Foot Pain

Because there are a multitude of foot pain causes, you need an expert evaluation with a foot care specialist to find effective relief. At Modern Podiatry in Hampton and Atlanta, Georgia, empathetic podiatrists Kibibi Wanzu, DPM, Brittany C. Sumpter, DPM, and Ronderick Williamson, DPM, can diagnose and treat every type of foot pain, from the minor inconveniences to the major injuries. For fast foot pain relief, call the office or schedule an appointment online today. 

What causes foot pain?

Foot pain can affect the toes, ball of foot, top of the foot, soles, arch, either side of the foot, or any area in between. Some of the most common causes include: 

• Plantar fasciitis
• Fractures
• Corns and calluses
• Plantar warts
• Bunions
• Hammertoe
• Ligament stretching or tearing (sprains)
• Joint inflammation (bursitis)
• Tendon inflammation (tendonitis) or tendon rupture
• Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout
• Flat feet
• High arches
• Diabetic nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Morton’s neuroma
• Heel growth plate inflammation (calcaneal apophysitis or Sever’s disease)
• Fat pad atrophy

When having foot pain, it’s important to be specific when you describe the location and type of pain simply because there are so many possible causes.

When should I see a podiatrist for foot pain?

Some types of foot pain are mild and require only at-home treatments (such as icing and rest) to heal. However, call Modern Podiatry right away if you have any of the following issues:

• Sudden foot pain
• Severe foot pain that doesn’t improve with rest and over-the-counter medication
• Sports injury
• Open wound, especially if swelling, red, and hot (signs of infection)
• Significant bruising or swelling
• Fever along with foot pain

If you can’t stand on your foot or if you feel unstable when you walk, it’s important to schedule a foot pain evaluation as soon as you can. Walking on a painful, weak, and unstable foot could quickly lead to a major injury.  

How is foot pain evaluated?

At Modern Podiatry, the team performs a foot exam focusing on the area where you feel pain the most. They’ll request information about when you first noticed the pain, how intense the pain is, whether it worsens at specific times, and whether anything eases the pain. 

In most cases, a foot pain evaluation involves some imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds. You might also need other tests, for example vascular testing or a nerve conduction study. 

How is foot pain treated?

Modern Podiatry offers a complete range of foot pain treatments. The team traditionally starts with conservative methods but also introduces innovative, nonsurgical healing strategies where needed. Treatments for your condition may include: 

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Antibiotics for infections
• Activity modification 
• Bracing, splinting, or casting 
• Therapeutic ultrasound
• Strengthening exercises
• Custom orthotics
• Anti-inflammatory corticosteroid injections
• Restorative cell therapy

In complicated cases that don’t respond to nonsurgical care, the team offers foot and ankle surgery to restore foot function and relieve your pain permanently. 

If you wish to determine the cause of your foot pain and find a solution, call Modern Podiatry or schedule an appointment online today.