When to Seek Professional Help for Foot Pain

Most of us will experience pain or soreness in our feet, but it’s usually only temporary. If pain or restricted movement doesn’t go away and you live or work in and around Suffolk or Norfolk, VA, Dr. Jesse Anderson of AAL Podiatry can diagnose the cause and tailor a plan to treat the condition and symptoms.

Common Conditions That Cause Foot Pain

 Various factors can cause foot pain -

• Ingrown Toenails
   An ingrown toenail happens when a toenail corner grows into the surrounding skin. It generally develops due to tight-fitting shoes or improperly cut toenails. There may be pain, redness, swelling, and even an infection.  
• Corns/Calluses
   Corns and calluses, which create thick or hard protective skin layers, result from friction and pressure. These are typically painless; however, diabetics (or those with restricted blood flow to their extremities) should seek routine podiatric care.  
• Arthritis
   Various forms of arthritis can cause soreness. Rheumatoid arthritis refers to an inflammatory joint disease in which your immune system erroneously attacks your joints. Gout, another form of arthritis, mainly causes intense pain in the big toe due to too much uric acid in the body. 
• Plantar Fasciitis
   This condition, which can be extremely painful, causes inflammation in the heel - including the tissue at the bottom of your foot. This condition is generally the result of overuse, repetitive motion, or sports. Acute pain is felt with first steps in the morning but can be constant whenever you’re standing/walking. 
• Achilles Tendonitis/Tendon Tear
   The Achilles tendon refers to a tissue band connecting your heel to the calf muscle. This type of tendonitis, usually caused by repetitive motion, causes pain above the heel or in the back of the leg. 
• Hammer Toe/Mallet Toe
   These conditions occur when the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes bend due to tendon or muscle imbalances. It is important to seek care before your toes become rigid.
• Stress Fractures
   These refer to tiny cracks in the bone, often caused by motions required to play specific sports or complete intense workouts. 
• Broken Bone
   Any break or foot fracture will cause throbbing pain and other intense symptoms.

When Should You Seek Professional Care?

 If your symptoms are less severe or do not limit movement, but the pain hasn’t improved after a few weeks have passed, you should schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. Immediate care is required if you can’t put weight on your feet or there is-

• Intense foot pain.
• Severe swelling in ankles/feet.
• Redness or other signs of infection.

Contact a Leading Suffolk & Norfolk, VA, Podiatrist Near You

 For more information, contact Dr. Anderson or a staff member of AAL Podiatry Associates at 757-625-2952 (Norfolk), 757-539-2098 (Suffolk), or online.