What is Foot Pain?
The foot is composed of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. As your feet bear the weight of your entire body, they are more prone to injury and pain.
Foot pain occurs from distress induced by certain factors on the foot. It is a common problem experienced by young athletes involved in various activities such as running and jumping. Normally, foot pain can be treated with home treatments and may take time to heal. However, in cases of severe injury, adequate evaluation and treatment are required.
What are the Causes of Foot Pain?
Foot pain may arise due to
- Advanced age
- Being overweight
- Being involved in excessive sports activities or walking
- injury or trauma
- Inborn foot deformities
- Wearing poorly fitted shoes
- From standing for a long duration
Certain disorders may induce foot pain and include Achilles tendinitis, Achilles tendon rupture, bone spurs, broken ankle, foot or toe, bunions, diabetic neuropathy, gout, osteoarthritis, hammertoe, mallet toe, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, foot tendinitis, and foot tumours.
How is Foot Pain Diagnosed?
When you present to the clinic with foot pain, your doctor will review your history and perform a thorough physical examination of your foot. Imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scan and MRI scans may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
What are the Treatment Options for Foot Pain?
The treatment of foot pain depends upon the fundamental cause. The usual measures to treat foot pain include rest, medications, ice, compression, elevation, using crutches to avoid load bearing on the foot, and performing stretching and strengthening exercises.
Other methods that may be considered include ultrasound, electrical stimulators and laser therapy to enhance circulation and stimulate healing. In some cases, depending upon your condition and the underlying deformity, surgery may be recommended.
