Sore feet – everyone has experienced the agony at some point, and probably more than once. A vacation that involves a lot of walking, standing at a party in uncomfortable dress shoes, or breaking in a stiff pair of boots can all lead to sore feet. When foot pain becomes chronic, however, when stepping out of bed in the morning is difficult, that’s when we look for a remedy.
The average person will walk more than 100,000 miles in their lifetime, so sore feet can be a problem. While there are many drugstore remedies, such as foot creams and soaks, as well as cushioned insoles, arch supports and heel inserts, those with more chronic conditions have found they do little good and sometimes do more harm.
Yet many people will continue to suffer with foot pain, believing it is not a big deal or that seeing an expert will be costly. Podiatrists will tell you neither is true. Your podiatrist can identify the underlying cause of your foot pain and provide a remedy, so you don’t waste your money on multiple over the counter “solutions” that don’t work.
Benefits of seeing a podiatrist
- Podiatrists are trained to look for and identify issues and conditions that cause foot pain so they can be treated directly.
- Treatments can include a range of options, from physical therapy to custom orthotics to medications, or combinations of these options.
- Podiatrists use techniques that address the inflammation common in arch problems and plantar fasciitis rather than just treating the pain.
- Serious issues, such as diabetes-related foot conditions, are readily diagnosed and treated aggressively by podiatrists.
- Addressing foot pain before it becomes chronic can alleviate knee and low back problems that can result if it is left untreated.
This year resolve not to ignore your foot pain and schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. If you are experiencing the following, a foot exam is a good idea.
- Your feet hurt and the pain does not seem to be getting better.
- You are experiencing ankle, knee, hip or lower back pain, even without foot pain.
- You injured your foot in a fall, athletic event, exercise or training. Even a minor injury can cause chronic pain if not treated.
- You have bunions, hammertoes or fallen arches that may be causing changes in the shape of your feet.
- You have noticed dry skin, symptoms of athlete’s foot, or ingrown toenails, all of which can lead to skin issues or infections.
- You have a health condition that can lead to foot problems, such as diabetes, arthritis, obesity or poor circulation.
If you have questions about your foot health or you are concerned about foot discomfort or pain, contact Dr. Reed Graham, a foot and ankle specialist with more than 25 years of experience in podiatric medicine. Click here for more information or to make an appointment to diagnose and treat your foot pain.