Foot pain can result from a variety of issues, including ill-fitting shoes, plantar fasciitis, corns, or ingrown toenails. Tight or unsupportive footwear can lead to pressure points, contributing to corns and toenail problems. Plantar fasciitis, caused by inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, results in heel or arch pain, especially in the morning. Corns appear as thick, hardened areas of skin, often on toes or pressure spots. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Each of these conditions can cause sharp, aching, or throbbing pain that worsens with activity. A podiatrist diagnoses foot pain through physical examination, patient history, and imaging if needed. Treatment may include custom orthotics, footwear changes, medication, or minor procedures. If you are dealing with foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Dothan, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Nerve damage in the feet, particularly involving the nerves between the toes, may lead to pain in the ball of the foot, also termed metatarsalgia. This type of nerve damage may result in a neuroma, which is a benign thickening of nerve tissue, commonly found between the third and fourth toes. Tight or poorly fitted shoes, reduced fat padding in the foot, and structural foot issues may place excessive pressure on these nerves. Symptoms of neuropathy include a mild ache or tingling in the toes, often becoming more intense with certain footwear. As the condition progresses, a patient may feel persistent burning pain or the sensation of having a pebble inside the shoe. A podiatrist may recommend footwear changes, orthotic devices, or injections. If conservative methods fail, surgery may be required to remove the affected nerve. If you have foot problems related to nerve damage in the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
Numbness
Sensation loss
Prickling and tingling sensations
Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
Muscle weakness
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Dothan, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout is a form of arthritis that often affects the feet, especially the big toe joint. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which leads to sharp urate crystals forming in joints. These crystals trigger intense pain, redness, warmth, and swelling. Common triggers for elevated uric acid include genetic factors, obesity, certain medications, and kidney disease. The first metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint of the big toe is the most frequently affected site, although the ankle and other parts of the foot may also become inflamed. Gout flare-ups often begin suddenly, with severe pain that may make even the lightest pressure intolerable. Repeated episodes can lead to joint stiffness, permanent damage, and deformities. In more advanced cases, firm uric acid deposits, called tophi, may form under the skin. A podiatrist can help diagnose gout and recommend treatment, which may include medication or surgery, if joint damage is present. If you have had one or more gout flare-ups, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility
Risk Factors
Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Dothan, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
