Many types of foot and ankle pain are ignored until they lead to other issues or begin interfering with people’s daily lives. It’s common for people to hope that foot and ankle discomfort will go away on their own, which often leads to them living with pain longer than they should. But letting these conditions go untreated can lead to other issues that impact your overall foot health and even how you walk. Here are some of the most commonly ignored foot and ankle conditions and how to know when it’s time to see a podiatrist:
Persistent Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
Heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints. While it’s easy to dismiss as general soreness, chronic heel pain is usually caused by plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot (the plantar fascia). The pain is typically more noticeable first thing in the morning and after long periods of rest. It’s rare for plantar fasciitis to heal without the proper care, so it’s best not to let it go untreated.
When to see a podiatrist: Heel pain persists for longer than a couple of weeks, conservative at-home treatments fail to provide relief or it starts affecting how you walk.
Ankle Sprains
A rolled or twisted ankle may seem like a minor issue, but it can cause several other problems. Since no bones are broken, some are tempted to “walk off” an ankle sprain. However, ignoring an ankle sprain and failing to give it the proper attention can lead to chronic joint instability and a higher risk of future injuries. A sprained ankle is very painful and can make it difficult to walk.
When to see a podiatrist: Experiencing extreme pain, swelling or bruising, can’t bear weight, or the pain doesn’t subside within a couple of days of icing and elevating.
Bunions and Hammertoes
While bunions and hammertoes affect the foot differently, they’re both types of progressive deformities that can worsen and lead to more severe problems down the road. Bunions and hammertoes are caused by pressure on the foot that leads to misalignment of the toes. Bunions develop when the big toe shifts inward, causing a bony bump on the base of the toe. Hammertoes develop when the smaller toes bend at the joint, causing them to get stuck in a curled position. Both can cause pain, stiffness and discomfort.
When to see a podiatrist: Bunions or hammertoes limit your ability to move your toes, cause discomfort when wearing shoes or force you to adjust your gait to relieve the pressure and avoid pain.
Flat Feet or Arch Pain
There are several causes of arch pain, including plantar fasciitis, overpronation, improper footwear, stress from high-impact activities, and even arthritis in the foot. Beyond those, one of the most common causes is flat feet (or fallen arches). Flat feet happen when you have very small arches in your feet or none at all, and can be caused by genetic factors, injuries or other health conditions. Flat feet cause uneven weight distribution, which can result in persistent pain and the development of other foot and ankle conditions.
When to see a podiatrist: Flat feet limit your daily activity and natural body mechanics, you develop other foot and ankle problems, or you notice persistent pain in the lower body, including in the knees, hips and lower back.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body, and it spans from your calf muscle down to your heel bone, connecting the two. Repeated stress or overuse from running, jumping or other intense exercises can cause inflammation in the Achilles tendon, resulting in Achilles tendonitis. Swelling, tenderness and stiffness in the back of the heel and lower calf are all common symptoms of Achilles tendonitis.
When to see a podiatrist: Pain persists after resting, icing and taking over-the-counter pain medicine, or if the pain is severe, affecting your ability to bear weight.
Toenail Discomfort (Fungus and Ingrown Toenails)
Two of the most commonly ignored foot conditions are toenail fungus and ingrown toenails. While they’re uncomfortable, people generally regard them as minor. However, both can grow into larger problems, including persistent infections. Generally, toenail fungus and ingrown toenails can be treated with conservative treatment, but if they’re left unchecked, they may require more serious intervention.
When to see a podiatrist: Ingrown toenails cause significant pain and swelling, infections or hindered ability to walk, or if toenail fungus spreads or causes pain, persistent discoloration, thickening or deformity of the nail, or separation from the nailbed.
Diabetic Foot Wounds
People with diabetes are prone to nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy), which can cause a lack of sensation in the legs and feet. When this happens, even the smallest wound can become a huge problem. Small cuts and blisters can become infected, and with a lack of feeling in the feet, they can be difficult to detect. This means that the infection can spread without the person even knowing. People with diabetes also face other complications and foot deformities, like foot ulcers and Charcot foot.
When to see a podiatrist: Cuts or sores on the feet aren’t healing or are showing signs of an infection.
If you’re experiencing foot or ankle pain from any of the above conditions, the Texas podiatrists at North Texas Foot & Ankle are here to help. Specializing in every foot and ankle condition, our professional and friendly team will assess your symptoms and recommend the best treatment course. There’s no need to live with discomfort—book an appointment online today.
