Constant aching, tingling sensations, or sudden, stabbing pain are a few ways foot pain can manifest. Your feet work hard every day, so chronic discomfort can definitely slow you down. What’s causing your feet to cry out for help? It could be as simple as wearing the wrong shoes, or it might indicate a more severe underlying issue. Unearth some of the most common causes of foot pain and how to treat each one.
General Foot Concerns
- Diabetic neuropathy: High blood sugar can lead to nerve damage in the feet, causing tingling, burning, or sharp pain. Treatment includes blood sugar management and specialized footwear.
- Trauma and injuries: Whether it’s an acute ankle sprain or a more chronic issue like tendonitis, foot trauma can lead to sudden and prolonged discomfort. The RICE protocol—rest, ice, compression, and elevation—is the best treatment.
- Infections and diseases: Warts, athlete’s foot, and fungal nail conditions can contribute to foot pain. Treat the issue at the source to eradicate the disease and relieve discomfort.
- Arthritis: Given the numerous joints in the feet and ankles, they are particularly susceptible to osteoarthritis and gout pain. Pain medication, physical therapy, bracing, and compression may ease your discomfort.
Causes of Pain in the Toes
- Ingrown toenails: If you’re experiencing toe pain, it could be due to an ingrown toenail. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and fluid drainage if infected. Home treatment usually involves soaking the toe and applying topical antibiotics, but if that doesn’t work, a podiatrist can intervene.
- Bunions: These occur at the outside edge of the big toe and can be accompanied by swelling, tenderness, and irritation. Treatment often includes using shoe inserts, but surgery is an option for extreme cases.
- Hammertoes: Characterized by toes bent at the middle joint, hammertoes often require special footwear or physical therapy.
Causes of Heel and Ankle Pain
- Plantar fasciitis: One of the leading causes of heel pain and pain on the bottom of the foot is an inflamed plantar fascia ligament. Supportive shoes and stretches often alleviate plantar fasciitis pain, but more severe cases may require bracing and injections.
- Achilles tendonitis: This condition arises from inflammation and is attributed to overuse. Treatment usually involves rest and exercises to strengthen the foot and ankle.
Pain in the Ball of the Foot
- Morton’s neuroma: A burning or sharp pain in the ball of your foot may arise from having your toes squeezed together too often. Avoid tight, high-heeled or pointed shoes, take anti-inflammatory medication, and apply ice to reduce the swelling.
- Metatarsalgia: Common in those who engage in high-impact activities, metatarsalgia causes gradual inflammation in the ball of the foot accompanied by toe tingling or numbness. Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication provide short-term relief, but a podiatrist can offer long-term solutions.
Tired of Foot Pain? Time to Visit Greater Maryland Pain Management
Sometimes, simple measures like changing your shoes or resting your feet make all the difference. But for persistent or severe foot pain, don’t hesitate to consult a podiatrist.
Greater Maryland Pain Management offers the services you seek. Our highly skilled doctors lead the way in physician-guided procedures, providing a customized approach that blends interventional techniques and medication management. Our compassionate and responsive team is even available for same-day appointments. Contact us today at 410-672-2255 or visit one of our six convenient locations across Greater Maryland. Your feet will thank you.