Many different things can affect the health of the feet. For example, there can be a problem with the thyroid that interferes with the making of crucial hormones which impacts the nerves associated with sensation in the feet. Degenerative conditions in the lower back leading to irritation of the spinal cord can also affect the health of the feet. Three more serious causes of foot pain are Peripheral Arterial Disease or PAD, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. PAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries of the legs and reduces blood flow to the lower legs and feet. This can lead to a host of problems, including foot pain and wounds that heal poorly. Rheumatoid arthritis develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks joints and can cause swelling and pain in the feet, as well as possibly change the shape of your toes and feet. Gout is another type of arthritis arising from the accumulation of uric acid in the body collecting in joints, particularly the big toe joint. Because foot pain can come on with no obvious cause, if you are having such pain, please see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. 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 one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.