General Foot Pain

Everyone suffers from foot pain occasionally, but if your symptoms continue for more than a few days and affect your mobility, treatment is essential. At Bluestone Podiatry in Slingerlands, New York, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Kurt Relation, DPM, specializes in diagnosing and treating various causes of foot pain. His patient-centered, minimally invasive treatment approach ensures fast relief and optimal outcomes.

Call Bluestone Podiatry today to schedule treatment for foot pain, or book your visit online.

Is foot pain something to worry about?

Is foot pain something to worry about? Not necessarily. Most cases of foot pain are mild and improve with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication. But if your symptoms keep you from work, exercise, or other activities, you need to identify the cause.

Certain conditions, like bunions, worsen over time, so intervention is important.

What are common causes of foot pain?

At Bluestone Podiatry, Dr. Relation treats foot pain with various causes. Some of the more common causes of foot pain include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar fasciitis
• Calcaneal apophysitis (Sever's Disease)
• Warts
• Ingrown toenails
• Morton’s neuroma (a benign nerve tumor)
• Fallen arches
• Gout (a type of arthritis that affects the big toe)
• Turf toe
• Corns, calluses, and blisters
• Neuropathy
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Foreign Body
• Ganglion cyst
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Accessory Navicular Syndrome
• Bursitis

Dr. Relation also treats foot pain caused by accidents and sports injuries, including fractures, sprains, and tendinitis. There are many other causes of foot pain that Dr. Relation also treats.

How does a board-certified podiatrist diagnose foot pain?

Dr. Relation reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, what it feels like, and if it’s worse during certain activities, like walking or exercising. He examines your foot from toe to heel, looking for bruising, swelling, or redness.

Dr. Relation tests your reflexes, your muscle strength, and your foot’s range of motion. He gently presses on the affected area and surrounding skin to identify sensitive places.

Most causes of foot pain are easy to diagnose visually, but Dr. Relation might order X-rays if he suspects an underlying problem, like a fracture. Sometimes a MRI or CT scan can also aid in the diagnosis.

How does a board-certified podiatrist treat foot pain?

At Bluestone Podiatry, Dr. Relation treats foot pain by starting with a conservative and minimally invasive approach. He might suggest:

• Applying ice several times daily to reduce swelling
• Keeping your foot elevated during rest
• Reducing your activity to promote healing
• Wearing custom orthotics
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication
• Shockwave therapy
• Physical therapy
• Using a splint or a cast (if you have a sprain or a fracture)

Medications, referrals to other medical professionals, or surgery may be necessary if your symptoms continue even after these measures depending on your specific condition. As a board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Relation has extensive training in open and minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery.

Can foot pain be prevented?

There’s no way to prevent foot pain entirely, but you can reduce your risk by living a healthy lifestyle and taking care of your feet. Dr. Relation recommends maintaining a healthy weight, wearing shoes that offer support, and always stretching before and after exercise.

Call us today to explore treatment for foot pain, or book your visit online.