Our feet are very complex, being composed of many tiny bones, muscles, nerves, and connective tissues. Our feet are equipped to handle the entire weight of the human body whenever we take a step.
However, repetitive stresses can damage one or more parts of the feet, leading to pain. By understanding the common causes of foot pain, you can seek out the right kind of doctor who can help you get back on your feet with less pain or no pain.
Let’s talk about five of the most frequently treated ailments that cause pain in the feet:
1. Plantar Fasciitis
The fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects the toes to the heel, providing structural support and keeping the arch stable. However, the fascia can develop tiny tears and stretches due to overuse of the foot or simply as we get older, and this causes inflammation called plantar fasciitis. The damage causes pain in the heel.
Plantar fasciitis is also common in people who are overweight, people who remain in a standing position for several hours a day, and those who often wear high heels. To help relieve pain in the heel, patients are encouraged to rest the affected foot, perform foot stretches, and wear shoes with proper support.
2. Bunions
The big toe can be forced inward when a person wears tight-fitting shoes. Over time, the joint at the base of the big toe adapts by forming a bony bump and keeping the toe in its bent position. A similar condition can affect the smaller toes, creating bunionettes.
Aside from creating the bump, bunions can also cause foot pain. The base joint is usually inflamed and swollen. In severe cases, bunions can restrict toe movement.
Fortunately, most bunion cases do not require special treatment. That said, you need to consult a doctor if the bunion causes persistent pain or starts to interfere with your mobility.
3. Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the sides of the toenail grow into the skin surrounding the nail. It primarily affects the big toe.
The resulting pressure can cause painful inflammation of the soft tissue. In some cases, an infection may develop.
Ingrown toenails can occur when the nail is cut too curved or too close to the nailbed. Tight-fitting shoes can also cause this problem.
To relieve the pain and swelling, soak the affected toe in warm water. If the problem persists, consult a doctor.
4. Fractures
The numerous bones of the feet are susceptible to fractures due to a number of reasons, including:
- Repetitive motion
- High-impact sports (tennis, basketball, etc.)
- Running and jogging
- Jumping
- Falling
- Car accidents
- Stubbing your toes
- Osteoporosis
Fractures cause pain that worsens with activity. Other signs of a broken foot include bruising, swelling, tenderness, visible foot deformity, and the inability to bear weight on the affected foot. If you have any of these symptoms, consult a podiatrist immediately.
5. Corns And Calluses
When the skin on the feet is repeatedly rubbed in the same way on a certain spot, or if it receives pressure, it reacts by becoming thick in that spot. The skin becomes thicker as a protective reaction to the repetitive stress. These small thickened spots are called corns, whereas larger areas of thickness are called calluses.
Treatment isn’t necessary unless it is causing embarrassment or foot pain. If you do want to wear down a corn or callus, you can immerse it in warm water and then gently slough away the dead outer layers of skin with a pumice stone.
A podiatrist can provide a medical-grade solution that will help remove the corn or the callus quickly. The doctor will also explain how to prevent the corn or callus from developing again.
Foot Doctors in San Antonio
Many issues can affect your feet and cause pain. Fortunately, all of these conditions respond to proper foot care.
If you are experiencing chronic or sudden foot pain and you are in South Texas, reach out to our experts at The Podiatry Group of South Texas today. Our medical team can help with all of the conditions listed above and a whole lot more.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment by calling (210) 227-8700 or request a consultation online now. We look forward to helping your feet feel as good as new!
