Foot pain is any type of pain that occurs in the foot or the feet.

What causes foot pain?

Foot pain can be caused by many different things. Sometimes foot pain is caused by an accident or injury like falling or tripping over something. Sprained ankles are a very common type of foot injury that results in pain. Sometimes a sprain can be so painful that you will think you’ve broken a bone. A sprain is a lot less serious than a broken bone, however. Sometimes your feet can hurt for no apparent reason. If you’re feet are hurting and you don’t know why, it could be because you are wearing uncomfortable or poorly fitting shoes. It could also be because you’ve been on your feet for a long period of time. Some diseases like diabetes and gout can result in foot pain. An ingrown toenail can also cause a great amount of pain in the foot if it becomes infected.

How can I treat my foot pain?

Unless foot pain is severe or you suspect you’ve broken a bone, you can treat your foot pain at home. Many over the counter medications will work well for treating foot pain. Things you probably have on hand like aspirin and Tylenol work great to treat minor foot pain. If your feet are aching from overuse, a good massage or soaking them in a tub of hot water can work wonders to ease the discomfort.

Do I need to see a doctor for my foot pain?

If you have tried to treat your foot pain at home and have had no success, you may need to see a doctor for your foot pain. A doctor will be required to treat a broken bone, fracture, or sprain. If your foot pain is caused by a disease you may have, a doctor will also be necessary. Most of the time your instincts will be correct. If you have a feeling that your foot pain is serious and not something minor, you should go see a doctor. If you think it’s something that will either go away on it’s own or can be treated at home, try staying at home and tending to your foot yourself. If the pain persists for 3 or more days, consult a doctor.

The pain of sciatica on occasion can be very intense and debilitating. Typically, however, the pain is bearable, irritating, and inconsistent. When the pain is this mild, it is usually caused by some inflammation and can heal anytime between two weeks to a couple months. Because the spinal cord is not located in the lower back where sciatica occurs, it does not impose the danger of paralysis as some nerve conditions in the back do. If progressive weakness in the leg continues for a prolonged period of time or there is any bladder or bowel incontinence or dysfunction, it is important to seek medical help.

When sciatica becomes more severe it is necessary to get medical treatment. Because sciatica nerve pain is linked to a combination of inflammation and pressure onto the nerve root, its treatment focuses on relieving these conditions. There are two common treatments to heal sciatica and relieve the pain completely. If surgery isn’t an option there is a combination of treatments and alternative non-medical treatments to relieve the pain. They typically have a combination of back exercises and stretching. If done correctly, these exercises should prevent reoccurrence of sciatica symptoms. If the condition is severe enough, surgery may be the only option. Microdiscectomy, or lumbar lamienctomy and discectomy, extracts a part of the disc that is causing inflammation on the nerve root. These surgery’s relieve any inflammation and pressure that cannot be treated with non-medical treatments.

Answer: There are a number of injuries and conditions that cause ankle pain. While most people focus on lower back pain as the most debilitating of conditions, it must be remembered that the ankles bear the entire weight of the body, and ankle pain can make it impossible to walk. The causes of ankle pain are:

• Sprains. Injuries to the ligaments of the ankle bones can cause severe pain making it impossible to bear any weight on the ankle, thus making walking difficult or impossible.
• Tendonitis. Irritation and inflammation of the tissues around the ankle can cause swelling and pain.
• Fracture. Even minor breaks (hairline fractures) of the bones of the ankles are extremely painful.
• Cartilage damage. The cartilage provides cushioning between the bones. Cartilage can be damaged from repetitive stress injury, such as from running on hard surfaces without adequate cushions in the shoes.
• Gout. Though not too common, gout can damage the ankle and be quite painful.
• Arthritis. While it is a rare condition, arthritis in the ankles can cause worn cartilage.

