When foot pain strikes, simply walking from
your office to your car is difficult. Identifying the cause of the pain is the key to finding the most appropriate
type of treatment. The Ridgeland, MS podiatrist, Dr. Rose M. Sotolongo, shares information about several conditions
that can cause foot pain.
Stone Bruise
Have you ever stopped on a stone or other hard object and felt pain in your heel for days? This common injury,
called a stone bruise, isn't serious and usually goes away with rest. Stone bruises can also occur if you run
frequently and don't wear shoes with enough padding. Ice and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can
help decrease pain.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes develop when your toe bends at the first joint, resembling a hammer. The problem occurs in the second
through fifth toes and can be caused by muscle imbalances, arthritis or tight shoes. Hammertoe is an inherited
condition in some families. Buying roomier shoes and padding your toe can decrease pain. If you're still in
pain, your foot doctor can fit you with shoe inserts to help relieve pressure on your toes or prescribe pain
killers. Surgery may be needed if the problem is severe.
Bunions
Wearing tight shoes or high heels can cause a painful bunion to form. This common foot condition occurs when your
big toe begins to lean toward your other toes, pulling the bones in your foot out of alignment. Roomier shoes,
padding and over-the-counter pain medication can make you more comfortable, but if bunion pain is chronic and
severe, your foot doctor may recommend surgery to remove the bump and bring the bones back into alignment.
Plantar Fasciitis
Pain in your heel can be caused if the plantar fascia, a tough band of tissues that connects your toes to your heel
becomes inflamed. Exercises and physical therapy can help stretch the fascia, relieving pain. Your Kirkland doctor
may also recommend night splints to stretch your arch, cortisone injections or shock wave therapy. If these
treatments don't help, surgery may be recommended.
Are you concerned with foot pain?
Call Dr. Rose M. Sotolongo at (601) 206-9101 to schedule a foot
examination today!
