If you are experiencing foot pain, it goes without saying that you need to get to the bottom of it, so that you can receive proper treatment and keep it from interfering with your activities.
There are a variety of musculoskeletal problems that can cause foot pain, ranging from simple injuries to degenerative conditions. In this blog post, we will discuss a few of the most common causes of foot pain as well as their associated treatments.
Arthritis
Arthritis is an umbrella term for conditions that cause inflammation of the joints. The most common type affecting the foot is osteoarthritis, which causes the strong, connective tissue (cartilage) that covers the ends of your bones for frictionless movement to break down.
There are several activities that can increase your risk for foot arthritis. These include being overweight, joint injury, and genetics.
Treatment for foot arthritis typically involves a combination of medication, physical therapy, weight loss, and anti-inflammatory diet. In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary to restore mobility and provide effective symptom relief.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon – the large, rope-like muscle that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone.
There are various factors that increase your risk for Achilles tendonitis. These include the following:
- Age
- Wearing shoes with inadequate support
- Having a flat arch
- Having tight calf muscles
Achilles tendonitis responds well to conservative treatment, such as compression, rest, cold therapy, elevation, and oral pain medications. However, in case of Achilles tendon rupture – where the tendon is partially or completely torn – surgery is recommended to restore the person’s ability to walk properly.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the bowstring-like band of connective tissue that connects the heelbone to the toes.
Aerobic dancing, ballet dancing, long-distance running, and other activities and exercises that involve placing repeated strain on the heel can contribute to the onset of plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis usually responds well to self-care measures, such as resting, stretching, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories. If symptoms persist, however, proper medical intervention is necessary, as leaving it untreated for a long time can lead to a ripple effect on your knee, hip, and back. When your plantar fascia is compromised, these structures also have to work harder to compensate, consequently causing pain in these areas.
Foot Pain Treatment in Dover, NJ
At Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey, we have board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons on our team who specialize in sports medicine and treat the full range of foot and ankle problems.
Should you need surgery, our orthopedic surgeons are highly trained in the most advanced techniques, including minimally invasive arthroscopic repair of the foot and ankle, so you can count on them to help you literally get back up and running again.
To schedule a consultation with one of our physicians, call our office today at (973) 989-0888 or use our convenient online appointment request form.
