The Most Common Causes of Foot Pain

Unfortunately, foot pain can occur in many different ways. As people age, foot pain can afflict the heels, the toes, the arch, the ball, and the joints in the feet. And, as one might expect, there is a myriad of conditions that can contribute to foot pain. Here, we’ll take a look at some common causes of stabbing foot pain and explain what your treatment options are if you experience chronic foot discomfort. 

Bunions & Bunionettes

Millions of people suffer from painful lumps that form along the side of the foot; these bumps are known as bunions. Bunions are bony protrusions that gradually grow either along the joint of the big toe or the little toe. Bunions may take many years to become noticeable or painful, but they can cause acute, sharp, and even throbbing pain all the same.  

Bunions form as a result of an imbalance of joints, muscles, and bones within the feet. As such, wearing tight fitting shoes can speed up the development of bunions.

Bunions cannot be reversed or cured by wearing devices like splints or pads. The only way to get rid of a bunion for good is to have it surgically removed. Thankfully, minimally invasive techniques have drastically cut down on recovery time from bunion removal procedures.  

Hammertoes

Like bunions, hammertoes are a condition that typically develops over a long period of time. And, also like bunions, hammertoes are both unsightly and painful. 

A hammertoe forms when the joints within a toe become permanently bent downward. There are two different types of hammertoes: rigid and flexible. Hammertoes that still retain some flexibility may be corrected through non-surgical treatments and exercises. On the other hand, rigid hammertoes require surgery to regain their proper shape. Again, modern surgical methods often ensure patients are able to recover from the procedure with minimal scarring and recovery time, though. 

Heel Spurs

Heel spurs can be tricky to diagnose at first because they are calcium deposits that form on the bottom of the heel. Individuals who suffer from heel spurs may notice shooting pain in the heel, swelling around the heel, or a small bone protrusion that is visible in the heel. 

Heel spurs can affect people of all ages and lifestyles. Still, many athletes and highly-active individuals may suffer from heel spurs as a result of rigorous training and exercise. Alternatively, other foot issues like plantar fasciitis and even an unconventional gait can lead to heel spurs. 

Some heel spurs can be managed with rest, physical therapy, and even anti-inflammatory medication. Severe or chronic heel pain from heel spurs, though, maybe best addressed through surgery. 

Addressing Foot Pain

The three issues listed above are responsible for millions of cases of foot pain. They can lead to sharp, stabbing, dull, throbbing, and persistent discomfort that affect individuals throughout the day. However, they are far from the only sources of foot pain. That’s why it’s crucial to speak to a podiatrist if you experience foot pain or notice anything abnormal about your toes or feet. The sooner you seek out treatment for a foot pain issue, the sooner it can be resolved and/or managed. 

Contact Us

At Northwest Surgery Center, it’s our mission to help our patients overcome common foot pain problems. Our staff is highly knowledgeable and experienced, and we can help you diagnose and treat numerous issues that affect the feet. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation!