There are many reasons why your feet may hurt, and each reason leads to different solutions. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue on the sole of the feet, which causes painful heel spurs and intense foot pain upon movements. Foot cramps can be caused by overexertion and dehydration, which can lead to severe pain along the lower area of your leg and into your feet and toes. This article will explore some of the common causes of foot pain and what a podiatrist can do to help.
Seeking Help
If you’re suffering from chronic foot pain, it might be time to seek the help of a podiatrist. Podiatrists have a considerable knowledge base and experience in diagnosing, treating, and preventing common foot problems like diabetic foot ulcers, bunions and plantar fasciitis. They have to hand a host of different treatments for different conditions, and their aim is to get you walking pain-free again. Some of the most common causes of foot pain we treat on a daily basis and would be happy to help you get back in tip-top shape.
Causes of foot pain
Causes are wide and varied, and there may be more than one cause in some cases. Often it can involve looking at the broader picture, such as looking at lifestyle, how long you are on your feet, what footwear you choose, your diet and exercise. The most common ailments can include bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs corns, in-growing toenails, plantar fasciitis, injury from stress fractures and arthritis.
Diagnosis
A podiatrist is trained to diagnose foot problems and will take the time to examine you and ask the right questions so they can provide the right treatment. The examination may include visual examinations, sensation tests, M.R.I. scans and x-rays.
Treatment
Treatment will be tailored to the cause and severity of the pain. It may include taking periods of rest getting the weight off your feet. Sometimes it may consist of the recommendation for surgery. Your podiatrist will help determine which form of treatment is best for you. Some of the treatment options include:
Rest
For foot pain, often part of the recovery process involves taking regular rest. Your podiatrist may recommend the R.I.C.E. method of rest, ice, compression and elevation. Take time to ice your foot and elevate it. If this is not found to be helping, then you should consult your doctor or podiatrist to discuss your symptoms and determine if there is a more serious cause for your discomfort.
Orthotics
Orthotics are devices that are designed to provide support to the foot. Your podiatrist may feel that your pain is, at least in part, caused by problems with how you walk, stand or run. Orthotics can help to correct this. They can also help with foot pain caused by medical conditions such as diabetes, plantar fasciitis or arthritis. Orthotics are custom made and are usually shoe or heel inserts. Your doctor will recommend these if off-the-shelf devices or other treatments have not proven effective.
Foot Surgery
Podiatric surgeons are able to offer foot surgery, including resetting broken bones dealing with bunions and nerve entrapments. They can prescribe drugs and order lab tests and x-rays. A foot and ankle surgeon is specially trained to manage complex surgical foot and ankle conditions and injuries. What types of surgery are on offer will depend on the educational background of the podiatrist. Some will offer purely non-invasive treatments.
*This blog contains general information about medical conditions and is not advice. You must not rely upon the information in this blog as medical advice. Medical advice should always be sought from an appropriately qualified podiatrist such as ourselves.