Foot Health FAQ: Can Foot Pain Indicate a More Serious Condition?
Most people experience foot pain at some point in their lives, often caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, plantar fasciitis, or minor foot problems like corns and calluses. However, in some cases, foot pain can be a sign of a more serious foot problem that requires medical attention.
Recognising when pain may be linked to an underlying condition can help prevent long-term damage, promote overall foot health, and is what this foot health FAQ is all about.
Common Causes of Foot Pain
Foot pain can be caused by a variety of common conditions, including plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, heel spurs, or flat feet. These conditions are often linked to the overuse of the plantar fascia, tight calf muscles, or wearing poor fitting shoes. For example, heel pain is commonly caused by plantar fasciitis, which involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot.
While these conditions are usually manageable with supportive shoes, shoe inserts, or minor treatments like filing dead skin cells, persistent pain can be a red flag for more serious underlying issues.
Serious Conditions Linked to Foot Pain
Foot pain can sometimes indicate more serious conditions, especially if it doesn’t go away with rest or foot care. Here are a few conditions to watch out for:
Diabetes-related foot problems: People with diabetes may experience nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) in their feet, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, or chronic pain. Blood sugar levels can affect the health of your feet, and diabetes care is essential in preventing long-term complications, such as foot deformity or infections.
Circulatory issues: Poor blood flow, as seen in conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD), can lead to foot pain due to restricted blood circulation. If you experience pain when walking or standing, especially in the heel bone or big toe joint, it could be related to circulatory problems.
Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can affect the foot joints, particularly in the big toe and smaller joints like the middle joint of the toes. This can result in swelling, stiffness, and severe pain in the foot or ankle.
Gout: This form of arthritis typically affects the big toe and is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint. Gout can lead to sudden and intense foot pain, especially at night or after consuming certain foods.
When to Seek Professional Help
It’s important to know when foot pain requires medical intervention. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s time to see a foot doctor:
Persistent or worsening pain that doesn’t improve with rest or pain management techniques like cold compresses.
Numbness or tingling, which could indicate nerve damage.
Discolouration or swelling of the foot, which could be a sign of infection or poor circulation.
Difficulty wearing shoes due to severe pain in your foot joints or big toe.
Seeking help early can prevent the development of more serious conditions like foot deformity, chronic pain, or even the need for surgical removal of damaged tissue.
How Hurst Podiatry Can Help
At Hurst Podiatry, we specialise in diagnosing and treating serious foot problems. Our team can assess the root cause of your foot pain and provide a personalised treatment plan, whether it’s related to plantar fasciitis, diabetes-related foot problems, or circulatory issues. If you’re experiencing persistent foot and ankle pain, contact us today for a thorough evaluation and expert care.
