Injury. Overuse. Arthritis.
Foot pain is common in adults, especially athletes and seniors. However, that doesn’t mean you have to live with it, said JRMC Podiatrist/Foot & Ankle Surgeon Dr. Kayla Emter.
“People still have medical needs and we understand that,” said Mike Delfs, JRMC President & CEO. “We’re still here. We don’t want people to remain at home if they need care.”
JRMC providers assess the needs and risks of each patient before the visit to see if it’s appropriate to schedule a visit now or wait. Each patient is screened for symptoms over the phone and before entering the building.
“We continue to offer this care because sometimes the risk of waiting outweighs the risks of keeping the appointment,” Delfs said. “One individual received a test in radiology, for example. It turned out, this person had a mass that our providers surgically removed. That person didn’t have months to wait. And that’s why we continue to offer appointments. We are here for this community.”
The causes of foot pain are nearly endless; however, here are some common causes of pain.
1. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that grows in damp, moist conditions. Athlete’s foot can cause itching, burning, redness and peeling. It can also cause blisters and other sores. Wearing breathable socks and shoes, as well as keeping dry feet can easily help prevent this common cause of foot pain.
2. Bunions are often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. It is not the bunion itself that is inherited, but certain foot types that make a person prone to developing a bunion. Although wearing shoes that crowd the toes will not actually cause bunions, it sometimes makes the deformity progressively worsen. Symptoms may therefore appear sooner. Redness, swelling and soreness may be associated.
“Women are more at risk than men when it comes to bunions because of the shoes worn. High heels force toes into the front of the shoe and crowds your toes, which creates stress on your feet,” Dr. Emter said.
3. Corns and calluses are thick, hard layers of skin developed from friction and pressure. Wearing proper-fitting shoes and socks can help prevent corns and calluses.
4. Diabetic neuropathy. Nerve damage caused by high glucose levels, as seen with diabetics, commonly take place within the feet and legs. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling and burning sensations, loss of balance and reflexes.
5. Gout can cause hot, swollen and tender joints, typically at the base of the great toe. This occurs when urate crystals form in a joint and create inflammation and intense pain. Urate crystals form when high levels of uric acid are present in the bloodstream.
Staying well-hydrated with water, limiting alcohol, limiting intake of meat, fish and poultry and maintaining a good Body Mass Index (BMI) can prevent the onset of gout.
6. Ingrown toenails. When a toenail is ingrown, it is curved and grows into the skin, usually at the nail borders, the sides of the nail. This digging in of the nail irritates the skin, often creating pain, redness, swelling and warmth in the toe. Ingrown toenails can be hereditary. They can also be caused by wearing poor-fitting shoes/socks, injuring a toenail and even cutting toenails too short or not straight across.
7. Osteoarthritis sets in when the cartilage that cushions the ends of a bone wears down over time. This form of arthritis commonly affects the hands, knees, hips and spine; however, can wreak havoc on feet. Osteoarthritis can create bone spurs, pain, tenderness, stiffness, loss of flexibility and a rubbing or grating sensation of joints.
8. Plantar fasciitis. The inflammation of the thick tissue band that runs from the heel bone to the toes is known as plantar fasciitis, which may cause a stabbing pain by the heel of a foot. Supportive shoes, stretching, icing, physical therapy, ibuprofen and athletic taping are some treatment options to remedy plantar fasciitis.
9. Plantar warts. Commonly seen on the heels of feet, plantar warts are caused by a virus. The virus can enter through small abrasions and weak spots on the bottom of feet and create small growths that may grow inward beneath calluses. The warts are typically rough and grainy and include black pinpoints or wart seed, otherwise known as clotted blood vessels.
10. Tendinitis. Repetitive motions and vibrations may cause tendinitis. It is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, which attaches the muscle to bone. Dull pain when moving, tenderness and some swelling are symptoms of tendinitis. Successful treatment options include rest and relaxation, as well as physical therapy and medications for pain reduction.
Checking feet on a daily basis and caring for them properly can help reduce the risk for all of these causes and more. If pain is occurring within a foot due to the type of shoe being worn, wear a different shoe.
“Our feet go through a lot,” said Dr. Emter. “It is important to properly care for and pamper our feet to prevent unnecessary pain and suffering.”
Know that studies show care is better close to home. Jamestown area residents don’t need to travel for specialty services. If you or someone you love needs relief, contact the JRMC Clinic at (701) 952-4878. Free injury screenings are always available so families can understand treatment options. Schedule a free screening at (701) 952-4800.
[caldera_form id=”CF5a319270dac93″]