If you have ever suffered from foot pain and discomfort you know that there are a number of different things that could be causing it. There are several symptoms that you might be experiencing, such as numbness and pain in your feet, and if you have any of these symptoms you should see a foot doctor immediately.
Plantar fasciitis
If you’re experiencing pain in your foot, you might want to seek medical help. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes a sharp, burning pain. Symptoms usually get worse after standing, sitting, or walking for long periods.
Although some cases of plantar fasciitis do not require treatment, other people may need to see a podiatrist or orthopedic doctor to find the best solution. Often, symptoms of plantar fasciitis are resolved spontaneously within a few months. However, chronic cases can require more advanced therapies.
Your doctor can diagnose plantar fasciitis by looking at your foot and checking for tender areas. He or she can also rule out other conditions that might cause your symptoms.
Your doctor will likely prescribe over the counter pain meds and ice to reduce swelling and inflammation. You should also make sure to rest your feet as much as possible to avoid further damage. Rest can also reduce the amount of time it takes for your pain to go away.
X-rays or MRIs may be necessary in some cases. These tests can also be used to diagnose other problems, like fractures.
You may also need surgery if your heel pain does not improve. Surgery involves removing parts of the plantar fascia. Corticosteroid injections are also effective, but aren’t always the best option.
Plantar fasciitis isn’t an uncommon foot problem, especially for long-distance runners. However, it is a condition that can cause a lot of pain and prevent you from participating in sports. In fact, some people have to take time off of work because they can’t do their job due to their condition.
Aside from avoiding physical activities, you can also wear supportive shoes and ice your feet. Taking your feet to the podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment can lead to quicker healing.
Heel pain
If you have heel pain, it’s a good idea to see a podiatrist. This is because it may be an indication of a more serious condition.
There are many causes for foot pain. The most common is plantar fasciitis. In this condition, the plantar fascia, a long ligament that connects the heel bone to the tendon, becomes inflamed.
In addition to this, other conditions can cause heel pain. Arterial ulcers, for example, can develop on the heel.
Another reason you should see a doctor is if the pain is accompanied by redness or warmth. In these cases, you should go to a doctor as soon as possible.
You should visit a doctor as soon as you begin experiencing heel pain. Pain that is accompanied by fever, numbness, or a change in your walking pattern should also be evaluated.
Your doctor can help determine what’s causing your foot pain and whether or not you should start physical therapy. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs that you can take by mouth. They may also suggest using orthotic devices to correct your biomechanical imbalance.
X-rays or MRIs are often used to diagnose plantar fasciitis. They can also reveal if there are other conditions affecting the bones of the foot.
Heel pain that is accompanied by inflammation can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications and ice packs. However, in severe cases, your podiatrist will need to do a physical examination and perform some tests.
Often, people don’t look after their feet. This can lead to injuries, such as a sprain. Similarly, it can make a minor injury worse, such as when you wear improperly fitted shoes. It’s also important to avoid activities that cause excessive stress on the heels.
Numbness in feet
Numbness in feet can be a warning sign of serious health issues. It is important to consult a doctor if the numbness becomes persistent or if it comes with other symptoms.
Inflammation, lack of blood flow, and nerve damage are common causes of foot numbness. Depending on the cause, treatment may include medication, therapeutic footwear, or other measures.
The first step is to check your feet and look for signs of an infection or injury. If you notice a pins-and-needles sensation, tingling, or burning, you should see a healthcare provider.
Having numb toes can be uncomfortable, but it is not a life-threatening condition. If the numbness goes away after you move around or change your shoes, there is no need to worry. But if it stays, it is a symptom of a more serious medical issue.
Numbness in feet can also be caused by conditions affecting the circulatory system, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is a narrowing of the arteries in the feet, which can increase the risk of heart attack.
Other symptoms include tingling or burning in the hands and feet. Symptoms may also be a sign of nerve damage or systemic nerve problems.
Neurologists can help diagnose and treat foot numbness. Typically, they will want to know when you noticed the numbness began, the other symptoms that accompanied it, and what medications you’re taking. They may also perform diagnostic tests such as electromyography.
A neurologist specializes in disorders of the nervous system. These doctors determine how the nerves in the body work and how they affect your coordination and balance.
In cases of neuropathy, treatment can include medications and non-surgical interventions. A physical therapist can also create an exercise program that will help compensate for the loss of sensation in your feet.
Neuropathy
If you’re experiencing numbness or tingling in your feet, it’s important to see a foot doctor. This can be a sign of neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nervous system that can cause serious problems. There is no need to worry, however, as a Foot Doctor in SanMarcos CA can figure it out quickly and easily with a few tests.
Neuropathy can be caused by genetic conditions, medication, or exposure to toxins. It can also be triggered by an autoimmune disease.
Neuropathy can affect both sensory and motor nerves. These nerves carry sensations to the brain, and are responsible for controlling your muscles and movements. When these nerves are damaged, it can cause problems with balance and coordination.
Other symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include burning pain, hypersensitivity to temperature, and extreme sensitivity to touch. There are prescription and non-prescription medicines to help with these problems.
Symptoms can vary, but the most common are pain, numbness, and difficulty walking. In some cases, peripheral neuropathy may be life-threatening.
Early detection is essential to a good outcome. Even small injuries can become infected. Fortunately, advanced treatments can greatly improve the chance of recovery.
Peripheral neuropathy can be prevented by taking measures to keep your blood sugar levels in check. Wearing properly fitted shoes and avoiding bare feet are other ways to reduce the risk. Also, make sure to enlist the help of a podiatrist to perform regular checks on your feet.
A foot doctor can help you understand what the symptoms are and what you can do to treat them. Most of the time, these symptoms can be treated without medications. However, if the symptoms persist, you may need to seek a more aggressive treatment plan.
For more information about peripheral neuropathy, check out the ASCO’s fact sheet on the topic.
Charcot’s foot
Charcot’s foot is a foot deformity that affects the bones and soft tissues of the feet. The disease occurs in people with neuropathy or other medical conditions that weaken the nerves.
Patients may notice that their feet feel warm and red. They may also develop blisters. This is an early sign that Charcot’s foot is developing. Affected patients will have their foot immobilized in a cast, a boot, or a brace.
A total contact cast is the best way to immobilize the foot. It limits the ankle’s movement and requires the patient to remove all weight from the foot. Crutches, a knee walker, or a wheelchair may be required.
Patients with early Charcot’s foot are prescribed special shoes. These shoes have inserts that help prevent ulcers from developing. If the infection does not heal, the foot may be amputated.
Patients are also given a prescription for foot orthotics, which relieve pressure points and allow for normal foot function. A total contact cast can also help improve the condition.
Patients with severe Charcot’s foot are at risk for foot ulcers. Ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the foot. When they are left untreated, they can spread to the bone. People with diabetes, for example, are more susceptible to fractures in the foot bones.
Diabetic patients can avoid developing Charcot’s foot by controlling blood sugar levels. Getting regular checkups from a foot and ankle surgeon can also help.
In order to treat Charcot’s foot, a foot and ankle surgeon will work to correct the bones and joints in the foot. The surgeon will determine a treatment plan to prevent recurrence of the condition and prevent new bone fractures.
