Foot Pain Treatment Options
Ingrown toenails, hammertoes, heel pain, and poor circulation may require professional treatment. At Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute, we provide customized solutions for foot pain, including orthotics. Whether a patient is dealing with diabetes or an injury, our team of professionals can help diagnose and address the issue. Here are some foot pain treatment options for various foot, ankle, and lower leg conditions:
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis occurs when an individual overuses the tendon near the calf muscles and the heel bone. It affects athletes, such as runners, and other active individuals. Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include swelling, bone spurs, and pain in the heels or along the tendon. If an individual struggles with these symptoms, targeted foot pain treatment may help alleviate discomfort and promote healing. At Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute, our professionals provide customized shoe inserts, strengthening and stretching exercises, and medications as part of personalized care plans.
Ankle Bone Spurs
Bone spurs can develop in various parts of the body, often as a result of inflammation. Symptoms may include reduced mobility, stiffness in the ankles or toes, and redness in the affected area. Treatment options depend on the severity and underlying cause of the spurs and may include:
Plantar Fascia Release: This surgical procedure removes the bone spur and relieves tension by partially cutting the ligament connected to the heel bone.
Gastrocnemius Recession: For patients with a limited range of motion, this procedure reduces stress on the plantar fascia by lengthening the calf muscles.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: This non-invasive treatment targets the plantar fascia tissue to help alleviate pain.
Additional treatment options include physical therapy and home remedies. Stretching and strengthening exercises can support ankle stability and reduce strain on the joint. For minor symptoms, patients may treat them at home with ice and anti-inflammatory medication.
Flat Feet
Flat feet occur when the tendons in the feet do not tighten properly. This condition can result from various factors, including lack of use or a preexisting condition. Symptoms may include pain in the ankle or foot. If an injury causes the condition, treatment can involve anti-inflammatory medication until the tendon heals. If flat feet result from underdeveloped tendons, treatment options include wearing supportive shoes, exercising regularly, or limiting prolonged walking.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Patients with diabetes can develop foot ulcers. These open sores develop on the bottom of the foot, potentially breaking down the skin and exposing muscle tissue. They may be caused by high blood sugar, foot irritation, nerve damage, or poor circulation. Symptoms can be difficult to diagnose, as diabetics may have existing nerve damage, and they might not feel pain. Patients who notice drainage on their socks should check their feet for any redness, swelling, or unusual changes.
Diabetic foot ulcers should be treated promptly to prevent infection. Treatment plans may include reducing pressure on the affected area and removing dead tissues and skin. Applying dressings and medication are other options, along with implementing blood glucose management strategies.
Foot Corns and Calluses
Foot calluses are thickened areas of skin caused by friction or pressure. Some calluses can become painful, making it difficult to walk. Possible causes of this condition include new shoes, improper walking motions, aging, or ill-fitting footwear. Patients with preexisting conditions such as hammertoes or bunions are also at risk of developing calluses.
At Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute, our team recommends multiple treatments for foot corns and calluses, including soaking the feet in warm water with Epsom salt. Patients can use a daily foot moisturizer or place moleskin pads around the affected areas to minimize rubbing. Surgery may also be recommended if a structural deformity is present on the foot or toes.
Ingrown Toenails
Swelling, drainage, and fluid buildup in the toe are signs of ingrown toenails. Common causes include genetic predisposition, injuries, and nail shape. An infection can develop if left untreated, leading to skin overgrowth, bleeding, or tissue decay. Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition. Surgical treatments involve removing part or all of the nail to reduce the risk of infection. Non-surgical options include soaking the toe in warm water to help reduce inflammation.
Biomechanical Issues
Biomechanical issues affect how a patient walks, runs, and stands. These issues include conditions like high arches, which cause the foot to roll outward during walking, and gait abnormalities, such as limping. Custom orthotics help treat these issues.
Orthotics are devices inserted into the shoe to help relieve pain, offer stability, and provide comfort. They come in two types: functional and accommodative. Functional orthotics are rigid inserts made from materials like carbon fiber or plastic. They help relieve pain in the feet, thighs, and lower back. Accommodative orthotics have soft compression designs and are used to reduce pressure on conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers.
Explore Our Professional Foot Pain Treatments
At Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute, our team assists with multiple conditions, including bunions and neuropathy. We diagnose, treat, and help patients regain their mobility. Contact our office today to learn more about our treatment options for relieving foot pain and improving overall well-being.