized treatment plan that can include:
- Resting and immobilizing
- Elevating the affected foot
- Applying ice or warm or cold compresses
- Medications
- Assistive devices
- Lifestyle changes
- Personalized exercise and rehabilitation plan
- Laser therapy
- Shockwave therapy
The goal is to reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation, promote healing, and restore your foot’s function.
In some cases, your orthopedic surgeon might recommend surgery. Surgeons can repair a fracture or reconstruct a ligament with tissue taken from another ligament or a tendon.
If foot pain is disrupting your daily routine, call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online for treatment options.
