Perhaps you’ve twisted your ankle, worn high heels or other uncomfortable shoes, or pushed too hard during exercise. Your foot may be a bit swollen and sore for a few days as a result. That’s often easily treatable at home.
However, what if the pain has exceeded a few days? What if icing it and elevating it isn’t really helping? In that case, you may want to call a foot specialist.
Also known as a podiatrist, these trained doctors are experts in foot and ankle pain. With their diagnostic tools, they can accurately pinpoint what’s causing the pain. The sooner you schedule your visit, the sooner you can get some relief.
Not sure if you should go to a doctor or if you can take care of it yourself? Before seeing a foot specialist Orlando residents should check out these foot pain signals. If you’re experiencing one or more of these, book the appointment.
1. Bleeding Heels
In the winter, when there’s typically less moisture in the air, dry skin is normal. Your feet may be affected, too. Lotion typically treats this problem.
2. Chronic Foot Pain
At the first signs of sore feet, rest immediately, ice the area, elevate it and maybe take some over-the-counter pain relievers. In a few days to a week (sometimes two), the foot should feel better. If it doesn’t and you experience soreness that persists for months, you should definitely see a podiatrist.
Plantar warts — Warts can develop anywhere on the body, including the feet.
Hammertoes — When the bones and joints in the toes are misshapen, hammertoes occur. These can typically only be reversed by surgery if they are severe.
Flat feet — Depending on the natural arch of the foot, sore feet may be a chronic issue because “flat feet are less capable of absorbing shock, which leads to foot pain.”
Morton’s neuroma — Patients with Morton’s neuroma, a type of tumor, have reported feeling pins and needles on top of the pain.
Plantar fasciitis — The plantar fascia is located at the back of the foot near the Achilles tendon. Various factors can exacerbate the impact on this tissue, leading to the development of plantar fasciitis. This can often be treated with orthotics and medication. Surgery is only needed in rare cases.
3. Ingrown Toenails
A toenail that has grown in incorrectly can lead to infections and lots of discomfort. While it seems like a cosmetic issue, it can be a medical issue, as well.
Clipping your toenails isn’t always adequate when attempting to remove the nail. It’s better to seek professional help to make sure the condition is treated properly without damaging either your toenail or the surrounding tissue,
