Understanding Different Types of Foot Pain

When you experience foot pain, your mobility may be reduced, and your quality of life may suffer. Your podiatrist is an expert at diagnosis and treatment of foot pain and can help you get relief. The podiatrists at Podiatry Associates provide comprehensive podiatry services, including diagnosis and treatment of foot pain. They have two convenient office locations in Birmingham, and Sylacauga, AL.

What You Need To Know About Foot Pain

Foot pain can come on all at once, with little to no warning, or it can be a chronic problem, gradually worsening over time. Foot pain can be caused by a few problems, including:

• Diabetic neuropathy
• Plantar fasciitis
• Trauma to your feet
• A sports injury
• Toe injuries or conditions
• Fractured bones
• Torn tendons and ligaments

When you have foot, toe, or ankle pain, you need the services of a foot expert. You need a podiatrist. Some of the most common foot, toe, and ankle issues seen by a podiatrist include:

Plantar fasciitis, a foot condition causing heel pain. Plantar fasciitis results from inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue on your heel. For plantar fasciitis, your podiatrist may recommend:

• Custom orthotics
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Corticosteroid injections

Diabetic neuropathy, which results from damage to nerves due to diabetes. For diabetic neuropathy, your podiatrist may recommend:

• Topical medications to reduce pain
• Oral medications to reduce pain

Ingrown toenails, which result from toenails growing down into the surrounding skin. When you have ingrown toenails, your podiatrist may recommend:

• Laser treatment to trim the ingrown part of the toenail
• Antibiotics to eliminate infection
• Cutting and removing part or all of the toenail

Toenail fungus, which results from skin contact with a fungus. The fungus burrows into your nail bed and causes damage to the toenail. For toenail fungus, your podiatrist may recommend:

• Laser treatment to kill the underlying fungus
• Topical creams to kill the fungus
• Oral antifungal medications

You can do a lot to help prevent foot pain. Remember to:

• Wear supportive, protective footwear, and don’t go barefoot
• Avoid walking on uneven, slippery surfaces
• Keep your feet clean and dry
• Examine your feet daily for injuries, swelling, or bruising
• Visit your podiatrist regularly for a foot examination

Want To Know More About Foot Pain?

To find out more about the causes and treatment of foot pain, call the podiatrists at Podiatry Associates. You can reach them Birmingham, AL, by calling (205) 933-9595, or in Sylacauga, AL, by calling (256) 249-2212, so call today.