Foot pain is one of the most common complaints that people experience, yet it is often ignored or underestimated. From aching feet after a long day to severe, chronic discomfort, foot pain can have a significant impact on your daily life. Understanding the causes of foot pain is the first step in addressing the issue, and fortunately, there are effective treatments available to relieve discomfort and restore your mobility. If you're experiencing foot pain, it’s important to consult a podiatrist for a professional assessment. At The Springfield Clinic in Bishopbriggs, our team of experts is dedicated to providing the care and solutions you need to get back on your feet.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common causes of foot pain and how a podiatrist can help diagnose and treat these issues effectively.

Common Causes of Foot Pain

Foot pain can be caused by a wide range of factors, from everyday wear and tear to underlying medical conditions. Here are some of the most common causes of foot pain:

1. Plantar Fasciitis

One of the most common causes of foot pain is plantar fasciitis, which affects the bottom of the foot. This condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis is typically felt as a sharp pain in the heel, particularly when taking the first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while.

The primary causes of plantar fasciitis include overuse, tight calf muscles, obesity, and wearing shoes with poor arch support. If you experience persistent heel pain, a podiatrist can help diagnose and treat this condition through stretching exercises, custom orthotics, physical therapy, or in severe cases, shockwave therapy.

2. Bunions

Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe. They develop when the bone or tissue at the joint moves out of place, causing the big toe to lean toward the second toe. Bunions can be painful and may make it difficult to find comfortable shoes. Wearing tight, narrow shoes can exacerbate the condition.

Bunions can be managed with custom orthotics, proper footwear, and in some cases, surgery. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the bunion and recommend the appropriate treatment plan to relieve pain and prevent further damage.

3. Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the underside of the heel bone. They are often associated with plantar fasciitis and can cause significant heel pain, especially when standing or walking for long periods. Heel spurs typically occur due to repeated stress on the foot, such as running, standing for long periods, or wearing poorly fitting shoes.

A podiatrist can diagnose heel spurs through a physical exam and X-rays. Treatment may include stretching exercises, custom orthotics, ice therapy, or corticosteroid injections. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary.

4. Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This condition is often caused by repetitive stress, such as running or jumping, particularly in athletes or those who engage in high-impact activities. Achilles tendonitis can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the back of the heel.

A podiatrist can help treat Achilles tendonitis by recommending rest, stretching exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and custom orthotics. In more severe cases, physical therapy or injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

5. Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and potential infection. This condition is most common on the big toe and can be caused by improper toenail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or injury.

If you have an ingrown toenail, a podiatrist can perform a procedure to remove the ingrown portion of the nail and alleviate the pain. They can also provide advice on how to properly care for your nails to prevent recurrence.

6. Flat Feet

Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire foot to make contact with the ground. This condition can lead to pain and fatigue in the feet, as well as problems in the knees, hips, and lower back due to improper alignment.

Flat feet can be managed with custom orthotics, which provide the necessary support for the arches. In some cases, physical therapy may also be recommended to strengthen the muscles in the feet and legs.

7. Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a condition where a thickening of tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes occurs, often between the third and fourth toes. This can cause sharp, burning pain and numbness in the toes, which can worsen with activity.

A podiatrist can diagnose Morton’s neuroma by performing a physical exam and may recommend treatments such as footwear adjustments, corticosteroid injections, or in severe cases, surgery.

How a Podiatrist Can Help

A podiatrist is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating foot, ankle, and lower leg conditions. If you're experiencing foot pain, a podiatrist can provide the following services:

• Accurate Diagnosis: A podiatrist will perform a thorough assessment of your feet, including taking your medical history and performing physical exams and diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or ultrasound. This helps pinpoint the cause of your foot pain.

• Customized Treatment Plans: Once the diagnosis is made, a podiatrist will create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific condition. This may include lifestyle modifications, exercises, medications, orthotics, or referrals for further treatment such as physical therapy.

• Surgical Intervention: In cases where conservative treatments fail, a podiatrist can recommend and perform surgery to correct conditions such as bunions, heel spurs, or severe cases of plantar fasciitis. Surgical interventions are typically a last resort, and your podiatrist will work with you to explore all non-surgical options first.

• Prevention and Education: Podiatrists provide valuable education on how to care for your feet, including proper footwear recommendations, stretches, and preventive measures to avoid future injuries or pain.

Conclusion

Foot pain shouldn’t be something you just have to live with. Whether it's caused by overuse, injury, or an underlying condition, a podiatrist at The Springfield Clinic in Bishopbriggs can help diagnose and treat the source of your foot pain. With the right care and treatment plan, you can find relief and get back to enjoying a more active and comfortable lifestyle. If you're dealing with foot pain, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with us today and take the first step towards feeling better.