Our feet are the foundation of our bodies. When our feet are in good shape, it’s easier to take care of the rest of us. But when we experience any type of foot pain, dealing with it can cause problems in other areas of our bodies.
To learn more about your options for effective pain management in Orange County, consult our pain specialists at the Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine today.
If you experience foot pain, read on to learn what might be causing it and how you can get some relief.
Starting with the Toes
Toe pain might seem insignificant at first, but can really cause problems and alter your gait as you try to compensate for the pain. There are a variety of factors that could be causing this discomfort. Many people suffer from gout, which is a form of arthritis. If you suffer from gout, crystals will form in your toe joints, often in the big toe, and this causes inflammation, pain and swelling. There are foods you should avoid if you have gout and you can also treat your symptoms with ice or anti-inflammatory medication.
Other forms of toe pain are caused by bunions, hammertoes, claw toes, ingrown toenails, turf toe, a toe sprain, corns, calluses or even a stiff big toe. One of the worst forms of toe pain comes from a fracture in any of the many bones in the toe. Most fractures are treated with ice, rest and pain relivers but more serious fractures could require surgery.
Arch and Ball of the Foot
A very common form of pain for many is what is called plantar fasciitis and this type of pain can impact the heal, arch or both. For severe pain, a steroid injection is a common treatment. Fallen arches or flat feet cause pain and other problems and are treated with shoe inserts, ice, rest, a brace or cane and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery might be required.
Pain in the ball of the foot can come from a variety of causes, even shoes that don’t fit properly. If you are a regular runner or engage in a sport that involves jumping you also might experience this type of pain and inflammation. Treatment options include pain relievers, ice, rest, shoe inserts and making sure you are wearing comfortable and properly fitting shoes. Women who wear high heels can also experience what is called Morton’s neuroma. This is caused by a thickening of the tissue around the nerves between the base of the toes.
Heel Pain
As previously mentioned, plantar fasciitis can be a cause of heel pain, but you also might be experiencing heel spurs. These are abnormal growths of bone that happen on the bottom of the heel. A deep bruise on the pad of the heel (or the ball of the foot as well) can happen from an impact injury or from stepping on a hard object like a rock or pebble. A heel fracture comes from a high-impact type of injury like a fall or even in an accident. It’s possible for your heel bone to not just break but to actually shatter if the impact is severe enough.
Pain Management in Orange County
If you aren’t sure what is causing your foot pain, then a consultation with the Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine is your best option. Chronic pain can impact your quality of life and lead to health issues in other parts of your body. Don’t let the pain hold you back. Meet the team and discover your wide array of treatment options for pain management in Orange County. Schedule your consultation today.
