OSNA's Expert Q & A - Foot Pain
Q: How common is foot pain?
A: Foot pain is quite common and has been reported to affect up to 20 percent of the population. It may be more common in females, overweight individuals, individuals >50 years of age, and in patients with other orthopedic conditions.
Q: How do I distinguish between occasional foot pain and ongoing pain that warrants medical attention?
A: Foot pain that lasts beyond a few weeks or pain that affects your daily activities should be evaluated by your physician.
Q: What are the main causes of foot pain?
A: Bunions, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, arthritis, neuropathy, fractures, and sprains are probably the main causes of foot pain.
Q: How do I know if my foot pain is plantar fasciitis?
A: Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia (the thick tissue spanning from the heel to the base of the toes). The plantar fascia helps support the arch. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it can be severely painful. It is especially noticeable when you take those first few steps in the morning or after sitting. Pain is also common at the end of the day. Plantar fasciitis tends to be more common in people who are overweight, spend a significant amount of time standing or walking, have tight calf musculature, or have very high or low arches. For more specifics, please see the Expert Q&A on plantar fasciitis.
Q: What are the main treatments for foot pain?
A: Treatment is based on a good patient history and physical exam coupled with imaging studies as needed. With the exception of traumatic injuries, most conditions are treated with non-operative methods first. Often this consists of changes in shoewear, orthotics (shoe inserts), immobilization in a boot or cast, bracing, physical therapy, medications, or injections. Operative treatment should only be considered if non-operative treatment fails.
Q: How do I know if I will need surgery?
A: Decision for surgery should be made jointly by the patient and orthopedic surgeon. Risks and benefits to surgery should be discussed with your orthopedic surgeon.
Q: What are the benefits of seeing a foot and ankle specialist?
A: Orthopedic surgeons specializing in foot and ankle receive additional training in foot and ankle specifically. The vast majority of their practice is related to the foot and ankle. This means that, compared to the general orthopedic surgeon, they perform not only more foot and ankle cases but also more complex foot and ankle cases.
Q: What is your advice for patients with chronic foot pain?
A: Your orthopedic specialist can perform an evaluation to determine your treatment options.
