If your feet are often tired, aching, swollen, or sore, it may be time to see a podiatrist. Foot pain may result from various factors, from poorly fitting shoes to arthritis to plantar fasciitis. So because September is Pain Awareness Month, today, Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen of greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center are sharing information regarding causes of foot pain and when it’s time to see your podiatrist.
In some cases, foot pain can be a sign of an underlying medical condition like diabetes that must be addressed. Many people experience sore feet occasionally, but if the pain causes you to miss social events or work, you might be able to find quick relief by seeing a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.
What’s causing your foot pain?
If the nerves in your feet are aggravated due to an injury or an inflammatory condition like arthritis, you’ll feel burning, throbbing, or stinging foot pain.
Some of the most common causes of foot pain include:
- Broken ankle or foot (including stress fractures)
- Inflammation of the ball of the foot
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Arthritis
- Bunions
- Hammertoe
- Tendinitis
- Infection
- Plantar fasciitis.
In less common cases, foot pain can be caused by a bone tumor, Paget’s disease, or a ruptured Achilles tendon. It’s always a good idea to assess chronic foot pain with a podiatrist to rule out rare causes.
When should you see a podiatrist for foot pain?
You should seek medical attention immediately for foot pain if you also have the following:
- Experienced recent trauma to the foot, such as a sports injury
- Inability to put any weight on the foot
- Pain in both feet simultaneously
- Diabetes
- Fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
- Wounds
- Redness, heat, and swelling in the foot
- Visible deformity of the foot.
Seek treatment for swelling that remains for more than a week, numbness in the foot for any length of time, or pain that persists for more than a few weeks. These symptoms of foot pain could be an indication of an underlying medical condition that needs treatment.
If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, it’s essential to have regular checkups. Greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center team can help relieve your pain and keep your feet healthy. Click here to locate the office nearest you and schedule an appointment today.