Nothing ruins your mood quicker than foot pain. From that nagging pulsing ache you feel after standing for too long to the stabbing sensation you get every time you take a step, foot pain can negatively impact one’s life. Considering we are on our feet the entire day, it makes sense for us to take proper care of our feet. Luckily, the city of Houston has a lot of treatment options available to help you ease the pain in your feet so you can get back on them (yes, this is yet another pun on feet).   

This guide will discuss the reasons behind foot pain and how to treat your foot pain in Houston.   

Reasons Behind Foot Pain

Having any pain in the body can be troublesome, and when it comes to foot pain, it is even worse. Here are some of the causing factors:   

1. Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis manifests itself when the plantar fascial tissue joining the heel and toes gets inflamed. The stabbing pain can be worse for some individuals, leading to plantar fasciitis.   

2. Bunions

Bony protrusions grow at the base of the foot, causing bunions. These cause pain in the foot joints and other body parts, leading to changes in the foot’s structure, posture, and angle.  

3. Heel Spurs

A heel spur occurs when a calcium collection under the heel bone causes pain not only on the heel but also on the entire foot.

They often accompany plantar fasciitis. 

4. Flat Feet

Flat feet may cause strain on the muscles and joints, leading to discomfort around the arch, heel, or even the legs. It can be genetic or develop over the years. 

5. Arthritis

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are notorious for affecting the joints in the feet, causing stiffness, swelling, and pain. Most people experience deterioration of the joints in their feet as they age. 

6. Injuries

Sprains, fractures, or other related injuries commonly contribute to foot pain, especially for athletes or active individuals. 

Best Ways to Treat Foot Pain in Houston

Conservative measures and advanced medical solutions are easy to find in Houston, helping with foot pain. 

1. Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotic inserts provide much-needed support and cushioning for the feet. They ensure even distribution of body pressure while correcting any misalignments. These are ideal for flat feet and plantar fasciitis. 

2. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an effective way to treat foot pain. Therapists provide exercises that improve strength, flexibility, and balance while reducing pain and inflammation.

To accelerate recovery, techniques such as ultrasound treatment or manual manipulation may be utilized.  

3. Corticosteroid Shots

Cortical shots may be temporarily administered to chronic foot syndrome sufferers to relieve pain resulting from inflammation. These injections are commonly preferred for plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and tendonitis.  

4. Amputation or Partial Foot Surgery

Foot pain relief for severe cases usually requires surgical intervention. This can include a range of procedures, namely amputation of bunions and corrective surgery for flat feet or other severe injuries. The city of Houston has reputable orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons who are well-trained in these procedures and maintain high standards of care.  

5. General Fitness Development

There are many lifestyle changes one can make to manage foot pain and discomfort. These include but are not limited to wearing supportive shoes, maintaining a healthy body weight, and reducing the time spent standing. With these changes, future foot problems will be more easily avoided.  

6. Cryogenic and Thermic Treatment

Ice packs followed by warm compresses are effective in combating swelling while increasing blood circulation to the affected area.

Ice packs provide the best relief for pain, while heat effectively eases stiffness. 

7. Massage Therapy

A comprehensive foot massage can dramatically reduce pain and enhance blood flow. Several beauty centers in Houston provide customized massage therapy for foot pain. This service benefits patients with plantar fasciitis or other forms of foot exhaustion.  

When to See a Specialist

Consult a specialist if you have foot pain that won’t let up, even when using external pain relief sources. You need to see a podiatrist specializing in treating and caring for feet. They will be able to offer specific and suited care for your condition.    

Be on the lookout for these symptoms that signal the need for an appointment with a specialist:  

– Excruciating pain that is present regardless of activity level, rest, or ice pack application.  

– Soreness accompanied by swelling and bruises.  

– Feet feeling numb on one side of the body and tingling on the other.  

– Trouble stepping on the foot and bearing weight on it.  

– Obvious bone bends.  

Recognizing these signs promptly can improve your medical outcomes, so don’t procrastinate if the symptoms arise.  

Final Thoughts

Relief for foot pain is achievable with the abundance of treatments readily available in Houston, so it does not have to be part of your life. From custom orthotics to therapy and changing a few things in your lifestyle over time, there is always a solution.  

Feet plays a crucial role in carrying us around, so we should cherish them and try to care for them. If you are unsure which steps to take, don’t hesitate to see a specialist to finally say goodbye to the foot pain you have been dealing with.