Foot Pain

What are the common causes of foot pain?

Injury, overuse, or other conditions may affect the bones, ligaments, and tendons of the foot, causing you pain. Some of the more specific causes of foot pain that the LaSante Health Center team addresses on a regular basis include:

Foot and ankle fractures

A fracture refers to a small crack in a bone or sometimes severe bruising of a bone. Overuse or repetitive activity, such as recreational running or the movements of athletes who play sports, is the most common cause of foot and ankle fractures.

Corns and calluses

Corns and calluses are thick layers of skin that form on your feet in response to friction or pressure. They can be unsightly and most often develop on your feet and toes. Corns are smaller than calluses, but both can become inflamed and cause pain, numbness, or tingling. Ill-fitting shoes may lead to both calluses and corns.

When should I seek medical attention for my foot pain?

Foot pain of any degree can be extremely debilitating. It’s generally a good idea to try home remedies, such as rest and icing, at first.

However, if your foot pain doesn’t respond quickly to home remedies, you should seek medical attention. Generally, if your situation doesn’t improve after two to five days, get a professional opinion from LaSante Health Center.

How is foot pain treated?

The first step in treatment is achieving an accurate diagnosis. To do this, your provider discusses your symptoms with you to better understand your condition and performs a thorough physical exam to see how much weight you can put on your foot, as well as other tests.

If they suspect a fracture, they may order imaging tests, such as X-rays. Treatment varies depending on the location of the fracture and its severity. Your provider will likely have you walking on crutches to avoid putting weight on the fractured bone and recommend protective footwear or casting. Physical therapy can also help speed up your recovery without surgery.

For problems such as corns and calluses, the solution is often found in lifestyle modifications, namely altering the type of shoes you wear or using shoe inserts.

How can I prevent foot pain?

There are measures you can take to limit your risk of developing foot pain, including:

• Wearing comfortable, well-cushioned shoes
• Not wearing shoes that are too big or too small
• Always wearing shoes outdoors
• Stretching before exercising or playing sports
• Maintaining a healthy weight
  

If you’re dealing with foot pain, call LaSante Health Center or use online booking to schedule an appointment today.