Since the foot is made up of many small bones that can become injured or misaligned and the protective cushioning around them can deteriorate, several factors can cause foot pain when walking. A few causes of such pain are as follows: Plantar fasciitis causes pain in the heel or bottom portion of the foot. It is typically worse upon arising in the morning. Morton’s neuroma is when the nerves in the foot start to thicken and place pressure on the toes. One might feel as if there is something in the shoe like a rock or pebble, and there may be tingling, numbness, or burning in the ball of the foot and toes. Metatarsalgia causes sharp, aching, or burning pain on the ball of the foot just behind the toes, which can cause numbness or tingling in the toes. Similar to Morton’s neuroma, a feeling of an object being in the shoe might also be felt. Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe. The pain worsens when the toe is hyperextended, which is often the case in the push-off position. Bunions occur when the foot changes structure and the big toe is tilted inward toward the other toes. This misalignment causes a bump to appear at the base of the big toe. There can be a burning sensation, redness, swelling, or numbness in the foot that may get worse, particularly when wearing shoes. If you feel pain when walking, consult with a chiropodist who can diagnose the problem and help you with treatment options.
Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Common Injuries Among Athletes:
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Ankle strains or sprains
- Plantar fasciitis
- Fractures
- Turf toe
- Joint dislocations
- Sever’s disease
- Morton’s neuroma
Symptoms
Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle.
Diagnosis
Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses.
Treatment
Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON .