After a long day of heavy activity, it’s normal for feet to be a little sore. But if you’re experiencing sudden or chronic pain, you may have an underlying condition that requires treatment from a podiatrist. To help you avoid unnecessary discomfort and keep your feet healthy, here are five common reasons behind foot pain so you can seek proper treatment.

What Are the Common Causes of Foot Pain? 

1. Flat Feet  

Improper development of the arches—or injuries—can cause flat feet. Essentially, this condition leaves individuals without proper arch support, causing their entire soles to hit the ground. This structural issue will often cause pain along the middle region of the foot. To treat flat feet, most individuals benefit from wearing custom orthotics that provide additional arch support.

2. Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that occurs when the connective tissue between the toes and the heel becomes inflamed—usually as the result of overuse, improper stretching, or excessive jumping.  While symptoms can fade, this injury tends to cause sharp, throbbing pain near the heel, especially after activity. To reduce inflammation and promote healing, podiatrists may prescribe orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or physical therapy.

3. Fractures

A foot injury, such as a fall or heavy impact, can cause the small bones within the foot to break. Along with causing sudden, persistent foot pain, broken bones can often be identified by swelling and bruising. Depending on the nature of the fracture, treatment may involve surgery to reset the bone and the use of a cast to promote healing.

4. Corns

Although calluses are rarely painful, corns—hardened areas of skin that typically form on toes—can be particularly uncomfortable. Often, corns can be treated at home by applying over-the-counter ointments, exfoliating, and moisturizing the area. However, if the growth gets worse or becomes infected, see a podiatrist about other treatment options.

5. Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails embed themselves into the skin. This common issue often occurs as a result of wearing shoes that are too tight or not trimming a toenail in a straight line. If caught early, you can usually correct the issue by soaking your feet regularly as well as wearing protective socks and comfortable shoes. If the toe is infected or develops chronic pain, a podiatrist may need to surgically remove the nail to correct its growth pattern.

Since foot pain can have many causes, don’t ignore it. Instead, visit a friendly podiatrist at Aquilar Foot Care Clinic in Russellville, AR. Led by Dr. Danny J. Aquilar, this clinic is equipped to comfortably diagnose foot health conditions as well as provide state-of-the-art treatments in a stress-free fashion. To learn more about how they can address everything from ingrown toenails to heel spurs, visit the practice online. For appointments, call (479) 890-3668.