Foot Pain

What is foot pain?

Foot pain includes any discomfort you feel in any part of your feet, from your toes to your heels. The pain may be constant, occur when you place pressure on your foot, or only happen when you first get out of bed in the morning.

What causes foot pain?

You can develop foot pain from any injury or condition that affects the normal structure or function of your foot. Common causes of foot pain include:

• Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
• Plantar warts
• Foot fractures
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Athlete’s foot
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon tear
• Sprains or strains
• Calluses
• Flat feet
• Foot ulcers
• Ingrown toenail
• Arthritis
• Heel spurs

You may also develop foot discomfort if you suffer from peripheral neuropathy, which is common in people with diabetes. Damage to the nerves in your lower extremities may cause burning, tingling, or numbness and may place you at risk of developing Charcot foot. 

When should I seek medical help for foot pain?

You should contact the experts at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center if your foot pain started after an injury. You should also seek medical help for foot pain if your pain is an ongoing problem that’s interfering with your daily life, or the pain is worsening over time. 

What happens during a foot pain evaluation?

When you come in for an evaluation for foot pain at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center, you can expect a patient-focused exam. The goal of the evaluation is to find and treat the source of your discomfort.

During the exam, your podiatrist reviews your symptoms, when they started, and activities that worsen or alleviate your pain. They also review your medical history and examine your foot and ankle.

To confirm or rule out a diagnosis, your podiatrist may request diagnostic tests such as X-rays, nerve conduction studies (NCS), electromyography (EMG), or vascular ultrasounds.

How is foot pain treated?

The team at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center develops personalized treatment plans for foot pain based on the underlying cause. Your treatment plan may include:

• Activity modification
• Change in footwear
• Padding
• Orthotics
• Immobilization
• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy

If needed, the experts at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center may recommend surgery to address the underlying cause of your foot pain. The team includes podiatrists that specialize in foot and ankle surgery.

Don’t ignore your foot pain. To get the answers and help you need, call Diabetic Foot and Wound Center, or request an appointment online today.