As we celebrate National Pain Awareness Month this September, it is important to examine your feet and address any underlying issues that may be causing pain or discomfort in your lower limbs. Most people tend to ignore foot pain, thinking it will disappear by itself. Although that may happen, it is important to understand what is causing the pain to eliminate the root cause.
Here are some common reasons why we experience pain in our feet:
- Overuse: Your feet, like other parts of your body, undergo wear and tear from daily use, movement, and walking. They need rest and breaks to recuperate and repair any damage caused due to excessive walking or extended periods of standing.
- Ill-fitted footwear: Shoes that are not your size can cause harm to your feet, whether they are too tight or too large. Tight shoes put extra pressure on your feet, resulting in issues like bunions, hammertoes, blisters, and more. Too big shoes risk losing your balance, tripping, falling, fractures or spraining, and muscle damage. Therefore, it is crucial to wear correctly fitted shoes.
- Nerve damage: Numbness or piercing pain in your heels can be attributed to nerve damage in your feet. People with diabetes usually suffer from this condition. Consult your podiatrist on how to manage your diabetes and avoid further nerve damage.
- Muscle damage: If you feel pain under your feet or in your calf muscles, it may be due to inflammation in the Achilles Tendon. This tendon may suffer damage when subjected to persistent pressure and/or weight, resulting in foot pain.
- Sprains: Sudden movements or excessive impact on your feet can result in sprains. It is likely to occur in high-intensity workouts or sports like tennis, basketball, etc. It is essential that you choose appropriate footwear, so your feet get the support they require to perform such activities.
- Ingrown toenails: These can be extremely painful and temporarily affect your mobility. When the nails begin to grow while pushing inside the skin around the nailbed, swelling, tenderness, and pain occur. If not treated timely and correctly, the nail can cut your skin, exposing it to infections, pus, and bleeding.
HOW CAN YOU TREAT YOUR FOOT PAIN?
- First and foremost, consult your podiatrist! They will examine your feet, find the cause of your pain, and devise a proper treatment to address the issue.
- Medication can also help reduce pain. However, RICE therapy (rest, ice application, compression, and elevation) has proven to reduce pain, swelling, burning, and discomfort in the feet.
- Customized orthotics are incredibly beneficial for supporting your gait, ensuring stability, and improving overall balance.
- Corrective surgery may sometimes be needed to treat issues like bone and joint deformity. Your foot doctor will guide you if that is the case.
If you have any questions for us, don’t hesitate to contact the office of Dr. John C. Marzano of Westchester Podiatric Healing Medicine, P.C., in Yonkers, NY, to schedule a consultation. Our practice offers conventional and surgical treatment of all toe and foot deformities under the care of the best clinical environment and genial staff. Contact us at (914) 423-0600 or visit our office at 984 N. Broadway, Suite LL03, Yonkers, NY 10701.