Identifying Your Foot Pain

Most people would rather not discuss their feet or the problems they may have with them. But we rely on our feet every day to get us from place to place and do the things we do. Because September is Pain Awareness Month, today, Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists is sharing information regarding different causes of foot pain.

We might not think too much about our feet until they begin to hurt and prevent us from carrying out our daily activities.

Following are the various types of condition and how to prevent and treat them. 
Achilles Tendinitis: Activities such as changing from soft to hard surfaces and running can cause this condition. Reducing the pain can be as easy as icing, resting, and taking an OTC pain reliever.

Bunions: Common causes include hereditary, heeled shoes, and gender. Relief includes padding, wearing footwear with a wider and a deeper toe box, ice, and pain medication.

Gout: Sharp pain, sudden tenderness, and increasing inflammation are common symptoms. Gout can be relieved using injections and anti-inflammatory drugs. Keeping hydrated, limiting alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy body weight all can decrease the risk of gout.

Ingrown Toenail: To treat ingrown toenails, you will want to keep the area as clean as possible and to wedge a piece of gauze in between the nail and the wet skin. If the condition doesn’t improve, it’s time to see your podiatrist for expert treatment.

Neuroma: Morton’s neuroma is a noncancerous growth of nerve tissue typically found between the third and fourth toes. The symptoms include a burning sensation, numbness, or tingling between the toes and in the ball of the foot. With basic treatment, the neuroma should clear up naturally, though more severe cases can lead to injection therapy or surgery.

Plantar Fasciitis: When the area is strained or injured, the foot becomes weak and inflamed. Common treatments include new footwear, arch supports, physical icing feet and in severe cases, steroids, splints or surgery.

Athlete’s Foot: This condition is usually found around foot soles, in between toenails and toes. Symptoms include redness, burning, flaking, cracking, or itchy skin at the bottom of the feet. Antifungal creams should clear up the affected problem.

There are many types of podiatry conditions out there, and it can be challenging to determine which one you might be experiencing. The easiest and safest way to diagnose foot pain is to visit a podiatrist as early as possible.

If you’re dealing with one of these or any other foot issues, contact the office of Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists to schedule a consultation. Call our office today at (425) 455-0936 to book your visit or schedule an appointment online.