The feet take a lot of daily abuse from running, climbing, walking, and jumping. As a result, they are vulnerable to multiple problems. Foot pain can affect any part of the foot, from the toes to the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel. The pain might range from mild or severe, and can either be an ongoing issue or last a short time. For those experiencing foot pain in Mesa, it would be wise to consult a provider at Southwest Cardiovascular Associates to receive treatments that will help ease your foot pain.
Signs and symptoms of foot pain
Pain in the foot may affect any part of the foot, with abnormalities of the bones, skin, blood vessels, soft tissues, and nerves all being potential contributing factors. Determining the cause of foot pain requires understanding the foot and ankle physiology and anatomy, as well as that of the lower spine.
As we expose our feet to injuries and daily wear-and-tear of living life, we have likely experienced foot pain at one time or another. There are many causes of foot pain, like corns and blisters, while less common causes of pain in the feet may include osteomyelitis and sciatica. Foot pain can cause limping or unsteady gait, with treatment depending on the particular cause.
Causes of foot pain
Foot pain can result from different deformities, improper footwear, biochemical conditions, diseases, injuries, infectious diseases, fungi, viruses, and even bacteria. Plantar warts on the foot are caused by a virus and can lead to pain and irritation, while the discomfort and burning associated with athlete’s foot is the result of a fungus. Another significant cause of foot pain could be an ingrown toenail, which occurs when the nail’s edges grow through the skin, causing pain and possible infection. If you have diabetes, you are more likely to get infections because your immune system is compromised.
Many diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and gout can also be sources of foot pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to painful inflammation in the foot joints, followed by alignment changes and foot deformities.
Trauma from cumulative repetitive injury or acute injury is another common cause of foot pain, with Achilles tendonitis or rupture being an example of such an injury. In such cases, the tendon can burst from a sudden acute injury, or become inflamed from repetitive injury to the structure. Repetitive pressures or traumas can also cause injuries to the internal structures and skin, with micro-trauma injuries resulting from running on surfaces that are too soft, too hard, uneven, or by wearing shoes that are not activity-specific or have poor force-absorption qualities.
Biochemical abnormalities from tendon tightness, flat feet, laxity, or high arched feet usually lead to deformities, muscle imbalances, and foot pain.
Taking care of your feet properly by regular stretching, wearing properly fitted shoes, and maintaining healthy habits can go a long way to prevent foot pain. It would help if you made an effort to see your doctor for conditions like inflammation and pinched nerves to help prevent severe damage. You can also try home remedies to manage foot pain.
