Your feet bear the brunt of your body’s weight, so when they start to ache, you may just think it’s been a long day and they need rest. However, pain that’s chronic or recurring could indicate an underlying condition that should be assessed by a foot doctor or healthcare clinic. Below are several podiatry issues that commonly cause foot pain.

What Could Be Causing Your Foot Pain?

1. Gout

Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in your body, which then crystallizes and builds up in joints. It most often affects the ball of the large toe, causing severe pain, redness, and swelling. Gout is episodic, with periods of active symptoms known as flare-ups and periods of remission, where no symptoms are present. A foot doctor can assess the severity of your gout and recommend treatments to manage it, such as anti-inflammatory medications and steroids. Lifestyle changes can also reduce the risk of future flare ups.

2. Plantar Fasciitis 

The muscle that connects the heel of your foot to your toes is called the fascia, and when it becomes strained and overused, it can cause inflammation and pain, known as plantar fasciitis. The condition usually presents as a mild ache in the heel after strenuous activity or a period of rest, such as when you get out of bed or after exercise. The pain will worsen without treatment, and it can cause postural and alignment issues in your body as you adjust your gait and movements to avoid the pain. A doctor can treat the condition by recommending stretches, providing you with anti-inflammatories, requiring that you wear a walking cast or splint, or have surgery.

3. Arthritis

Arthritis is the chronic inflammation or degradation of joints in tissue, and there are three types that commonly affect the foot. Osteoarthritis is the wearing down of cartilage that cushions your joints, and those who are overweight, over the age of 55, or have a family history of the disease are at greater risk of having it. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an immune condition where your body attacks the fluid sacs around joint cartilage, causing them to swell and invade surrounding tissues. As it progresses, it can cause deformity and impairment. Post-traumatic arthritis occurs in joints that have been injured and it can wear down cartilage. The treatments for these conditions vary but include anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, assistive devices, and surgery.

If you have chronic or recurring foot pain, an experienced doctor can help. At 1st Choice Healthcare in Corning, AR, you’ll benefit from over 26 years’ experience as a comprehensive healthcare clinic, with specialties like podiatry, pediatrics, and women’s health. They work with all patients, with reduced-cost services available, and tailor care to each patient’s needs. Learn more about their services online, and call (870) 857-3399 to schedule an appointment.