Foot Pain

What are the causes of foot pain?

Each foot is an intricate structure of 26 bones - and together, feet are the foundation of most athletic movements. Foot pain indicates that there is something wrong with either the internal structure of the foot or with how the foot is interacting to external factors, such as shoes and walking surfaces. Injury to the bones and joints of the foot can be caused by a either a single blow or twist to the foot or by repetitive trauma that results in a stress fracture.

Footwear often contributes to foot pain. The long-term effects of poorly fitted shoes include irritation of nerves and joints; misalignment of the toes; and micro-trauma injuries to the foot. Diseases, viruses, fungi, and bacteria may also be the sources of foot pain.

What are the symptoms of foot conditions?

The symptoms of foot problems are as varied as the problems themselves. Pain is the most obvious symptom. Others include discolorations such as bruising and redness, swelling, and a change in appearance.

Diagnosing Foot Pain

We will ask you several questions to determine how the problem began. We will conduct a thorough exam to evaluate the condition of your feet. Then we will test and observe foot function. These tests may involve holding or moving your foot and ankle against resistance, standing, walking, or even running. We may take an X-ray, MRI, or bone scan of the foot and arch to determine if there are abnormalities of the bone. Once we determine the severity and cause of your foot pain, we can begin corrective and rehabilitative action.

Treating Foot Pain

Most cases of foot pain, whether it’s top-of-foot pain (metatarsal foot pain), ball-of-foot pain, foot-arch pain - or any other kind, can be treated without surgery. When you first begin to notice discomfort or pain in the area, you can treat yourself with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). You can also use over-the-counter medications to reduce discomfort and pain. Rest will allow the tissues to heal by preventing any further stress to the affected area.

You should seek medical attention when:

• The pain begins to interfere with your daily activities
• The area looks deformed
• You have loss of function, change of sensation, or a large amount of swelling with pain
• There is a prolonged change of skin or toenail color
• The affected area becomes warmer than the surrounding areas and is tender

At Midwest Sports Medicine, you’ll be treated by a board-certified foot and ankle specialist. We will get you "back on your feet" by taking the time to properly diagnose your condition, recommend appropriate treatment options, and lead you through the recovery process.

Conditions we treat include: fractures; tarsal tunnel syndrome; plantar fasciitis (heel pain); bunions; hammertoes; Morton's neuroma; diabetic foot; ingrown toenails; infected nails; plantar warts; top-of-foot pain (metatarsal foot pain); ball-of-foot pain; and foot-arch pain.

If necessary, we can provide a brace or make custom orthotics for you in the convenience of our office - we have staff specially trained in mold making. When your brace and/or orthotics are ready - we will verify the fit, provide break-in instructions, and answer any questions you have about your new foot or ankle brace.

We recommend surgery only when all non-surgical options have been exhausted. In most cases, surgery is performed on an outpatient basis using minimally invasive procedures, which reduces pain, risk, recovery time, and expense.