When foot pain isn't normal

Foot discomfort is common, but it shouldn't be disregarded. It's normal to feel sore after working out, but if the pain doesn't go away, gets worse, or gets in the way of daily life, it could be an indication of a bigger problem. Knowing when foot pain is abnormal will help you avoid long-term issues and receive prompt assistance.

What Does Foot Pain Mean?

Often, the sensation of the pain can reveal the cause. Plantar fasciitis is often the cause of sharp heel pain when you first get out of bed in the morning. Burning or tingling between the toes, on the other hand, is a sign of nerve irritation. Pain that wakes you up at night, starts suddenly, or makes it difficult for you to bear weight should be investigated more thoroughly. Pain that comes on after activity may mean you've overused it.

The time and place are important.

We can learn a lot from where the pain is located. Pain in the forefoot can be caused by metatarsal stress injuries or neuromas. A tendon or ligament injury may be the cause of midfoot pain. Ankle or dorsal foot pain often indicates a problem with the joints or tendons. See a doctor right away if you have pain following an injury that makes it difficult for you to walk. You should see a doctor once more if the discomfort persists after six weeks of rest.

Common Causes That Could Turn Odd

If left untreated, many diagnoses begin as minor issues but worsen. At some point in their lives, about 10% of people will develop plantar fasciitis. It is among the most typical reasons why heels hurt. Achilles tendinopathy and posterior tibial tendinopathy are examples of tendon issues that make movement difficult and painful. Bunions and hammertoes are examples of structural issues that cause long-term pressure points that get worse with time.

Inflammatory Conditions and Stress

Stress fractures are common in those who run or suddenly start doing a lot of activity. Certain parts of your body hurt less when you're at rest and more when you're using them. Gout and rheumatoid arthritis are examples of inflammatory disorders that can cause swelling, redness, and severe joint pain. Diabetic neuropathy can produce burning or numbness and make it harder to feel pain, which can let injuries go worse without being discovered.

Indications of the Need for Immediate Assistance

Certain indicators suggest a potentially serious illness. You should see a doctor immediately if you are unable to bear weight on your foot, it appears malformed, the redness spreads rapidly, you have a fever, your foot is cold and pale, or you are unable to feel it. Nonhealing sores or ulcers increase the risk of infection or vascular disease and require immediate assessment, especially in diabetics.

Why Risk Factors Change Things

You are more likely to experience abnormal foot pain if you are overweight, engage in high-impact exercise, stand for extended periods of time, wear poorly fitting shoes, or have previously suffered foot injuries. Age is also important because the heel fat pad absorbs less stress as it thins and the tissue becomes less elastic. Pain manifestation and healing are altered by systemic diseases like diabetes or vascular disease.

How to Examine Your Foot for Pain

A comprehensive history and physical examination, which looks at the person's gait, range of motion, circulation, and feeling, is the first step in the evaluation process. Imaging is performed as needed. Ultrasounds can examine tendons and nerves, MRIs can reveal stress fractures and soft tissue injuries, and X-rays can reveal broken bones and alignment issues. Blood tests can be used to confirm diagnoses such as infection or gout.

Treatment Is Determined by the Diagnosis

With customized conservative therapy, the majority of unusual foot discomfort improves. This could entail altering your routine, donning supportive footwear, purchasing orthotics, attending physical therapy, or taking temporary medications. Unstable fractures, blood vessel problems, and infections must be treated immediately, sometimes by multiple doctors. Only in cases where conservative treatment is ineffective or structural correction is required is surgery performed.

When to Go to a Specialist

See a professional if the pain doesn't go away, worsens, or makes it difficult to work, sleep, or walk. The goal of the care provided to patients at the Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute is to prevent foot and ankle problems from getting worse while also restoring function based on their diagnosis.

Keeping Your Feet Healthy for a Long Time

Early assessment produces better outcomes. You can reduce your risk of long-term incapacity by wearing shoes that support your feet, gradually increasing your level of activity, managing chronic illnesses, and addressing discomfort early on. If you ignore warning signs, minor issues can grow into major ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I determine whether I'm experiencing severe foot pain or just sore muscles?

A: It is not normal to experience pain that lasts longer than two weeks, gets worse, wakes you up at night, or makes it difficult to bear weight.

Q: When should I go to the emergency room for foot pain?

A: Seek medical attention right away if you are unable to walk, have a noticeable deformity, have a fever, redness that spreads quickly, numbness, or a cold or pale foot.

Q: Can nerve disorders cause pain in your feet without causing swelling?

A: It is. Nerve entrapment or neuropathy can make you feel burning, tingling, or numbness without any swelling or injury that is easy to see.

Q: Why is foot discomfort more serious if I have diabetes?

A: Diabetes can reduce blood flow and make it more difficult to feel things, which can worsen illnesses or injuries without causing pain.

Q: If the pain persists, should I see a local podiatrist?

A: Yes. If you have foot discomfort that keeps coming back or won't go away, it could be a sign of a biomechanical or structural problem that needs to be looked at by an expert.