There are many potential causes of foot pain. From an overuse injury to an underlying disease, foot pain is a sign that something is wrong and needs to be treated. Pain at the heel could be indicative of plantar fasciitis, bursitis, or heel spurs, while pain in the ball of the foot may be sesamoiditis or Morton’s neuroma. Pain in the toes may be from an injury, like a broken toe, or deformities, such as a bunion or hammertoe. Various systemic diseases, including arthritis and diabetes, can also affect the feet. Problems with the skin on the feet, such as athlete’s foot, corns, calluses, and plantar warts are sometimes painful as well. If you are experiencing any foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a chiropodist. 

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

• Plantar fasciitis
• Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes
• Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet
• Arthritis
• Flat feet
• Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

• Heel pain
• Arch pain
• Toe pain
• Ball of foot pain
• Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality
• Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Niagara Falls, ON . 

Flat feet refer to feet that have little to no visible arch in the middle of the foot and lie flat against the floor when standing. This can occur from an early age due to genetics or be acquired due to the arch collapsing over time. Generally, there are two types of flat feet: flexible and rigid. Flexible flat feet have a visible arch when the feet are not bearing weight, but disappear when standing. Rigid flat feet have no visible arch and are often caused by certain bone or joint disorders. Flat feet can be asymptomatic, or they can cause pain and discomfort, especially while walking or standing. If you have flat feet that are causing pain it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for proper treatment. 

Flat feet are a common foot condition. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to flat feet, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Are Flat Feet? 

Flat feet are feet that do not have a well-defined arch in the middle of the sole of the foot. Flat feet may be flexible or rigid. Flexible flat feet have an arch when there is no pressure put on the foot, such as when one is sitting, but the arch disappears upon standing. Rigid flat feet lack an arch regardless of whether one is standing or not. 

Causes

Flat feet can be present from birth or acquired over time due to a weakening of the ligaments in the arch. Sometimes flat feet are caused by illnesses, injuries, or pregnancy. 

Symptoms

Flat feet often cause no noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience pain and discomfort due to their flat feet. 

Symptoms associated with flat feet include:

• Pain in the arch, heel, ankle, or along the outside of the foot
• Overpronation of the foot
• Shin splints
• Aching or fatigue in the feet or legs
• Pain in the knees, hips, or lower back

Treatment 

In cases where flat feet cause symptoms, there are various treatments available. Wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes to provide more arch support, performing stretches, and taking medications may improve your symptoms. If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve pressure on the feet. In severe cases, surgery may be considered. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Niagara Falls, ON . 

Morton’s neuroma refers to the thickening of the nerve tissue between the third and fourth toes. This thickening is caused by compression and irritation of the nerve. If left untreated, the nerve may become permanently damaged. Morton’s neuroma can develop from wearing shoes that are too tight in the toes and from shoes that have high heels. Running or other activities that involve repetitive irritation to the ball of the foot can also lead to Morton’s neuroma. Symptoms of this condition can include tingling, burning, numbness, and pain in the foot. Some have described the unique sensation of Morton’s neuroma as feeling like a pebble is stuck in the ball of the foot or like there is something stuck in their shoe like a scrunched-up sock. Symptoms typically begin gradually and may worsen over time. For more information about Morton’s neuroma, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Morton's neuroma can be highly uncomfortable. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Morton's neuroma, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is a Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a condition in which a nerve located in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes thickens due to compression or irritation. Common causes of Morton’s neuroma include wearing shoes with high heels or narrow toe boxes, participating in running or court sports, an injury or trauma to the area, or pressure being placed on the nerve from foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes. Left untreated, Morton's neuroma may result in permanent nerve damage.  

Symptoms

Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma often start gradually and worsen over time. Typical symptoms  include: 

• Foot pain
• Tingling, burning, or numbness in the affected foot
• The unique sensation that something is inside the ball of the foot or that there is something stuck in your shoe while walking

Treatment

Non-surgical treatments for this condition may include padding or icing the affected foot, wearing an orthotic device, modifying activities or shoes to reduce pressure on the foot, and taking medications or getting injections to reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery may be needed if non-surgical treatments are ineffective. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Niagara Falls, ON .