Is your foot pain getting worse? It’s a sign that you need to see a podiatrist.
Foot pain is among the most common musculoskeletal complaints seen in clinics. Yet it remains one of the most overlooked.
Research shows that 1-in-4 adults experience foot pain regularly. However, they consider it a sign of normal aging or the result of a busy lifestyle.
Well, it isn’t. When you are experiencing foot pain every other day, it can be a warning of an underlying problem. And, you need to take proper care and precautions before it gets worse.
But how do you know when it’s time to see a professional in Anaheim and Lakewood? At Care Podiatry, we’re here to help you understand when it’s time to seek podiatric care.
What Are The Possible Causes of Foot Pain?
Here are some common reasons why people get foot pain –
- Aging
- Standing on your feet for a longer time
- Overuse
- Injury or trauma
- Obesity
- Wearing tight shoes
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Toes
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Bottom
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Side
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Heel
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What Type of Conditions Are Considered Podiatric?
- Ingrown toenails.
- Foot and ankle arthritis.
- Foot and ankle injuries.
- Toe deformities.
- Bunions.
- Leg wounds.
- Plantar warts.
- Tendonitis.
- Foot and toe ulcers.
- Skin conditions affecting your feet and toenails.
- Diabetic foot problems.
- Swelling of the lower extremity.
- Fractures of the foot and ankle.
- Sports injuries.
- Ankle sprains.
- Plantar fasciitis.
- Achilles tendon ruptures.
- Heel bursitis.
How to Prevent Foot Pain?
You can’t prevent foot pain, but there are some ways to reduce the risk. Here’s what you can do:
- Wear shoes with a wide toe box and better arch support.
- Always stretch before playing sports or exercising.
- Replace your sneakers frequently if you run.
- Maintain a good weight for a healthier you.
- Ask your healthcare provider to show you some exercises that can reduce your foot pain.
How Do You Know That You Urgently Need To See A Podiatrist?
When the pain is getting worse day-by-day.
If your foot pain gets worse over time or interferes with daily activities, it’s not normal. Those ongoing discomforts can be due to conditions like –
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tendon injuries
- Stress fractures
- Arthritis or joint degeneration
When you ignore the continuous pain, it can trigger secondary issues in your hips, lower back, and knees.
Heel or Arch Pain
Sometimes you experience sharp heel pain with the first steps of the day. It is also the most common reason to get podiatric care in Anaheim. Studies show that over 80% of chronic heel pain cases are connected to plantar fasciitis or related heel conditions. Without proper treatment, these can affect your activity levels.
Swelling, Redness, or Warmth
These symptoms show infection, inflammation, gout, or an arthritic flare-up. When swelling does not ease up and is accompanied by pain or fever, it needs immediate action. Non-healing sores or ulcers are particularly concerning and highlight circulatory or systemic issues.
Numbness or Tingling
When you experience these sensations in your feet, it shows that your nerves are involved. There can be tarsal tunnel syndrome or peripheral neuropathy. So, you should never ignore these symptoms. The reduced sensation can increase the risk of unnoticed injuries.
Sudden Injury or Inability to Bear Weight
You must have noticed situations when you feel unbearable pain after a fall, a sports injury, or an accident. It shows you have fractures, ligament damage, or tendon rupture.
It is easy to check these conditions as it becomes difficult or impossible to walk. And, these situations need immediate assessment.
If at-home exercises and precautions don’t provide full relief to your feet, it’s important to listen to your body and see a podiatrist.
The experts at Care Podiatry in Anaheim & Lakewood will diagnose your condition and offer treatment options that best fit your specific needs. Schedule your visit now!
Interesting Facts
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a podiatrist fix foot pain?
Yes, if you have a sports injury, arthritis/joint pain, skin problems, etc, a podiatrist can fix it.
When to see a podiatrist?
- Extreme Pain
- Redness or discoloration.
- Swelling.
- Excessive heat.
- Bumps or new growths
What diseases start with foot pain?
Some common medical conditions that can cause foot pain include –
- Diabetic neuropathy.
- Flatfeet.
- Gout.
- Morton neuroma.
- Osteomyelitis.
- Pinched nerves.
- Hammertoe and mallet toe.
- Psoriatic arthritis.
Do your feet give an early warning about serious health problems?
Yes, your feet can help detect problems in other parts of your body. For example, if you have swollen feet, it could be a warning of high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease.
How do your podiatrists diagnose foot problems?
The first thing they check is your shoes to see if they fit you well. Many foot disorders are spotted with a simple visual check. However, in some cases, you may need to get an X-ray, ultrasound, or other imaging tests.
