Nearly everyone experiences foot pain at some point in their life. You might be prone to ingrown toenails or experience sore arches or heels from standing all day. Your pain can range from the tips of your toes to your Achilles heel, or from the top of your foot to the sole.
Sometimes, the pain is temporary and can be easily relieved with basic home remedies. Other times, your foot pain might be serious enough that you need to see a foot pain specialist, or podiatrist. Foot pain may even be one symptom of a more serious health issue.
The specialists at Plymouth Podiatry explain when to see a doctor for your foot pain, and what you can expect at your appointment.
Common Types of Foot Pain
Your feet do a lot for you throughout the course of a day. There are many different ways your feet can get hurt or experience pain.
- Sprains, strains, fractures, or breaks
- Osteoarthritis
- Tendonitis
- Gout
- Plantar fasciitis
- Flat feet
- Ingrown toenails
- Bunions
- Warts
- Corns
- Bursitis
- Bone spurs
- Sports-related injuries
Your feet are complex, made up of many types of tissues and many small bones. Anything from improper footwear to sports injuries to other health problems can cause your feet to hurt.
When to See a Foot Pain Specialist
Sometimes, all your feet need to feel better is the RICE method:
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
Combined with over-the-counter pain relievers, RICE can sometimes help with minor foot pain.
However, it’s important to know when it’s time to see a podiatrist. Even seemingly minor issues can flare up quickly. Certain types of foot pain may also indicate a more serious health condition if left untreated.
See a doctor right away if:
- The pain doesn’t go away: There are no signs of the pain subsiding after two weeks, or the pain is getting worse.
- The pain keeps you from your normal activities: You are unable to walk or do sports due to the pain.
- The pain is sudden or intense: You may have sprained, strained, fractured, or broken a part of your foot, including soft tissues or bones.
- You experience numbness or tingling: This may indicate a more serious nerve problem.
- You experience other symptoms: If you notice your skin turning red or purple, swelling, or you have a fever, see a doctor right away.
- You have an open wound that doesn’t heal with time: This may indicate a more severe underlying health problem.
- You have diabetes: Diabetes affects blood flow. If you have diabetes and notice foot pain, it may indicate poor blood flow that can lead to serious complications.
Remember, only a qualified podiatrist can accurately diagnose the cause of your foot pain. Once a diagnosis is made, your doctor will prescribe a course of treatment to help you feel better.
If your foot pain is sudden and intense, or if you notice other symptoms, don’t wait for an appointment – go to an emergency room right away.
What to Expect From Your Foot Pain Specialist
If your foot pain isn’t an emergency, you can schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. At your appointment, the doctor will:
- Ask about the history of the pain, including when it started and any home remedies you’ve tried.
- Perform a physical exam, including looking at your foot, touching your foot, and possibly ordering X-rays or other diagnostic imaging.
- Once your doctor feels they have all the information they can get, they’ll make a diagnosis.
- Based on your diagnosis, your doctor will go over a treatment plan with you. This may include lifestyle changes, casts or braces, activity restrictions, physical therapy, or a surgical consultation.
It’s important to note that surgery is not always required or recommended for foot pain. Most doctors will only recommend surgery if the problem is too severe for more conservative treatments. Even then, some foot problems can be fixed with minimally invasive surgical treatments that offer quicker recovery times.
As always, it’s absolutely vital that you follow your doctor’s advice. Doing so will not only help you feel better but also help you avoid painful, severe complications.
What Happens to Untreated Foot Pain
When left untreated, various types of foot pain can lead to complications, including:
- Chronic hip, knee, or back pain
- Permanent limps
- Disfigurement
- Infections
- Persistent open sores
- Gangrene or necrosis
- The need for amputation
Treat your foot pain as quickly as you can, especially if you have other health issues such as diabetes. This will allow your doctor to use more conservative treatments first, before you develop chronic problems or need major surgery.
FAQs: Foot Pain
Q: How can I avoid foot pain?
A: One of the best things you can do for your feet is to wear the right shoes. Your shoes shouldn’t crowd your toes and include good arch support. For athletes, wear well-made shoes designed for your sport.
You can also ask your doctor for specific lifestyle habits, especially if you have diabetes, as well as stretches and exercises you can do at home.
Q: What home treatments can I try for my foot pain?
A: Try to elevate your feet when you’re not standing, using a footstool or pile of cushions. Over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs are good for temporary relief. Remember to stretch before exercising or long walks. Stay off your feet as much as possible.
Q: Will I need surgery for my foot pain?
A: Maybe. Only your doctor can tell if your foot pain is severe enough to require surgery. Even then, your doctor will likely recommend minimally invasive surgery first.
Foot Wound Care Podiatrists in Massachusetts
Whether you have a painful ingrown toenail or require ongoing diabetic foot care, the specialists at Plymouth Podiatry are here to help you feel better. We care for each of our patients as a whole person, not just a collection of symptoms, so that you can live a pain-free life.
Contact us online, or call one of our offices at (866) 536-4446 (Plymouth) or (508) 936-3028 (Raynham) to speak with us about how we can help you.