We all know how foot pain can be excruciating. Whether you stub your toe or have plantar fasciitis, the pain can be enough to make even the toughest person groan in agony.
Many people often try to tough out foot pain, but this can lead to everlasting issues throughout your entire body, not just your feet. That’s why it’s essential to see a foot doctor, or podiatrist, as soon as possible if you’re feeling any foot pain whatsoever.
What is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a foot doctor. They are medical professionals who treat foot and ankle problems, including pain, deformities, and injuries. If you’ve ever experienced a painful blister or sore on the bottom of your foot, you’ve likely seen one!
A podiatrist is also called a foot doctor because they specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Podiatrists can be found all over America working in private practices as well as hospitals and clinics where they treat patients with diabetes (a disease that affects blood vessels), arthritis (a condition that causes pain and inflammation), or other health issues related to their feet.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
If you’re experiencing pain, numbness, or tingling in the toes or heel of your foot, it’s essential to see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
These symptoms could be due to a condition called plantar fasciitis that affects the bottom of your feet and causes inflammation on the bottom of them (the sole). Plantar fasciitis can be treated with ice therapy, stretching exercises, and medication prescribed by your doctor/podiatrist, such as ibuprofen or corticosteroid injections into inflamed tissue.*
Different Types of Foot Ailments
There are many ailments causing foot pain, but let’s explore some that may be at the root of the problems you’ve been experiencing.
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Achilles tendonitis occurs when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, resulting in pain and stiffness. This can happen for a number of reasons, including overuse or injury. The pain is usually located on the backside of your lower leg near where it meets with your heel bone (calcaneus). It may also be felt when trying to extend or flex your foot upwards towards your knee as well as walking downstairs or up hills.
- Bunions
- Bunions are bony bumps that develop along the inside edge of either foot at either side of where toes meet metatarsal bones (those long bones between our instep). They’re often inherited traits but can also be caused by wearing shoes that are too narrow or high heels that compress this area repeatedly over time.
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. This condition causes pain in the heel, especially when you walk or stand on your toes. The pain occurs because the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, which causes it to thicken and shorten.
- Arthritis
- Plantar arthritis is a common condition that affects the ball of your foot. It causes pain and stiffness in your heel, inflammation, and swelling.
What Makes a Good Podiatrist?
A good podiatrist has been certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association.
The best foot doctors will also have hospital privileges, which means they can provide treatment at any time and in any situation. This makes it easier for you to find relief when you need it most–no matter where your feet may take you.
Typical Solutions for Foot Pain
There are dozens of causes for foot pain and injuries; however, here are some of the most common solutions we utilize at Urgent Footcare.
- Custom Orthotics
- Orthotics are specially designed insoles that help correct biomechanical problems in your feet. They can relieve pain and improve function in many people with foot problems.
- Surgery
- A podiatrist may recommend surgery if you have severe arthritis or advanced deformities of the bones or joints (such as hammertoes) that don’t respond to nonsurgical treatments or infections in your toes or feet.
- Steroid injections
- If you have an infection under a nail, your doctor may inject steroids into the area to reduce swelling and pain while waiting for antibiotics to take effect–but this should only be done if there’s no risk of infection spreading from one toe to another on either side of it.
- You should also avoid using corticosteroid creams because they can cause thinning skin over time if used frequently enough; instead, opt for moisturizing lotions, which won’t interfere with healing but still provide relief from dryness & itching associated with athlete’s foot (onychomycosis). Do not try cutting off infected nails yourself without first consulting with an expert due to risks associated with bleeding afterward – especially when using sharp objects such as scissors/nail clippers.
Don’t Wait: Foot Pain is Nothing to Mess With
Foot pain is nothing to mess with. If you have foot pain or are experiencing any other symptoms of a foot problem, see your doctor.
Don’t wait; it could be a sign of something serious.
If you feel any discomfort in your feet, it’s important to seek treatment right away. Even if the issue seems minor and you think it will go away on its own, it’s best to get checked out by a professional to ensure everything is okay.
If you’re experiencing foot pain, call Urgent Footcare today to schedule an appointment!