Understanding Foot Pain: Common Culprits and How to Address Them

Understanding Foot Pain and How to Fix Common Culprits

When it comes to foot pain, the effects can be devastating. Your feet keep you going and get you where you need to be, so when they’re in pain, you want to relieve that pain quickly. What is the cause of foot pain? Is foot pain a serious, lasting condition? Will it ever go away? Are there different types of foot pain? Diagnosing and treating foot pain can be a tricky process, so you will want to make sure you know what to look for. We will talk today about some of the causes of foot pain, possible underlying conditions, and how to receive proper treatment for your foot pain.

What are Some Common Causes of Foot Pain?

Each foot is unique, and each person may have a different reason for the pain they are feeling. It’s important to analyze what part of the foot is feeling pain and what may be the source of the pain. Some foot injuries can be part of a structural issue, while some can be the consequence of an injury. Here are some common causes of foot pain.

• Plantar Fasciitis
  One of the most common causes of foot pain is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a result of inflammation of the fascia of the foot. The fascia of the foot is a thick tissue band that runs from the heel to the toes on the bottom of the foot. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis can be a sudden stabbing pain in the heel or a sharp pain. Typically, plantar fasciitis is worse in the morning. This is because when the foot is relaxed during sleep, the pressure is taken off the fascia. When the first steps are taken, and the fascia is stretched, this sharp, stabbing pain can occur. Plantar fasciitis improves when the foot is stretched but can worsen after long periods of exercise.
• Flat Feet or Fallen Arches
  Sometimes, the arch of the foot can collapse or fall, causing significant issues in the rest of the body. It can lead to problems with the knees, ankles, and hips. Fallen arches can even lead to problems with alignment in the back.
  Some symptoms of flat feet or fallen arches can be pain, swelling in the ankle, and lack of flexibility in the foot. Individuals with flat feet are frequently unable to stand on their toes.
• Bunions
  When pressure is put on the foot by a shoe or an event, a bunion can develop. These are sometimes called hallux valgus. Bunions usually grow on the inside of the foot on the joint under the big toe. However, sometimes, they can develop on other toes or other joints. Some symptoms of bunions include pain, swelling, inflexibility of the joint, and numbness in the area.
• Heel Spurs
  Also known as osteophytes, bone spurs are a result of long-term pressure on the foot. They can be found on the heels or toes and sometimes on the joints of the foot. Bone spurs can cause pain in the foot (typically in the heel) as well as stiffness and limited mobility. Bone spurs can be a result of aging, stress, arthritis, obesity, or improper footwear.
• Morton’s Neuroma
  Morton’s Neuroma causes a thickening of the nerve tissue in the feet. It simulates the feeling of stepping on a marble. It is simply a thickening of the nerve. Morton’s neuroma is very common, affecting nearly 30% of people. Some symptoms of Morton’s neuroma include swelling, tingling, and numbness.
• Achilles Tendonitis
  Mimicking the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis is very similar but affects the heel. Achilles tendonitis is brought on by overuse or a sudden surge of physical exercise or activity. Some symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include worsening pain with physical activity, pain in the heel, difficulty standing on tiptoes, and thickening of the tendon.
• Stress Fractures
  Stress fractures are caused by overuse. They can begin as bruises on the bone and develop into small cracks on the bone before it has time to heal. Athletes are most susceptible to stress fractures. Overuse or high-impact exercise can cause stress fractures.

Foot Pain Prevention Tips

Some tips for preventing foot pain include:

• Choose Proper Footwear
  Wearing the wrong shoes can be very detrimental to the health of the foot. Make sure to choose footwear with arch support and proper cushioning. Avoid flat shoes, high heels, and flip-flops.
• Be Aware of Your Body
  When pain starts, stop and rest. Ice therapy, along with soaking and resting the foot, can work to alleviate foot pain.
• Maintain Good Hygiene
  Keep feet clean and moisturized, and trim toenails appropriately.
• Stay at a Healthy Weight
  Obesity can cause undue pressure on the foot. Maintaining a healthy body weight can help alleviate pressure from the foot and lead to good foot health.
• Stretch and Exercise the Foot
  Stretch the foot before exercise and extend the back of the heel to stretch the Achilles tendon.

When to Seek Professional Help

When foot pain becomes unbearable, and home remedies don’t help, it may be time to seek professional help. If the foot pain doesn’t go away after rest and stretching, a professional will be able to offer relief through the following methods:

• Injections
• Medications
• Surgery
• Lifestyle Changes

How Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists Can Help

The specialists at Advanced Foot and Ankle can help with any of these therapies. When you have considered treatment, look to the premier specialists in the field. We offer all of the latest therapies for foot pain and can get you feeling better and on your way.

Conclusion

Foot pain can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be insurmountable. When you’ve tried stretching, rest, ice, and over-the-counter medications, it may be time to see a foot doctor. Treating foot pain means getting ahead of discomfort and moving on to a healthy and happy journey, moving comfortably through life.

Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists

In the greater Houston area, finding the right foot and ankle doctor is as simple as contacting Dr. Brian Lee and his team at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists. We will help you maintain your feet so that they remain healthy and strong. With in-house X-ray and state-of-the-art equipment such as ultrasound, shockwave, and laser technology, we have all the answers for you about what is causing your foot pain and how to treat it. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us or visit our website.