If you experience ankle pain, there are some treatments that can give relief, but when in doubt, or if the injury appears severe, it is advisable to consult a doctor for proper treatment. It is especially important to seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms are present:

• Difficulty walking
• Ankle pain when resting or sleeping
• Pain that lasts for more than two days
• Any deformity of the ankles
• The ankles won’t bend or flex
• Swelling or infection of the ankles

For mild ankle pain, taking the weight off your ankles will often give relief. Ice or heat treatments can also be helpful, as is stretching the ankles. Orthopedic footwear or braces can provide support to ease ankle pain and discomfort, and properly cushioned footwear can help prevent ankle injury if you run or walk a lot. If pain is severe or long lasting, consult a doctor. Often anti-inflammatory medicine, physical therapy, or cortisone injections are prescribed.

Remember that your ankles are the foundation upon which your whole body rests. Take care of them properly and they will stand you in good stead.

A bulging disc means the disc has not herniated but is protruding or bulging out between the vertebrae and putting pressure on the sciatica nerve causing pain that runs down the leg going as far as the toes. The bulging disc can cause stabbing electric shock pain, dull aching, numbness, pins and needles sensation, and muscle weakness. The leg that is affected by pain is determined by the direction the disc is bulging.

Bed rest, icing the area for 20 minutes, waiting an hour, and repeating, will bring relief. Without bed rest and limiting twisting or lifting movements a bulging disc can herniate. To prevent this condition from worsening see your doctor immediately. Physical therapy could be useful as part of your recovery.

When a disc herniates, it ruptures sending pieces that push out between the vertebrae causing nerve pressure or nerve pinching. A herniated disc can cause shocking jabs of pain, numbness in the calf or foot with a tingling sensation, and sharp or burning pain down the leg. A herniated disc causes intense muscle spasms that require prescription medication, icing the area, and bed rest for a few days to relax muscles.

Spinal fusion is the surgical procedure to repair a herniated disc but it is risky. Spinal fusion is not always successful and you must be considered an ideal candidate for the surgery. 10% to 40% of spinal fusion patients suffer from “failed back surgery syndrome” that increases chronic pain and can decrease range of motion and mobility. The decision to have spinal fusion surgery should include the possibility that it can make your condition worse. Surgery should be a last resort choice after all conservative treatment has been exhausted.

Alternative treatment for a herniated disc includes kinesiology and acupuncture. Kinesiology addresses overall body health with muscle testing, gentle manipulation, and herbal supplements. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of pain relief using needles to block nerve signals.

Learning to live within your limitations and finding the treatment that works best for you will help you live a more normal healthy life. Embrace your condition, educate yourself, and make informed decisions about your health care.

It sounds as though you have developed sciatica from your recent activity. Sciatica is pain, numbness, and tingling created by irritation of the nerve roots which lead the the sciatic. In some cases, walking Heavy lifting may have caused nerve root compression, or a pinched nerve, causing you acute discomfort.

Symptoms may begin with pain in your lower back that runs down your buttocks. It can cause pain all the way down your legs, through the back of your knee, even going into your feet. Weakness, numbness, and tingling may occur. Standing or sitting for extended periods of time may worsen symptoms. You may also find relief while lying down, but lying in one position for a period may cause discomfort. Sometimes symptoms flare due to walking or bending.

Many cases of sciatica eventually heal on their own. Initial treatment may involve over-the-counter pain relievers and light activity. You may also relieve pain and discomfort in your back and legs by avoiding sitting for extended periods of time, using heating pads on the affected area, or a warm shower. Seeking professional care from a massage therapist, chiropractor, or physical therapist may be necessary if symptoms worsen or do not go away on their own.

Please note that nerve root compression is only one possibility for sciatica. Treatment for sciatica can vary depending on the underlying cause. It is best to seek advice from a medical professional to determine the cause and treatment for your condition. Other common causes are bulging or ruptured disc, narrowing of the spinal canal, or bone spurs.

