Sam Towers of Surry Hills is a podiatrist with expertise in orthotic manufacture, 3D foot scanning and CAD/CAM design. In the following article, Sam Towers explains the risks associated with various foot injuries and pain, when to reach out to a specialist, as well as the possible diagnoses, prognoses, and recovery times of various causes of pain.
Foot pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation. While minor foot pain is often treatable at home, if pain persists or worsens, it’s important to seek professional medical help. Sam Towers of Surry Hills explains that a podiatrist can diagnose and treat conditions related to the feet and lower legs. Understanding the risks of foot pain and when to seek help can ensure that further complications do not occur.
Sam Towers, podiatrist, says that foot pain can have many different causes, from injuries to underlying medical conditions. In some cases, the cause of pain can be a sign of a serious problem. But, to get the right diagnosis and treatment, a podiatrist must first examine the area, as well as review the medical history of the patient.
Understanding the Risks of Foot Pain
The feet are incredibly complex and are subject to a variety of risks explains Sam Towers, podiatrist. Common causes of leg and foot pain can include a variety of factors. Injuries can range from minor sprains or strains to more serious fractures or dislocations. For example, overuse injuries can often occur when muscles, tendons, and ligaments are put under increased stress, such as when running on hard surfaces or playing sports.
Medical conditions that can cause foot pain include gout, arthritis, diabetes, and nerve damage. Sam Towers, podiatrist, says that it’s important to identify these conditions early to prevent future complications that could be life-threatening. For example, undiagnosed diabetes can lead to edema in the extremities, causing cellular degradation, and could eventually require amputation if left untreated.
Possible Diagnoses
Sam Towers, podiatrist, says that when experiencing foot pain, it’s important to understand what is causing the pain. A podiatrist can help diagnose the cause of the pain and recommend an appropriate course of treatment. Some of the conditions that a podiatrist can diagnose include:
- Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the connective tissue on the bottom of the foot
- Achilles tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendon that attaches the calf muscle to the heel
- Stress fractures: tiny cracks in the bones of the feet
- Bone spurs: Abnormal growths of bone that can cause pain, inflammation, and difficulty moving the affected joint.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, or the small sacs of fluid around the ankle and tarsal joints.
- Bunions: A painful, bony bump at the base of the big toe joint due to misalignment of the bones in the toes.
- Hammer toe: A condition where the toe is bent in an abnormal position and can no longer be straightened.
Sam Towers of Surry Hills says that these conditions can usually be treated using simple surgical or orthopedic procedures. However, if the doctor identifies underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, a lifestyle change may be necessary to prevent the disease from advancing.
When to See a Podiatrist
Sam Towers of Surry Hills says that seeing a podiatrist is recommended if the pain is severe, persists for more than a week, or is accompanied by swelling, redness, or tenderness. It’s also important to seek medical help if the pain extends through the heel, arch, or progresses up the leg as this may be a sign of plantar fasciitis. Additionally, athletes should always be sure to properly stretch and strengthen their feet to prevent injury.
How a Podiatrist will Treat Foot Pain
A podiatrist can help diagnose the cause of the pain and recommend an appropriate course of treatment. Treatment for foot pain can range from simple rest and ice to physical therapy, medications, and even surgery according to Sam Towers, podiatrist.
In some cases, a podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics to provide extra support for the feet. Additionally, recommendations for lifestyle changes, such as wearing supportive shoes, may be provided.
Prognosis and Recovery
Sam Towers, podiatrist, says that the prognosis for foot pain is dependent on the cause and severity. In general, most cases of pain can be treated with rest, ice, and medications, and symptoms should improve within a few days.
If the pain persists or worsens, it’s important to seek additional medical help to ensure that the problem is properly diagnosed and treated. With proper treatment, most cases of foot pain can be resolved. Seeing a podiatrist is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment for foot pain.
The Bottom Line
Knowing when to see a podiatrist is important to ensure that the problem is properly addressed, and that the prognosis is good. A podiatrist can help diagnose the cause of the pain and recommend an appropriate course of treatment. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most cases of foot pain can be resolved.
