Foot pain can affect how you live your life, as it increases the difficulty of carrying out even the simplest daily activities. Foot pain is commonly felt in three regions, the heel, the arch and the toes. The most common causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. When the ligament beneath the feet, called the plantar fascia, becomes irritated it tears and causes inflammation and pain. If the arch of the foot collapses, it results in worsening the plantar fasciitis and increasing the pain level. This sets up the perfect environment for heel spurs to develop. These bony outgrowths, usually on the bottom of the heel, can be painful when weight is applied. Toe pain can be caused by bunions, a deformity of the big toe that can affect how your weight is distributed. It may increase pressure on the ball of the foot. The bunion, a bony bump on the side of the big toe, also may rub against the inside of a shoe and cause further pain. Athletes and dancers often place a great deal of weight on the first joint of the big toe, causing a condition known as turf toe. When this joint is pushed past its limits, the ligament stretches and causes severe pain. If you are experiencing any type of foot pain that will not subside, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for an exam and suggested treatment options.
Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot pain, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including:
Plantar fasciitis
Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes
Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet
Arthritis
Flat feet
Ingrown toenails
Symptoms
The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you.
Common types of foot pain include:
Heel pain
Arch pain
Toe pain
Ball of foot pain
Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality
Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation
Diagnosis
A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