Answer: This sounds like it might be more of a case of learned phantom pain than any real physical syndrome. There are several areas to consider here: First, there’s the idea of “growing pains.” Most of us have heard of these pains, said to the be the result of growing bones and muscles in children. However certain folk-science is that we suffer from growing pains, the medical literature is far from convinced that there is any such malady. And in any event, there is no treatment. Many parents use the term “growing pains” as a way to explain to their children why they might be feeling some discomfort. However, in the case of you son, it could be that he has learned that sore legs get him a day off from school. This is especially likely given that your physician has confirmed that no physical maladies are causing his pain. Ask yourself how much he suffers throughout the day when he takes a day off from school. Does the pain go away by mid-morning? If so, that’s a sign that it might be more in his head than in his body. While it is difficult to argue with a child who is “in pain,” it might be best for you to send your child to school on those days when he complains, no matter how much this goes against your maternal instincts. This is because your child might possibly be learning to “feel” pain in order to get a reward, in this case a day off from school. Try sending him to school anyway, and see how long the pain lasts. And don’t forget to check in with him about how things are really going at school. It’s very possible that something at school is upsetting him, which prompts him to find a painful excuse to stay home. Fix that problem, whether it’s a bully or a bad teacher, and his pain might just disappear.

What Can Cause Heel Pain?

A bone spur can cause extreme pain when walking. The bone spur rubs against the heel of the shoe and irritates the heel at the site. Usually the heel pain gets so severe, that it is almost impossible to take a step without wincing in pain.

What type of medical doctor treats heel pain?

Once you have established the site of the heel pain makes an appointment with a Foot Doctor. The Podiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in foot pains. He will probably take an x-ray of the source of the foot pain, give you a shot to relieve the foot pain, and diagnose the cause of the foot pain and the type of treatment available to eliminate the foot pain.

What if I Do Not Agree with the Diagnosis?

A patient should be aware of the alternatives to a diagnosis made by a doctor. Many podiatrists might recommend surgery to eliminate the bone spur causing severe heel pain. The doctor will explain what heel surgery entails, how long it will take to heal and if it is best to stay off the foot while it is healing, and approximate length of time. If you do not agree with the diagnosis, or do not want to have foot surgery, ask the doctor for an alternative treatment.

Who is in Charge of Deciding on the best treatment for my heel pain?

You, the patient, is always in charge of deciding the type of medical treatment preferred. Unless it is a matter of a life or death decision, ask your physician to suggest an alternative to surgery.

What else can be done to eliminate the heel pain caused by a bone spur?

One of the most invasive treatments to relieve the heel pain is done by soaking the foot, at least three times a day. Get two plastic pans. Fill one with cold water. Fill the other with a solution of hot (not burning hot) and a tablespoon of Epsom Salt. Make sure that the heel of the foot is immersed in the water. Soak the foot with the heel pain, first in the hot water solution for about three minutes. Then soak the foot in the cold water for the same amount of time. Repeat this process three times, ending with the cold-water soak. Do this for a week or more, until the pain goes away. Make sure you return to see your doctor.

A: Knee pain can come from injuries, arthritis, or overuse of the knee. Being heavy or overweight does play a role in the breakdown of knee cartilage.

Q: What are some common treatments of knee pain?

A: Of course depending on the cause of the knee pain treatments vary.
An ice pack multiple times a day helps with sprains, injuries and overuse of the knee.
most knee injuries will result in you needing to elevate your knee 12 inches above your heart
an elastic bandage
Physical therapy is used a lot for knee pain treatment
for severe injuries surgery will be needed
It’s very important to see a doctor if knee pain is persistent because it could be arthritis or a torn ligament
If your knee pain is a result of your weight a strict diet may be in order
If arthritis is a cause, then a doctor will work with you to determine your best route of treatment

Q: What are some ways I can keep from getting knee injuries?

A: Preventing knee injuries is never a guarantee, but there are a few simple things to do that will help.
Warming up before strenuous activity
Cooling down after strenuous activity
Do not overdo working out. Increase gradually rather than going full force into a knee workout
Properly align knees with your feel during an exercise

Q: When should I be seen by a doctor?

