Feeling foot pain? Is your foot tingling or swelling? Do you feel stiff while you walk, or find it hard to move your ankle? Can you place a normal amount of weight on your foot? Whatever the symptom and whatever the cause, there are plenty of ways to treat foot pain. Some of them require a visit to a physical therapist who specializes in foot pain, while others might involve just a few days (or hours) resting up at home.
Read the following post to learn about the most common causes of foot pain and discover if your condition is one that calls for a visit to your Schertz foot pain physical therapist.
Heel Pain
Feel pain in your heel? That might be a sign of plantar fasciitis, a degenerative condition where the fascia—the thick band of tissue from the back of your foot toward your toes—is inflamed. You’ll likely feel more pain in the morning or after a long day of work—or, any time you’ve been off your feet for a long period of time. It will feel better after bouts of activity—standing, walking, hiking—where you’ve spent some time on your feet. You can try treating the area with night splints—adjustable braces that go around your foot and heel, causing it to stretch while you rest—but if that doesn’t provide relief, it’s likely high time to call a doctor of physical therapy for foot pain.
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs—abnormal growths of bone on the bottom of your heel—are another common source of foot pain. They often show up from wearing the wrong shows or from an abnormal posture or walk, and can protrude forward by as much as a half-inch. While many people have them—only a few people confess it causes them any pain. If you’re one of them, you’ll likely feel it in your heel, often while your walking or standing. You can try treating your heel spurs with custom-made orthotics, anti-inflammatory meds, and (sometimes) cortisone shots. Contact your doctor of physical therapy for foot pain for their recommendation.
Heel Fractures
A heel fracture is exactly what it sounds like—the bone in your heel broke or shattered. This usually occurs following a high impact event—such as a high fall or a car crash—which causes the heel to be literally crushed under the weight of the body. This can widen, shorten, or otherwise deform the heel, causing severe pain and often disabling injury. You’ll need to see a doctor of physical therapy as soon as possible following the event, as surgery will often be needed to reconstruct the heel. It may take time to heal, but with timely treatment, the bones will heal, and the pain will fade.
Ball of Foot Pain
Do you feel pain in the ball of your foot, the area closest to your toes? Does it feel like a sharp or dull ache—as if you’re stepping on a pebble—or, perhaps, a burning sensation? If you do, it’s likely a sign of Metatarsalgia, a common overuse injury of the foot. Metatarsalgia happens when you put too much pressure on one spot of your foot—often caused by doing the same activity over and over (such as when playing sports). It can also occur if something about the anatomy of your foot is amiss, causing an uneven distribution of pressure on your feet.
You can treat metatarsalgia on your own by staying off your feet and avoiding high impact activities (such as sports). You can also try icing the injured foot, while propping it up, or by using a pressure bandage. It’s also helpful to wear shoes with arch supports and to do gentle stretching to keep your foot flexible. If that doesn’t work, it’s probably time to see your doctor of physical therapy for foot pain in Shertz who can give you a more specific recommendation.
Toe Pain
Toe pain can be caused by many different factors. It may be caused by gout—crystals that collect in the toes joints (like arthritis) causing severe pain or swelling—as well as bunions and hammertoes. Bunions occur when the first toe joint misaligns, whereas hammertoes occur when your second, third, or fourth toe bends at the middle joint. Both cause foot pain and discomfort, and often occur most often by wearing ill-fitting or uncomfortable shoes. You can easily treat bunions or hammertoes by wearing shoes that are more comfortable, or by wearing shoe inserts. If that doesn’t work, it maybe a symptom of a muscle imbalance, a condition best treated by a professional physical therapist.
Treat Your Foot Pain Today
Not sure the cause of your foot pain? Want a second-opinion? We have answers.
Biomotion Physical Therapy is a premier physical therapy clinic in both Schertz and Cibolo, Texas. Our specialized foot pain physical therapists know a thing or two about the causes of foot and ankle pain, and can recommend a treatment plan that’s perfect for you. We would love to help you recover from your foot pain and get you back on your feet.
Contact us today to get started with a free assessment!
