Your feet are among some of the weight-bearing areas in your body, making them susceptible to pain. Foot pain is discomfort in one or more parts of your foot, including the toes, arches, and heels. Although Prospect Lefferts Gardens foot pain is common, it should not be a regular part of life. The pain can be mild or severe and can be short-lived or chronic. Usually, mild foot pain improves with at-home treatments, but it is important to seek treatment if the discomfort hasn’t resolved after a week or two of home treatment
What causes foot pain?
Foot pain can result from a medical condition or certain lifestyle choices. Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly is among the main causes of foot pain. The type of shoes you wear can also make it more likely for you to develop foot pain. For example, high-heeled shoes often cause foot pain since they exert excess pressure on the toes. Participating in high-impact exercise or sports activities like jogging and aerobics puts you at risk of a foot injury.
Medical issues
Your feet are susceptible to pain if you have arthritis; this condition can affect any of the 33 joints in the foot. Diabetes is also closely associated with foot pain, which can cause complications and several foot disorders. Some complications resulting from diabetes include nerve damage in the feet, foot ulcers or sores, and clogged arteries in the legs and feet.
You are also more likely to have foot pain if you are overweight or have a foot injury such as a fracture, sprain, or tendonitis. Pregnancy is another risk factor because the fetus exerts extra pressure on your lower body. Other possible causes of foot pain include:
- Ingrown toenails
- Warts
- Bunions
- Athlete’s foot
- Hammer’s toes
- Fallen arches
- Plantar fasciitis
- Gout attack, especially in your big toe
How to alleviate foot pain at home
The home remedies you can use to ease foot pain will vary depending on the pain you are experiencing and its cause. However, following these tips may help minimize your discomfort.
- Cold compress the affected area but don’t place the ice directly over your foot to avoid skin damage.
- Use foot pads. These prevent rubbing on the affected area
- Rest your foot as much as possible. Using the affected foot may worsen the pain
- Elevate the affected foot
When to see a doctor
Many people who often experience foot pain are aware of the triggers and know the best ways to manage their pain. However, you want to see your doctor as soon as possible if:
- You have foot pain due to a recent injury
- You have sudden, severe pain
- You experience foot pain and have a medical condition that causes poor blood flow
- Your foot can’t bear any weight after an injury
- In addition to foot pain, you have a fever
- The painful area is discolored or has other symptoms of inflammation
- You have an open wound in the painful area
If you have severe or prolonged foot pain, visit your podiatrist at LaSante Health Center for diagnosis and treatment to improve your quality of life.
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