Foot pain can be more than just an inconvenience, it can be a warning sign of underlying health issues. Various health conditions can manifest through foot pain. For instance, a malfunctioning thyroid gland can affect nerve sensation in your feet. Similarly, degenerative changes in your lower back could irritate spinal nerves, impacting foot health. Peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, results from plaque buildup in leg arteries, causing foot pain and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Rheumatoid arthritis is another culprit that can result in foot and ankle symptoms and severely alter the shape of your feet over time. Additionally, gout results from uric acid buildup, causing intense foot pain. Diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels in the feet, leading to numbness and infections. Ignoring foot pain can be perilous. Not only could it indicate a localized issue, but it may also be a symptom of more systemic health problems. Therefore, if you have chronic or severe foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and individualized treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

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.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Naperville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.