Foot Pain

Foot pain is a common problem, affecting up to 87% of people at some time during their life. At Prestige Podiatry Care in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, board-certified podiatrist Shivani Panchal, DPM, specializes in diagnosing and treating general, orthopedic, and diabetic foot pain. No matter the underlying cause, Dr. Panchal identifies the problem and provides lasting relief. Call Prestige Podiatry Care to schedule treatment for foot pain, or book your appointment online today. 

Should I visit a podiatrist when I have foot pain? 

Yes. Even though most foot pain improves with rest and over-the-counter medication, identifying the underlying cause is essential. That’s particularly true if you have a chronic health problem, like diabetes or peripheral vascular disease (PVD), that increases your risk of infection or other complications. 

Are there different types of foot pain?

At Prestige Podiatry Care, Dr. Panchal diagnoses and treats various types of foot pain, including:

General foot pain

Your feet have dozens of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These tissues support the weight of your upper body, allowing you to walk and run. They’re tough but not invincible, so it’s normal to experience aches and pains. If you play sports or have a job that requires you to stand for long periods, you’re more likely to have foot pain.

Orthopedic foot pain

Orthopedic foot pain occurs because of problems with your bones, joints, or soft tissues. For example, if the bones at the front of your foot change position, you might develop a bunion –– a hard bony bump on the outside of your big toe joint that causes pain and swelling.

Diabetic foot pain

Diabetes affects your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. As the disease worsens, it affects circulation to your legs and feet, increasing the risk of nerve damage and slow-healing wounds (diabetic ulcers). Dr. Panchal regularly works with diabetic patients to relieve pain and reduce the risk of complications.

Injury-related foot pain

Dr. Panchal specializes in injury-related foot pain, like ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinitis. Though anyone can experience these issues, they’re most common in athletes, runners, and other active people.

Heel pain

Heel pain occurs at the back of your foot during routine activities, like standing or walking, and may be excruciating. After an exam and diagnostic imaging, Dr. Panchal identifies the source and develops a care plan.

How can I prevent foot pain?

You can significantly reduce your risk of foot pain by living a healthy lifestyle and taking care of your feet. Dr. Panchal recommends:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Stretching your feet regularly
• Staying hydrated
• Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes that fit
• Sitting down during breaks
• Wearing custom orthotics

If you have foot pain and it doesn’t improve within a day or two, seek treatment immediately.

Call Prestige Podiatry Care to explore the treatment options for foot pain, or book your visit online today.