Foot pain can make it hard to get through your daily routine, so finding relief is a top priority. For those in and around Festus and St. Louis, Missouri, Franklin Harry, DPM, ABMSP, and Tim Davydov, DPM, ABPM, of Best Foot Forward offer state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment tools to get to the source of your foot pain and get you back on your feet as soon as possible. Begin today by calling the office or booking a visit online.
Everyone experiences occasional foot pain after wearing new or uncomfortable shoes, spending more time than usual standing or walking, or after a minor foot injury. This discomfort is relatively minor in most cases, going away after rest, massage, and/or icing.
When foot pain is severe or continues without any sign of relief, seeking professional care is necessary. Foot pain can cause you to change your regular daily routine. If you have to limit your activity or find ways to stay off your feet for long periods, your overall health and wellness will be affected.
Significant research strongly suggests a link between sedentary lifestyles and many chronic diseases. So staying off your feet also often means raising your risk of these diseases. You also avoid social interactions. That can affect your emotional health, increasing your risk of developing depression.
The relatively small size of your feet compared to other areas of your body can lead you to undervalue their role in your daily life. Not only do your feet support your body weight, but they also enable you to move about normally.
Your feet are constantly adapting to changing terrain and making minute adjustments to maintain your balance. As you move through the day, the pressure and strain placed on your feet shift and change.
The causes of foot pain include:
This is far from a complete list. Many conditions can lead to foot pain, which is why it’s so important to see a professional for a diagnostic exam.
At Best Foot Forward, the first step in a diagnostic food exam is discussing your symptoms. Your podiatrist then completes a thorough physical exam, checking the skin, joint flexibility, and visible bone alignment.
Your active participation is vital during your foot exam. Be sure to let your podiatrist know when you feel discomfort during the hands-on exam, and share the full details of the situation that led up to your foot pain. If you are taking medications or being treated for any health condition, share those details as well.
X-rays can give your podiatrist more insight into the inner structures of your feet. Other imaging possibilities, like an MRI, ultrasound, or a CT scan, are sometimes needed. Blood work can also be helpful in some cases.
If you’d like more information on diagnosing and treating foot pain, call Best Foot Forward to set up a visit today. Online booking is also available and takes very little time to complete.
