Are you dealing with sore, achy and painful feet?
If this is becoming the norm then it may be time to consult a podiatrist. While your doctor may be able to address more minor foot problems, it’s usually best to turn to a qualified foot care professional when foot and ankle problems occur. Since there are a variety of problems, both acute and chronic, that could be to blame for your foot pain, our podiatrists at Five Cities Foot & Ankle can provide you with the diagnosis and treatment you need to get back on your feet again.
What’s causing my foot pain?
There are many reasons why someone may be dealing with foot pain and factors such as athletic activities, profession, repetitive movements and lifestyle can all play a role in the cause of your foot pain. Common causes of foot pain include,
- Bunions and hammertoes
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Metatarsalgia
- Neuropathy (often caused by diabetes)
- Strains and sprains
- Fractures
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Infections
Can I alleviate foot pain at home?
If you have sustained an injury or if there is severe pain or swelling, it’s a good idea not to try and treat the problem on your own without first consulting a podiatrist to find out what’s going on. Our team can provide you with the answers you need to figure out the best ways to treat your foot pain. Of course, more minor foot pain may be addressed through simple home measures such as,
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Icing or warm soaks
- Rest
- Avoiding certain activities/exercises that exacerbate your symptoms
- Compression or wrapping
- Elevation
- Foot massages
- Stretching and strengthening foot exercises
When should I see a podiatrist?
It’s important that you see us immediately if you experience foot pain and:
- A fever
- You have recently sustained an injury to the foot
- You have diabetes
- You are unable to walk or put weight on the foot
- You notice redness, tenderness or skin that is hot to the touch
- There is a visible deformity in the foot
- Numbness or tingling in the foot
While not as urgent, you should still seek proper medical attention from our podiatric team if you experience:
- Foot pain that comes and goes
- Pain that persists for several weeks
- Swelling that occurs for more than one week