Foot Pain
The foot is composed of different structures including bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Foot pain occurs from distress induced by certain factors on the various components of the foot. Pain can range from an ache to intense burning pain, numbing or tingling sensation. Normally, foot pain can be treated through home treatments and may take time to heal. However, in cases of severe injury, adequate evaluation and treatment is required.
Foot pain may arise due to advanced age, being overweight, excessive sports activities or walking, injury or trauma, inborn foot deformities, poorly fitted shoes and from standing on your feet for a long duration. Certain disorders and conditions may also induce foot pain and include:
- Achilles tendinitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Bone spurs
- Broken ankle, foot or toe
- Bunions
- Conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, gout and osteoarthritis
- Foot deformities such as hammertoe, mallet toe, planter warts, ingrown toe nails
- Foot tendinitis
- Foot tumors
The triggering causes for foot pain can be diagnosed with a thorough medical review and physical examination. Imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scan, ultrasound and MRI scans may also be ordered to determine the cause.
The treatment of foot pain depends upon the fundamental cause. The usual measures for foot pain treatment include rest, medications, ice, compression, elevation, using crutches to avoid load on the foot, and performing stretching and strengthening exercises. Other medical treatments that may be considered include ultrasound, electrical stimulators and laser therapy to enhance circulation and stimulate healing. In some cases, depending upon the condition of the patient and the underlying deformity, surgery may be recommended. Muscle strengthening and flexibility exercises are commonly recommended to improve your range of motion during recovery.