Have you noticed any pain or soreness in your ankle or foot during physical activity, like running, walking, or jogging? Do you experience pain in your foot and ankle, even at rest? If so, you are among three out of four people in America who will suffer some kind of foot problem in their lifetime.
Foot pain can affect people of all age groups and may be caused by various factors depending on an individual’s activity level, lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions. It is among the most common reasons Americans seek podiatric care from a podiatrist or a foot and ankle specialist.
Let’s discuss common causes of foot pain in different age groups and where you can go for effective foot pain management in Dover, NJ.
Foot Pain in Children and Adolescents
The causes of foot pain in children and adolescents are often related to their structural issues,gait imbalances, and poor posters. Physical activity may also be linkedto foot pain in this age group.
The following are the most common causes of foot pain in children and adolescents.
- Flat feet is a structural problem that occurs when the arches of the feet do not develop properly. Flat feet do not provide proper arch support, causing foot pain.
- Overuse injuries:Children and adolescents who participate in sports or physical activities often experience foot pain due to the overuse of their feet, leading to conditions like tendonitis or stress fractures.
- Sever’s Disease is a temporary and treatable growth plate-related condition in which there is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone, causing pain at the back of the heels. The pain resulting from sever’s disease often comes during or after a physical activity like sports or running.
- Ingrown toenails occur due to improper trimming of the toenails or tight-fitting shoes. This condition can cause significant pain and discomfort.
Foot Pain Causes in Young Adults
In this age group, the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the foot may start to weaken or lose resilience. Many people in this age group may also notice soreness in their feet at the end of a very long day and may often begin to experience foot problems. Common foot conditions that can contribute to foot pain include:
- Bunions is the bony bump formed on the joint at the base of your big toes after years of pressure from improper footwear. This foot problem often results in significant pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Hammertoes is a foot problem in which a toe is bent permanently downward, typically as a result of constant pressure from footwear.
- Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain among young adults, resulting from the inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes.
Foot Pain Causes in Middle-aged and Older Adults
In middle-aged adults and older adults, the foot pads at the bottom of the foot become thinner. By the time people reach the age of 50s,about half of the foot pad in the soul of their feet is gone, increasing their risk of developing foot injuries and experiencing foot pain.
Due to the loss of estrogen after menopause, women of this age group may also be at higher risk for a stress fracture in the foot.
Common causes of foot pain in this age group are:
- Osteoarthritis is the form of arthritisin which the cartilage between the joints of the foot deteriorates, leading to foot and ankle pain.
- Corn and Callusesare thick, hardened layers of the skin. They form when the skin on the foot and toes tries to protect itself against friction or pressure. Corn and calluses in this age group can become very painful and often result from poor blood circulation.
- Peripheral Neuropathyis the damage of the nerves due to conditions like diabetes, leading to foot pain and loss of sensation in the foot and toes.
Foot Pain in Dover, NJ
If you are plagued by foot pain and are located in or around Dover, NJ, visit us here at Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey for comprehensive evaluation and treatment. In our team, we have a highly trained and skilled orthopedic doctor who can diagnose your foot problem and discuss each treatment option available to you. Before developing a personalized treatment plan for you, our orthopedic doctor will also consider your age, physical activity level, overall health, and other factors.
If you would like to schedule a one-on-one appointment with our orthopedic doctor, please contact our staff today at (973) 989-0888 or fill out our online appointment request form.
