Get Relief from Foot Pain With Cost-Effective Care From Our Brooksville Podiatrist
Foot pain can affect your daily activities and overall quality of life. Finding relief is essential, whether it's a pain in your heel when stepping out of bed or a constant ache in your toes. At Chapel Podiatry, our Brooksville podiatrist understands the difficulties of foot pain and is dedicated to helping you get back on your feet.
Common Causes and Risk Factors for Foot Pain
If you are dealing with foot pain, understanding what might be causing it is the first step to finding relief. Here are some common reasons you may have foot pain:
- Aging. Your feet change as you age, making them more prone to issues like plantar fasciitis.
- Arthritis. Conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout cause inflammation and pain in the joints of your feet.
- Diabetes. Diabetes increases the risk of foot problems such as neuropathy (nerve damage) and poor circulation, which can lead to foot pain.
- Ill-fitting shoes. Shoes that are too tight, lack proper arch support, or have worn-out soles can cause significant foot pain and other related issues.
- Obesity. Carrying extra weight can put additional stress on your feet, increasing the likelihood of pain and related conditions.
- Overuse injuries. Engaging in repetitive activities like running, walking long distances, or participating in high-impact sports can strain your feet, leading to sprains, or stress fractures.
Types of Painful Foot Conditions We Can Treat
Foot pain can stem from various conditions. Here are a few common ones:
- Achilles tendonitis. Pain from Achilles tendonitis typically occurs along the back of the leg near the heel. This pain can range from mild to severe and is often felt just above the heel bone, where the Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel. The pain might be more noticeable when walking, running, or after periods of rest.
- Plantar fasciitis. Foot pain from plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation of the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia. This condition typically causes sharp, stabbing pain in the heel area, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of standing or sitting. The pain tends to decrease with activity but may return after extended periods of rest or excessive use.
- Stress fractures. These tiny cracks in the bones of the feet result from overuse or high-impact activities like running, jumping, or dancing. The pain from stress fractures usually manifests as a localized, sharp pain that worsens with weight-bearing activities and improves with rest.
Signs It Is Time to See Our Brooksville Podiatrist
Sometimes, foot pain requires the care of a podiatrist. Here are signs you should schedule an appointment with our office:
- Trouble walking or bearing weight on the affected foot
- Severe or persistent pain that doesn't improve with rest
- Swelling, bruising, or deformity in the foot or ankle
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the feet or toes
- Open sores or wounds on the foot that don't heal properly
- Foot pain accompanied by fever
Foot Pain Treatment Options Offered at Chapel Podiatry
At Chapel Podiatry, we offer a range of treatment options to alleviate foot pain. We will take the time to properly diagnose your foot condition so you can get better quicker and return to an active life.
Some treatments that we may recommend for foot pain are:
- Custom orthotics. Custom-made shoe inserts or braces help correct foot alignment, redistribute pressure, and provide support. These tailored devices are designed to fit the unique contours of your feet, enhancing comfort and functionality.
- Medication. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as NSAIDs, can reduce inflammation and pain. These medications target the inflammatory process, relieving discomfort and swelling associated with foot conditions.
- Physical therapy. Specialized exercises and techniques can improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion, gradually reducing pain over time.
- Shockwave therapy. This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to promote healing and reduce pain. Shockwave therapy stimulates blood flow and cellular repair, making it an effective option for chronic foot pain and tendonitis.
- Laser therapy. Laser therapy can reduce foot pain by promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation. This non-invasive procedure uses focused light to penetrate deep into the tissues, accelerating healing and providing pain relief for various foot conditions.
- Surgery. In severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to repair damaged tendons or ligaments.