When Should You See a Podiatrist for Your Foot Pain?

You take your feet for granted until they start to hurt. You don't realize how important they are to your everyday life until you feel every step you take, and not in a good way. If you are like most people, you will put off seeing a doctor until you need to. When you need a podiatrist in Centreville, VA, you can count on Dr. James Hurst at Centreville Foot & Ankle & Sports Medicine. 

Causes of Foot Pain

Getting to the root of your foot pain is the first step. Where the pain is located in your foot is the first thing to determine the cause. If the pain is in a bump on the inside of your foot right at the lower joint in your toe, this is probably a bunion. If you have pain in the bottom of your foot at the base of the third and fourth toe, this may be a Morton's neuroma. If the pain is on the bottom of your foot or in your heel, this is probably plantar fasciitis. 

When to See Your Podiatrist in Centreville, VA

When dealing with foot pain, the first thing to do is to get off your feet and keep them elevated. Applying ice to your feet can help with pain and reduce any swelling or inflammation. You may also want to take some OTC medication for pain. Buying drugstore orthotics for your shoes may provide some relief. But if you try all of these and the pain is still causing disruption to your life, it's time to see the podiatrist.

Your podiatrist offers a variety of treatment options for whatever is causing you pain. There can be exercises to help with your plantar fasciitis. Lifestyle changes can help with the pain of bunions, and if all else fails, surgery can correct the problem. Custom orthotics can be a way to correct a variety of foot issues. Some conditions respond well to a cortisone injection if the pain is bad.

The most important thing to know is that if your feet keep you from being active, your podiatrist is here to help. Seeing a podiatrist in Centreville, VA, is as easy as contacting Dr. Hurst at Centreville Foot & Ankle & Sports Medicine. Call our office at 703-830-3338 to make an appointment today.