Tuesday, 31 October 2023 00:00

Common Foot Problems

Because the feet undergo a great deal of activity and stress everyday, a number of problems may arise. Among the most common causes of foot pain are bunions, flat feet, ingrown toenails and plantar fasciitis. Bunions are deformities that develop at the base of the big toe, manifesting as a bump where two foot bones aren't connecting properly. Flat feet occur when the arch of the foot flattens due to a loss of elasticity in the main foot tendon. This condition can lead to chronic pain in the arch, ankle, and leg while walking. Hammertoes are characterized by a bending of the toe joint, causing the tip of the toe to angle sharply downward. The bent joint can jut upward and cause pain when it rubs against the top of your shoe. Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the skin, leading to redness, swelling, and intense pain. Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by tiny tears where the plantar fascia connects to the heel bone. While these common foot problems can be sources of discomfort, there are numerous strategies to manage and alleviate the associated pain. If you need guidance, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for an evaluation and treatment options. 

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot pain, please consult with Chiropodist Stephanie Poupore from North Bay Foot & Ankle. Our clinician will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes

  • Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet

  • Arthritis

  • Flat feet

  • Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

  • Heel pain

  • Arch pain

  • Toe pain

  • Ball of foot pain

  • Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality

  • Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain