What causes foot pain?
Your foot is an intricate structure with many different parts, including bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and tendons. Damage to any part of this structure can lead to pain in your foot. Some of the most common causes of foot pain include:
- Broken bones
- Bone spurs
- Strained muscles
- Inflamed or torn ligaments
- Inflamed or torn tendons
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bursitis
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Corns
- Calluses
- Arthritis
In some cases, you may have foot pain related to a combination of issues.
How does Dr. Genkin determine the cause of foot pain?
To determine the cause of your foot pain, Dr. Genkin will begin by examining your foot and ankle carefully. During this examination, he will look for signs of any obvious problems that may be contributing to your foot pain, such as visible calluses or areas of swelling. He may also ask you to move your foot in certain ways and report any pain you feel.
During your initial exam, Dr. Genkin may also ask you about your lifestyle and specific symptoms you’ve experienced at home. In some cases, imaging may be necessary.
What treatments are available?
After Dr. Genkin has identified the causes of your foot pain, he’ll be able to recommend treatments to ease your pain. The exact treatments he’ll recommend depend on the specifics of your condition. Some of the treatments he may recommend include:
- Medications: To help with pain and inflammation
- Physical therapy: To alleviate foot pain and help you build strength in the area
- Special devices: Custom orthotics or casts may be necessary to address causes of foot pain
- Lifestyle changes: Wearing different shoes, losing weight, etc.
How quickly will patients get relief from foot pain?
Every case of foot pain is different, and every patient is unique. Some patients may recover quickly, while others may need long-term treatment. Dr. Genkin can help you understand your condition and estimate how long your recovery is likely to take.
