Foot Pain

Foot pain is a common musculoskeletal problem, affecting up to 87% of people at some point. At Frankford Podiatry Associates, PC, with three offices in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons have years of experience diagnosing and treating various types of foot pain, including bunions, hammertoe, and plantar fasciitis. After identifying the cause of your discomfort, they make personalized treatment recommendations to encourage healing. Call Frankford Podiatry Associates, PC, today to make an appointment or book online.

Do I need to see a podiatrist about foot pain?

Everyone suffers from occasional foot pain. But if your symptoms continue for more than a few days and don’t improve with rest, ice, or anti-inflammatory medication, identifying the cause is essential. Many foot and ankle problems worsen with time, so treatment is key.

The Frankford Podiatry Associates, PC, team takes a conservative treatment approach, emphasizing activity changes. Most people experience quick relief without needing surgery.

What causes foot pain?

Your feet are made up of many bones, joints, tendons, muscles, and ligaments. These tissues support your upper body but experience wear-and-tear daily. Common causes of foot pain include:

• Bunions
• Corns
• Calluses
• Blister
• Plantar warts
• Ingrown toenails
• Swelling (edema)
• Fallen arches (flatfoot)
• Hammertoe
• Athlete’s foot
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Diabetic ulcers
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Sprains
• Strains
• Sports injuries

Many older people experience foot pain caused by arthritis, like gout and osteoarthritis.

How does a foot and ankle specialist diagnose foot pain?

Your Frankford Podiatry Associates, PC, provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain is, what it feels like, and if wearing specific shoes or doing certain activities makes it better or worse.

They examine each part of your foot, including the heel, arch, and ball, checking for redness, bruising, and swelling. Your doctor tests your muscle strength and reflexes and assesses your foot and ankle’s range of motion. They then gently press your skin to identify sensitive areas.

Most causes of foot pain can be identified by sight. But if your provider suspects an underlying problem, like a fracture or arthritis, they order X-rays to get a detailed look at your bones and joints.

How does a foot and ankle specialist treat foot pain?

The Frankford Podiatry Associates, PC, team treats foot pain using a conservative, minimally invasive approach. They could suggest:

• Rest and ice
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication
• Custom-fitted orthotics (shoe inserts)
• Corticosteroid injections
• Plantar wart removal
• Diabetic foot care
• Wound care
• Wearing a cast or a splint
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Wearing comfortable shoes that cushion your feet

Most foot pain improves with one or more of these treatments. But if your symptoms worsen, you might benefit from surgery. The team offers minimally invasive and open foot and ankle surgery.

Call Frankford Podiatry Associates, PC, today to schedule treatment for foot pain, or book your visit online.