The feet are considered to be the foundation of the body and foot pain can affect the entire body. There are many reasons why foot pain develops and a leading cause may be arthritis. There are various types of arthritis with osteoarthritis being the most common. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage that is found between the bones and the joints of the ankle breaks down. Osteoarthritis can cause severe pain and discomfort, and many patients can experience a reduced range of motion. Juvenile arthritis affects children that are under 16 years old and may cause swollen joints. Another form of arthritis is the debilitating condition known as gout which affects the big toe. Gout can happen due to elevated build-up of uric acid causing crystals to form in the joints of the big toe. A condition that can affect the skin and joints is psoriatic arthritis and this may cause the toes to become swollen. If you have difficulty moving your feet, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and correct treatment techniques.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.