Foot Pain: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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Join Airrosti’s Jenay Zelaya, DC as she discusses the common causes of various types of foot pain. Zelaya explains how muscle imbalances in the feet can also cause pain up the kinetic chain. She also discusses traditional treatment method options and goes over how Airrosti’s hands-on approach can treat most common foot injuries in as few as three visits (based on patient-reported outcomes).

foot pain

Feet are flexible structures made of bones, joints, muscles, and soft tissues that allow us to perform most daily activities. From walking and standing upright to playing sports and doing gymnastics, your feet go through a lot to keep you mobile. 

Your feet are made of many complex parts and act as shock absorbers for the rest of the body during movement. As a result, your feet become easily susceptible to painful injuries when they are not given proper care.

You’re more likely to experience foot pain if you:

  • Don’t practice proper foot mechanics when running
  • Wear high heels or shoes with poor arch support
  • Work or do activities that keep you on your feet for extended periods of time
  • Are obese or flat-footed
2 people playing basketball

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF FOOT PAIN?

Foot pain could be caused by a recent acute injury, such as a fall. It can also be the result of a chronic condition that has slowly gotten worse. Most foot problems are sustained from mechanical issues such as overuse, improper footwear, or arch issues such as flat feet.

Some common causes of foot pain are:

PAIN IN THE BALL OF THE FOOT AND OTHER ASSOCIATED PAIN AREAS

Foot Pain_02

Foot pain tends to be localized in the ball of the foot, arch, top of the foot, or in the toe joints. However, an injury to the foot can also cause pain in the ankle, knee, hip, and the low back. Foot and ankle pain are often described as either sharp, dull, tingling, or burning. Some injuries that cause foot pain and inflammation can also develop other symptoms such as weakness, bruising, swelling, and tenderness.

WHAT FOOT PAIN TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Your doctor may ask you about your medical history and if you’ve had a previous foot injury. They may also request an x-ray or MRI to help rule out what conditions may be causing the pain.

Depending on the cause, treatments can vary. Foot pain treatment may include conservative care, such as using shoe inserts to provide arch support or prescribing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief. Your doctor may also recommend wearing a boot or brace to keep your foot stable during your recovery.

Treatment options for more chronic or severe foot pain can become less conservative and take longer to recover. In some cases, your doctor may suggest an injection or surgery.  These procedures can be costly, and recovery may require physical therapy.

TIPS TO HELP PREVENT FOOT PAIN AT HOME

Proper foot care can help prevent many common causes of general foot pain. If you notice your feet are aching more than usual, check your footwear first. Make sure you’re wearing shoes that fit well and provide proper arch support. 

If you spend a lot of time walking or running, you may experience lingering foot soreness. Try soaking your feet in warm water or getting a foot massage to help relax and loosen up the muscles.

at home treatment for foot pain

HOW AIRROSTI CAN HELP: iNJURY DIAGNOSIS AND Foot pain RELIEF

Chronic foot pain can cause recurring problems, keeping you from enjoying many of your favorite activities. If you suffer from chronic foot pain, consult with an Airrosti Provider today.

Airrosti providers are dedicated to diagnosing and fixing pain at its source. Our goal is to provide rapid relief and lasting results. 

We combine hands-on manual therapy with customized rehab exercises to correct the underlying cause of your pain, improve foot mobility and stability, and help prevent future injuries. 

Airrosti treatment can effectively resolve most common soft tissue and joint injuries in as few as three visits (based on patient-reported outcomes).

Reviewed by Casey Crisp, Doctor of Chiropractic

Disclaimer: Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program. If you experience any numbness, tingling or reproduction of your symptoms, please contact your doctor.

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