Foot pain can interrupt your day, making ordinary tasks and the sports you love difficult to impossible. If you have lower extremity discomfort, consult an orthopedic expert. This specialist will determine the cause and plan treatment.
Let’s talk about who is most at risk for foot pain, how to minimize the likelihood of foot injury and limitations, and where you can go for effective foot pain management in Dover, New Jersey.
Foot Pain Can Happen to Anyone
In fact, 75% American adults experience foot pain every year. However, definite foot pain risk factors increase the chances of developing discomfort and poor functionality. For instance, individuals carrying too much body weight or overusing their feet on the job through too much standing or heavy lifting are prone to painful feet and ankles.
Also, seniors at greater risk for developing osteoarthritis and fallen arches experience discomfort in the lower extremities. Lax tendons and ligaments in the hips, knees, ankles, and feet also contribute to foot pain in older patients.
Finally, sports enthusiasts–professional or amateur–may complain of aching, painful feet. Many people push themselves too hard, not taking enough time off their training regimens to rest. Others may wear the wrong kind of shoes for their sports or don footwear that is worn out, providing little to no support or protection.
Common Foot Conditions Which Can Cause Pain
You’ve likely heard of most foot and ankle conditions that cause pain, soreness, and redness. Thankfully, your orthopedic specialist in Dover, New Jersey, has the diagnostic and treatment expertise to manage that pain and improve foot health, structure, and biomechanical function.
Foot pain conditions we see at Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey are:
- Bunions, an acquired deformity of the big toe
- Plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the connective tissue along the arch of the foot
- Achilles tendonitis, inflammation of the tough cord connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone
- Heel spurs, hard, bony projections off the arch side of the heel bone
- Fallen arches, flat feet due to congenital malformation, arthritis, or obesity
- Hammertoes, claw-like toes which can result from bunions or poorly fitting shoes
- Corns and calluses, benign growths of thickened skin that cause painful friction and pressure during ambulation
Dealing with Foot Pain
Your orthopedic doctor can examine your feet and how you walk (gait) and use digital imaging techniques to reveal the source of your foot pain. Surgery is an option but typically is only one of the first or best treatments.
For many people, common sense, at-home remedies relieve pain. Here are some examples:
- Rest and elevation of sore, aching feet
- Wear well-fitting shoes with good arch support
- Do stretching exercises (both morning and night and before and after a run or workout)
- Achieve and maintain a proper body weight
- Use custom-crafted shoe orthotics to correct gait problems and to, support the arches, and protect the heels
Solutions for Foot Pain in Dover, New Jersey
If you’re experiencing any type of foot pain, look no further than the Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey.Our team of experts can help diagnose the cause of your pain and provide treatment options that will get you back on your feet in no time.
To know more about our services or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (973) 989-0888 or fill out our convenient online appointment request form.
