What is foot pain?
Your foot is made up of bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Feet are prone to injuries and pain as they bear the weight of your entire body.
Foot pain involves discomfort within any part of your foot. It may occur from stress, injuries, disease, or running, jumping, and other sports-related movements.
What are the symptoms of foot pain?
The following signs and symptoms are often associated with foot pain.
- Mild or severe discomfort
- Swelling
- Discoloration
- Stiffness
- Limited range of motion
The symptoms you experience depends on the type and severity of your injury. If pain is severe or doesn’t subside on its own after several days, see the orthopedic specialists at Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Centers for an evaluation.
What causes foot pain?
You might experience foot pain because of one or more of the following conditions.
- Tendinitis or a ruptured tendon
- A broken ankle, foot, or toe
- Bone spurs
- Bunions
- Bursitis
- Diabetes-related foot problems
- Arthritis or gout
- Foot deformities
- Foot tumors
- Plantar fasciitis
Often, poorly fitted shoes or high heels contribute to foot problems and pain. Overuse, being overweight, sports and work-related injuries, and osteoporosis can contribute to foot discomfort too.
How is foot pain diagnosed?
To determine the cause of foot pain, the orthopedic specialists at Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Centers examine your foot and review your symptoms and medical history.
They use advanced imaging techniques, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, to make a final diagnosis.
How is foot pain treated?
Your personalized foot pain treatment plan depends on the source of pain and its severity. Your orthopedic surgeon might recommend one or more of the following treatments.
Custom orthotics/shoes
Your orthopedic specialist offers custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, and shoes that can ease foot pain and help prevent it from returning.
RICE therapy
RICE therapy involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation. You might wear a brace or use crutches to avoid placing weight on your foot while an injury heals. Wearing loose, comfortable footwear helps prevent future injuries.
Medications/injections
Your doctor might recommend over-the-counter medication, prescription medication, or steroid injections to alleviate pain and inflammation while a foot or ankle injury heals.
Non-invasive or regenerative therapies
Non-invasive foot pain treatments available at Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Centers include on-site physical therapy, ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation, and laser therapy to enhance circulation and stimulate healing. The practice also offers platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, a form of regenerative medicine that can heal damaged tissue naturally.
Surgery
Foot surgery is often the last resort, but it might be the best way to fully restore your foot’s structure or function in the case of a severe injury or deformity. Your orthopedic surgeon uses the most advanced, innovative technology and techniques during the procedure.
For the best foot pain treatment, call Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Centers today or schedule an appointment online.