Considering how much we use our feet every day, it is not uncommon to experience foot pain from time to time. However, if you are experiencing persistent foot pain or your foot pain has begun to interfere with your mobility, it may be due to a foot injury or underlying health condition.
It is best to seek medical attention from a podiatrist before your foot pain gets worse. A podiatrist or foot doctor is a medical professional who can provide diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a comprehensive range of conditions affecting the foot and ankle.
Here are some signs and symptoms that indicate you should see a podiatrist for your foot pain.
Severe or Persistent Pain
Typically, foot pain gets better on its own with some rest and ice. However, if your foot pain is severe or persistent, it can be a sign of foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, neuroma, or arthritis. A foot doctor can perform a comprehensive assessment to determine the underlying cause of your foot pain and provide appropriate treatment.
If You Have Been Injured
If you have suffered an injury to your foot and are experiencing persistent foot pain, it is best to consult a foot doctor who can give you proper treatment to ensure that any underlying injury to your foot is not causing further damage or infection in your foot.
It is especially crucial to visit an orthopedic doctor if you have a visible deformity in your foot or ankle, such as misalignment or abnormal protrusion, after a foot injury.
Worsening Foot Pain
If you have tried at-home measures, such as rest, icing, compression, elevation, physical therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers, but your pain is getting worse over time, it is essential to consult a doctor for further evaluation and treatment. A foot doctor can conduct a thorough examination of your foot and ankle, recommend imaging studies, such as MRIs or X-rays, and provide a diagnosis of your foot and ankle condition. They can also make a personalized treatment plan to put you on the road to recovery.
If You Have Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic health condition, that if left unmanaged, can damage the nerves in your body, especially in your feet, causing a condition called diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is a common cause of persistent foot pain, numbness, and tingling.
If you have received a diagnosis for diabetes and are experiencing persistent foot pain along with skin discoloration, consult a foot doctor for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment. A foot and ankle doctor can not only help you manage your diabetes but also prevent the serious complications of diabetic neuropathy.
Foot Pain Treatment in Dover, NJ
Are you experiencing stubborn foot pain? Visit us here at the Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey. We have a team of highly trained and exceptionally skilled orthopedic doctors who can diagnose and treat everything from congenital foot deformities to fractures and nerve-related foot problems.
Call us today at (973) 989-0888 or fill out our appointment request form online to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced orthopedic doctors.
