Foot pain is very common because the foot is part of our daily lives that requires frequent motion, such as when walking. The most occurring causes of foot pain are blisters and corns, mostly when you walk for a long-distance or wear shoes that do not fit you well. Foot pain can cause limping and unsteadiness. Several measures can help you to ease the pain. You can always get answers to your questions when you visit Dr. Minkus for foot pain in Mesa.
Causes of Foot Pain
There are many causes of foot pain which include:
· Nerve problems caused by diabetes
Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve problem that mostly contributes to diabetic foot pain because it causes loss of feeling cold, pain, or heat. The loss of physical feeling makes it difficult for injuries on the legs, and the slightest injury can lead to a major complication. Diabetes also alters the flow of blood in the body system. When there is interrupted blood flow, the body tends to have a risk of developing necrosis. However, when the foot is injured, there will be inadequate blood flow to heal the wound, which might be very risky and lead to amputation when not treated well.
· Vascular condition
The vascular condition mostly occurs when there are narrow arteries, veins, and blood vessels that affect blood flow. The reduction in blood flow leads to less oxygen in the body, thus hindering the body functioning.
· Peripheral artery disease
Peripheral artery disease results in poor blood circulation. When there is poor blood circulation to the feet, it can cause pain, burning feet, and tingling when walking. The reduced circulation causes damage in the tissues and nerves in the lower part of your feet and leg, leading to extreme foot pain. The pain usually increases when you are resting or when you lift your legs up
· Vein problem
Varicose veins occur mostly on the feet and legs. The veins swell, enlarge, and appear dark blue, lumpy, and twisted. It can be very uncomfortable and painful and can cause swollen feet, muscle cramps, and burning.
Treating Foot Pain
When treating foot pain, it is important first to diagnose the pain’s cause to avoid mistakes that can lead to worse damage. For mild foot pain, it is important to use home treatment options such as applying ice in the affected area, using foot pads to stop rubbing of the affected area, and resting your foot as much as possible.
However, in extreme conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, a doctor must closely monitor the patient because diabetes can cause foot ulcers, wounds that do not heal, or a foot deformity. A doctor will clean the wound and may also place stents to keep blood vessels open.
In conclusion, you can reduce foot pain by doing regular exercise to improve your blood circulation, avoid wearing tight shoes to reduce blisters, and avoid wearing high heels for a very long time. Moreover, it is advisable to see a doctor to check on your sugar levels to reduce the effects of diabetes on your legs.