Foot Pain

Almost everyone experiences foot pain occasionally, but if your symptoms last for days or even weeks, it’s crucial to identify the underlying cause. At Crossroads Podiatry in Newnan, Georgia, experienced podiatrist Everett J. Mason III, DPM, specializes in diagnosing and treating foot pain using a safe, effective, and minimally invasive approach. Call the office to request a foot pain consultation today, or book an appointment online.

What is foot pain?

Foot pain refers to discomfort, aching, or stiffness in the heels, balls, or soles of your feet. 

Sometimes, it’s because of an underlying health problem, like arthritis; other times, it’s due to general wear-and-tear or an unusual walking pattern (gait). 

Most types of foot pain improve with rest, ice, and elevation, but if your symptoms worsen or affect your quality of life, contact Crossroads Podiatry.

What causes foot pain?

Foot pain occurs for various reasons, including:

• Corns
• Calluses
• Bunions
• Warts
• Ingrown toenails
• Athlete’s foot
• Hammertoes
• Flat Feet
• Haglund’s deformity (a protrusion at the back of the heel bone)
• Plantar fasciitis
• Gout

Physical activity may also increase your risk of foot pain. If you run, play sports, or work a job that requires you to stand for extended periods, you’re more likely to have foot problems. 

Should I see a podiatrist about foot pain?

Make an appointment at Crossroads Podiatry if you have foot pain and can’t stand up or place weight on your affected foot. That’s especially true if the pain occurs suddenly or you have an underlying health problem that affects blood flow to your feet, like diabetes.

How is foot pain diagnosed?

Dr. Mason reviews your health charts and asks about your symptoms, including when the pain started, how severe it is on a scale of 1-10, and if certain activities, like wearing high heels, make it worse.

Next, he completes an exam, checking your heels, soles, and arches for redness, swelling, or bruising. Dr. Mason presses on the bottoms of your feet, checking for sensitive areas, and assesses your gait and posture. Then, he orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, to look at your bones, joints, and soft tissues.

How is foot pain treated?

At Crossroads Podiatry, Dr. Mason treats foot pain with healthy lifestyle changes and noninvasive measures if possible. He might recommend:

• Ice, rest, and elevation
• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine
• Wearing comfortable shoes that support your feet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding high heels and other shoes with narrow toes
• Practicing good feet hygiene
• Keeping your blood sugar in check (if you have any type of diabetes)
• Wart removal
• Ingrown toenail treatment

If your pain continues or worsens, even after conservative treatment, you might qualify for minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery.

Call Crossroads Podiatry to receive treatment for foot pain today, or book an appointment online.