Education

What Causes Pain in the Feet?

Pain can be hard to deal with no matter where it is located in the body. When it comes to foot pain, it can be even harder to bear. This is because foot pain can make it hard to get around, which can subsequently have a massive impact on an individual’s ability to complete daily tasks. According to the experts at Utah pain management center KindlyMD, many patients are referred to pain clinics because of pain in the feet. But what are the causes of foot pain, and how is it treated? Below are a few examples:

Bunions

Bunions are bony lumps that typically appear at the base of the big toe where it joins the foot. When the big toe is pulled towards the other toes, the joint at the base of the big toe sticks out and the skin around the bump can become red and may be painful. Bunions can also appear on the joint of the little toe. Bunions can be caused by wearing tight or narrow shoes, but arthritis can also be a cause. Although bunions do not always require medical intervention, they can become very painful and impair movement. Wearing wider shoes can relieve the pressure somewhat, and there are bunion pads available that can make the feet more comfortable. If the problem persists and the pain begins to impact daily life, surgery may be required.

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that can cause pain and swelling in the joints of the feet, typically in the big toe. The pain associated with gout is described as an intense burning pain, and some people cannot bear anything to touch their foot during a flareup. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood which can occur after certain purine-rich foods and drinks have been consumed, such as red meat, sardines, tuna, and beer. Being overweight can also increase the risk of gout. Gout can be prevented and treated with a variety of medications. Those with a history of gout are usually advised to avoid certain types of food to prevent flareups.

Broken Foot

A broken bone is painful no matter where it is located. Sometimes bones in the feet can break after an injury or even after a trip or fall. Some people do not even realize they have broken a bone in their foot because the cause may have seemed so innocuous. Other times however the pain is intense and sudden, and the individual may be unable to bear any weight. Broken bones in the foot can vary in severity. A tiny fracture can occur after a fall, but in a serious injury the bone might break so bad that it protrudes through the skin on the foot. The treatment for a broken bone will therefore vary depending on how severe the break is. For a simple break or fracture, the foot might be placed in a cast so that the bone is kept immobile and allowed to knit back together. A severe break might require surgery, where pins or plates are attached to the bone to allow it to heal.

Conclusion

Foot pain can be caused by a variety of issues and the above are just a few examples. Pain can be acute or chronic and the type of treatment depends on the cause and the severity of the pain. In most cases, foot pain can be treated with medication, but if the pain persists then the patient might be referred to a pain clinic to be seen by a pain management doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of pain.