A: Any time you are unsure about what’s wrong you should see a doctor, but definately if the pain persists for more than 48 hours. Other signs that you should be seen by a doctor are:
If walking is difficult
there is any type of deformity around the knee
the pain is only at night or while resting
not able to bend the knee
any sign of an infection
Any type of swelling
If your knee gives out or even feels like it is going to

Q: What type of doctor should I see for knee pain?

You should start by seeing an orthopedic doctor. If your pain is a result of arthritis, then that doctor may recommend that you see a rheumatologist.

You experience leg joint pain when there is swelling in the body cells. This swelling is commonly filled with a fluid that is called bursa. Bursa is a soft cushion-like tissue that comes between the bones. It is responsible for steady movement of muscles as well as bones.

In some cases, another disease or disorder can become the cause of leg pain. For instance, sometimes influenza and gout can cause excessive pain. If you think the pain is only due to a physical injury, you should get the treatment by a physical therapist along with frequent massages by a professional masseur. However, if the problem is deep rooted, then you have to seek medical attention and consult the doctor for your specific situation.

Massages and warm baths are very helpful all kinds of joint pain, but they are particularly relaxing when it comes to leg joint pain. In addition to this, doctors often prescribe special rugs that are made to treat patients suffering from joint problems. These rugs include anti inflammatory and sprain drugs along with non steroidal drugs. However, these are not advisable for people suffering from liver or kidney problems. Moreover, you should avoid them if you have any kind of digestive disorders because they can aggravate your condition. If the injury is not too severe, the problem will probably go away on its own.

Another common cause of leg pain is pregnancy. During the delivery episode, the soft tissues of your body can get disturbed, giving rise to the pain. However, if you exercise regularly and take adequate rest daily, the pain will go away naturally without the need for any medication.

If you are into rough sports and you’re often exposed to physical injuries, there is a good chance your pain is caused by an injury. These physical traumas usually do not need medical help as they heal naturally. However, if the problem is worse than expected and there is a lot of pain associated with the injury, then you must see a doctor for prescription ointments and medications.

Causes:

Alcoholism, dehydration, excessive physical exercise, kidney failure, metabolic problems and pregnancy are all common causes behind such a condition. Leg muscle pain is also brought on by certain medications used by GERD patients. Muscles can become fatigued due to excessive use and cause pain. Low nutrient count in your body can also be a leading cause. Minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium or sodium should be present in considerable amounts in your blood. A strained muscle can also be very painful. Pain can also be experienced if the leg is not getting enough oxygen.

Symptoms:

The problematic muscle becomes firm or tender. It also bulges out a little. Moreover, the person is not able to use the leg with the muscle cramp. The leg stays sore and swollen even after the pain has subsided.

Diagnosis:

The only way to make sure a muscle cramp is present is to check the area for a bulge. It may be swollen as well. The best time for this is when the person is feeling the pain. In this way, the doctor or whoever is nearby can know that there is a problem.

Treatment:

Stretching and flexing exercises can help relieve the leg muscle pain. You can also gently massage the affected area. Heating pads can be applied. Fluids should be taken to end the pain if it was caused by extensive physical activity. Medication is not usually prescribed for such pains because it is not needed in most cases. If the problem is linked with an underlying condition, then the pain can only be cured by addressing the actual cause.

Prevention:

When you exercise or perform any kind of rigorous physical activity, make sure to hydrate before and after you are done with it. Warm up before you start and cool down slowly when you finish. Stretching sessions can especially help avoid leg muscle pain. Take vitamins and other supplements to keep this pain away during pregnancy. Vitamin E can be taken by any one to get rid of this pain.

Concerns in Old Age:

If you are old, you might want to devise a complete plan to stay fit and pain-free. Intake of fluids at regular intervals along with magnesium and sodium supplements is necessary.