If you’re suffering from foot pain or discomfort, you’re not alone. A recent survey from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services revealed that over 80 million Americans have foot problems, and, unfortunately, a number of them choose to suffer silently without seeking help. We’ll explore the numerous signs that signify that you may need to call a podiatrist in Magnolia, TX so you can end the pain and become a happier and healthier individual:
Persistent Heel Pain
Persistent heel pain is most commonly due to plantar fasciitis. When the plantar fascia (most easily comprehended as a rubber band of sturdy tissue that connects the heel bone to your toes), becomes inflamed or irritated, individuals experience significant heel pain. Though the pain is typically worst in the morning, it can continue throughout the day and well into the evening. Other causes can be:
- Heel spurs
- Stone bruise
- Fractured heel bone
Persistent Ball of the Foot Pain
Those who are suffering pain in the ball of their foot are typically suffering from one of three common maladies:
- Morton’s neuroma
- Metatarsalgia
- Sesamoiditis
Morton’s neuroma involves the thickening of the tissue that surrounds the nerve between one or more bases of the toes (typically between the third and fourth). Pain, odd sensations and numbness are all common symptoms. Metatarsalgia and sesamoiditis are often caused by strenuous activity. Metatarsalgia involves only the ball of the foot, sesamoiditis involves the tendons around the big toe.
Persistent Arch Pain
As with heel pain, arch pain is often the result of plantar fasciitis though it can also be due to fallen arches (commonly referred to as “flat feet”). Fallen arches typically occur later in life or affect individuals who spend a significant amount of time on their feet.
Persistent Toe Pain
Toes tend to be the greatest cause of our foot woes and are the reason why we call the podiatrist the most. Toe pain may be the result of:
- Arthritis (including gout)
- Bunions and corns
- Calluses
- Hammer toes
- Claw toes
- Ingrown toenails
- Turf toe
- Toe sprain
- Sesamoid fracture
Persistent Outer Edge Foot Pain
More than likely, any bout of persistent pain on the outer edge of the foot is caused by the fifth metatarsal bone being fractured. Injured individuals will note pain, swelling and bruising along the outer edge.
It is also quite possible for an individual to suffer mild to significant foot pain throughout his or her entire foot. A podiatrist will perform specialized tests to determine whether the cause is nerve damage (also known as neuropathy), trauma, or tendinitis.
