There are so many different reasons why people experience ankle or foot pain. Sometimes pain may build up gradually from wearing shoes that do not fit properly, or pain can occur instantly due to a sudden injury like a car accident or fall. Pain in the feet can even be caused by underlying conditions like arthritis or diabetes. Other causes of foot and ankle pain may include gout, stress fractures, ankle sprains, and most commonly, Achilles tendon injuries. Gout is considered to be a form of arthritis and can develop due to genetic factors or from a diet that contains high levels of purines which are found in organ meats, certain types of fish, alcohol, and other sugary beverages. People who enjoy running may endure a stress fracture which is defined as a hairline fracture in the bones of the feet. Ankle sprains may occur just by stepping off a curb incorrectly or from direct impact during a sporting event. Nevertheless, ankle sprains typically require immediate attention to ensure they are diagnosed correctly and treated accordingly. Achilles tendon injuries are usually caused by a sudden increase of repetitive activity where too much stress is put on the tendon too quickly. This condition is also referred to as an overuse injury and athletes have a high risk for developing this disorder, as well as individuals with flat feet. If you or someone you know is living with foot or ankle pain, it is strongly suggested to seek the counsel of a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

While the feet have a variety of functions, issues with the feet can also indicate issues in a variety of other parts of the body. Because of this, podiatrists can often be the first doctors to notice an issue. For example, feet that are too cold, or are blue in color, can indicate circulation problems in the rest of the body. Swollen feet can sometimes indicate heart disease or high blood pressure. The toenails can also indicate a variety of issues. Changes in toenail color can be signs of issues in the lungs, heart, kidneys, or liver, and it can even be a sign of diabetes or an infection. If you are noticing any abnormalities in the feet, consult with a podiatrist to make sure there aren’t any underlying issues.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain can have a wide variety of causes, but the location of the pain can help to guide a proper diagnosis. Pain along the bottom of the foot can be caused by plantar fasciitis, heel pad syndrome, plantar warts, calcaneal stress fractures, nerve entrapment, or a neuroma. Pain in the middle of the foot can be due to peroneal tendinopathy, sinus tarsi syndrome, or tarsal tunnel syndrome. Pain in the back of the foot can be caused by Sever’s disease, Achilles tendinopathy, or a Haglund deformity. Seeing a podiatrist is the first step to healing your heel pain. A podiatrist will be able to examine your heel, ask questions about your current symptoms and medical history, and perform the tests necessary to diagnose and treat your heel pain.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.