Your feet endure daily strain, often leading to soreness and discomfort. Home remedies like foot baths with Epsom salts, stretching exercises, and massages can offer temporary relief. In addition, strengthening routines, and wearing properly fitting footwear can help alleviate symptoms. However, if foot pain persists or worsens, or if you experience symptoms such as swelling, numbness, or difficulty walking, it may be time to consult a podiatrist. Individuals with diabetes should be particularly vigilant, as any foot pain or abnormalities may indicate serious complications that require immediate medical attention. Furthermore, if you have flu-like symptoms in combination with foot pain, an open wound in the foot, or suspect a broken bone, seeking help is essential. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose and treat underlying conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, or stress fractures. They also can provide personalized treatment plans, including custom orthotics for optimal support and alignment. By seeking timely professional help, you can address the root cause of your foot pain and prevent future discomfort. If your sore feet worsen, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers, leading to inflammation, scarring, and nerve damage. MS can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, numbness, coordination difficulties, and cognitive impairment, significantly impacting quality of life. Foot symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or difficulty in walking are common manifestations of MS. If you have MS and are experiencing foot symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide personalized care to help you maintain optimal foot health and overall well-being.
When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.
Systemic Diseases of the Feet
Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.
Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.
Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.
Diabetes of the Feet
Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.
Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet.
Diabetes can lead to a condition known as neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that often affects the legs and feet, due to high blood sugar levels over time. High blood sugar can harm the tiny blood vessels that supply nerves, especially those in the lower extremities. This can cause symptoms ranging from tingling, numbness, and pain in the feet to more severe issues like loss of sensation. The loss of feeling is particularly concerning because it can make it difficult for someone to notice injuries or infections. This, in turn, heightens the risk of serious complications, such as foot ulcers and infections that heal poorly. Managing blood sugar levels is important for preventing or slowing the progression of neuropathy. If you are at risk for neuropathy and wound care issues, it is suggested that you have regular check-ups with a podiatrist to monitor foot health and prevent complications.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
Numbness
Sensation loss
Prickling and tingling sensations
Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
Muscle weakness
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
Diabetes can lead to a condition known as neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that often affects the legs and feet, due to high blood sugar levels over time. High blood sugar can harm the tiny blood vessels that supply nerves, especially those in the lower extremities. This can cause symptoms ranging from tingling, numbness, and pain in the feet to more severe issues like loss of sensation. The loss of feeling is particularly concerning because it can make it difficult for someone to notice injuries or infections. This, in turn, heightens the risk of serious complications, such as foot ulcers and infections that heal poorly. Managing blood sugar levels is important for preventing or slowing the progression of neuropathy. If you are at risk for neuropathy and wound care issues, it is suggested that you have regular check-ups with a podiatrist to monitor foot health and prevent complications.
