If you suffer from foot pain, you are not alone. Millions of American experiences foot pain at least once in their lifetime. You can feel pain and discomfort anywhere in the foot (heels, arch, toes, instep or sole). While healthy feet keep you moving, any discomfort or pain in your foot can limit your mobility. Most foot-related problems result from improper care, lack of awareness, or neglect—however, few people are born with foot problems.
You may have been recommended by your friends, family, or primary care physician to visit a foot doctor. Can a foot doctor help you better manage your foot pain? Let’s find out.
Can A Foot Doctor Help Manage Pain?
A foot and ankle doctor is an expert in treating foot and ankle conditions and injuries. When you see a foot doctor for foot pain, they will first diagnose the condition that is causing the pain. To make a diagnosis, your foot doctor will do a physical examination and recommend diagnostic tests. They will also assess your footwear and determine if it is the cause of the pain.
After diagnosis, your foot doctor will devise a treatment plan to manage your pain. Management of foot pain can be different for each patient, and the course of the treatment depends on the underlying cause of pain. Your foot doctor will combine medication with non-pharmaceutical treatment therapy to provide you with adequate relief of foot pain.
A few ways by which your foot doctor will manage your pain include:
Medications
To relieve pain and reduce inflammation, your foot doctor may offer various medications, including oral analgesics, such as acetaminophen and aspirin. These medications are the first line of choice for foot pain. In some cases, your doctor will also recommend topical formulations.
If NSAIDs fail to provide relief, opioid analgesics or corticosteroid injections can be advised.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy also plays an essential role in managing foot pain. Specific stretches and exercise can alleviate pain and maintain strength and flexibility of your foot joints and muscles.
Podiatry Care
If you feel pain when walking, running, or doing movements, your foot doctor will recommend orthotics to support your feet and relieve pain. You can insert these orthotics inside your shoes, and they provide cushioning to your feet. Your foot doctor will custom-make these orthotics for you.
Surgery
Surgery will be recommended when your foot pain due to an underlying condition prevents you from walking or partaking in other activities. Surgery is recommended when the pain is not going away with other treatment options. The surgical procedure varies depending on the cause and nature of foot pain. A surgical procedure will treat the underlying cause, especially structural abnormalities in your foot, and alleviate your pain.
Foot Pain Doctor in Naples, FL
Foot pain is a debilitating condition that can prevent you from doing what you love. So, if you feel foot pain and seek a lasting solution from an expert podiatrist, visit us at the Joint Replacement Institute. Our board-certified doctor, Dr. Cody Togher, is a skilled foot doctor in Naples, FL, who will diagnose the underlying cause of your foot pain and prepare a customized treatment plan for you. She can also help prevent foot problems and complications.
If you have questions about our services, call us at (239) 261-2663. You can also use our secure online appointment portal to schedule an appointment. Let us help you get your pain-free feet again!
