We are all bound to have occasional bouts of pain in our feet because we use them so much. Foot pain mainly results from overuse, but an underlying medical condition or injury can exacerbate it. Many foot problems can lead to painful feet. One of the most common heel conditions is plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia which runs lengthwise across the bottom of the feet. Calluses, which are thick layers of skin that form from friction on the soles of the feet are another condition that can cause foot pain in addition to metatarsalgia, a painful inflammation of the ball of the foot. Other foot ailments can include Morton’s neuroma, a thickening of the tissue surrounding a nerve in the ball of the foot leading to the toes, tendinitis, or inflammation of a tendon. Turf toe is a sprain in the main joint of the big toe, and tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed inside the tarsal tunnel- a narrow passage in the ankle surrounded by bones and a connecting ligament. Many people have flat feet, which is noticeable when the feet lie flat on the ground when standing. It is best to consult with a podiatrist if you are experiencing any kind of foot pain, especially if the pain worsens, or if you have diabetes and an open wound is not healing.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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