Are you a frequent wearer of high heels? If so, you may just be increasing your risk of foot pain! Foot pain is a common complaint among people of all ages and lifestyles, though there are several factors that may increase your chance of developing it. Whether you’re an athlete, a runner, or spend long hours on your feet at work, foot pain can impact your daily routine and quality of life. So, if it affects you in any way, now’s the time to put a foot in it!
This article explores the causes of foot pain and delves into possible treatment options. For personalised advice, contact our team at Doubleview Podiatry today.
Common Causes Of Foot Pain
While foot pain can have various causes, one common lifestyle factor is footwear. In particular, people who wear footwear that focus on fashion rather than function often experience foot pain due to their choice of shoes, including high heels and narrow, pointed toe boxes. Shoes that don’t fit properly may also contribute to foot pain, whether they’re too tight or too loose.
Various medical issues are also associated with foot pain. Some of the most common causes of foot pain include:
- Plantar Fasciitis— This condition leads to pain in the heel or arch of the foot and is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot.
- Arthritis— Arthritis may affect the joints in the feet and cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two common types of arthritis that may affect the feet.
- Diabetes— Diabetes can damage the nerves in the feet, leading to pain, tingling, and numbness. This condition is known as diabetic neuropathy and can increase the risk of foot ulcers and infections as you may not be able to feel your feet as well.
- Morton’s Neuroma— This condition is caused by a thickening of the tissue around a nerve in the foot, which can cause pain and numbness in the toes.
- Tendonitis— Tendinitis is an inflammation of a tendon, which can cause pain and stiffness in the affected area. Achilles tendinitis, which affects the tendon that runs along the back of the ankle, is a common type of tendinitis that may cause foot pain.
- Flat Feet— Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, may cause pain and discomfort in the feet, ankles, and legs.
- Bursitis— Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near the joints. In the foot, bursitis may occur in the heel or the ball of the foot, causing pain and swelling.
- Gout— Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints, which may cause sudden and severe pain and swelling in the affected area. The big toe is a common site of gout attacks in the foot.
- Stress Fractures— Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones that are caused by repetitive stress or overuse. They are common in athletes and may cause pain and swelling in the affected area.
How May Foot Pain Be Treated?
Possible treatment options for foot pain will vary depending on the type of pain, where it’s located, the cause of the pain, and the person experiencing it.
For some people, at-home treatment may be enough to quell foot pain. You may wish to try:
- Applying ice
- Taking pain relief such as Panadol
- Using foot pads to prevent rubbing on the affected area
- Elevating the affected foot
- Resting
However, if your foot pain isn’t improving, comes on suddenly, is severe, has an open wound, or the affected area is discoloured or has other signs of inflammation, you should seek medical treatment. This is also true if you have a medical condition that affects your blood flow, such as diabetes.
Foot Pain Treatment By A Podiatrist
If you see a podiatrist for your foot pain, they should assess your foot and ask you questions, including when the pain started, what it feels like, what part or parts of your foot are affected, and how severe it is. Using this information and anything else they may need to ask you about, they should work with you to develop a treatment plan to address your foot pain.
Treatment options may include:
- Custom Orthotics— Orthotics are shoe inserts that are custom-made to fit the unique shape of a person’s feet. They may help to redistribute pressure on the feet, provide cushioning, and support the arches. Custom orthotics may be especially helpful for people with flat feet, high arches, or other foot conditions.
- Physiotherapy— Physiotherapy may help to strengthen the muscles in the feet and legs, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. This may be especially helpful for people with conditions such as plantar fasciitis or tendonitis.
- Medications— Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be helpful for reducing pain and inflammation. In some cases, prescription medications such as corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory drugs may be recommended.
- Footwear Modifications— Changing the type of shoes you wear may be an effective way to relieve foot pain. For example, wearing shoes with a wide toe box or low heels may be helpful for people with conditions such as Morton’s neuroma or metatarsalgia.
- Surgery— In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a foot deformity or treat a more serious condition. This may include procedures such as bunion surgery, heel spur removal, or joint replacement surgery.
Interested In Treatment For Your Foot Pain In Perth?
Don’t put up with foot pain any longer than you have to! At Doubleview Podiatry, we offer modern podiatry treatment for many types of foot pain for people of all ages. With our knowledgeable and experienced team by your side and at your feet, you may just feel like you’re walking on clouds sooner than you thought possible! To get started on your foot pain journey towards feet freedom, contact us to make an appointment today.