Have you been experiencing a lot of foot pain lately? If you are having trouble walking around or standing, seeing a foot and ankle specialist is important. You cannot continue living in such a way where you are unable to get around without experiencing such excruciating pain. The specialist would examine your feet, have X-rays taken, and find out the underlying cause of your discomfort.
What Can Cause Foot Pain?
When you first started to experience the pain in your feet, you might have thought it was from standing for too long or walking around for a lengthy amount of time. However, if the pain persists while you are sitting down and not doing anything, there could be some underlying issues that you do not know about yet. Some of the primary causes of foot pain include heel spurs, athlete's foot, and plantar fasciitis. You could have one or more of these problems developing.
The specialist will start by looking at your feet to check for signs of inflammation, swelling, bunions, and calluses. While a foot inspection does give the specialist a better idea of what is going on, X-rays of the feet are often ordered. The X-rays would provide an in-depth view of the feet and ankles. The specialist would be able to identify any potential heel spurs or other issues, such as gout. If he or she believes that you might have gout, additional tests may be ordered, including a joint fluid test.
What Treatments Are Offered?
The treatment for your foot pain would depend primarily on your diagnosis. Most treatment options for those with foot pain will involve a lot of self-care techniques that you will need to do at home. You may be advised to take anti-inflammatory medication to ease the pain while also wearing supportive shoes that are far more comfortable than the shoes you would normally wear when going out. Elevating the feet and applying a zip-sealed freezer bag full of ice to them can also help you get a bit of relief from the pain. If the pain does not go away with these self-care techniques, the specialist may discuss steroid injections or foot surgery with you.
If foot pain is becoming a big problem for you, see a specialist to find out what is causing it. You could have heel spurs, gout, or even plantar fasciitis, but the only way to know is to visit a foot and ankle specialist. The specialist will examine the feet, have X-rays taken, and complete certain tests to provide you with an accurate diagnosis before going over treatment recommendations. Visit websites like http://www.elmhurstpodiatry.com to find a foot and ankle specialist near you.