What Causes Foot Pain?

Foot pain can stem from a variety of sources, ranging from fractures to infections. Common causes of foot pain include:

Plantar Fasciitis

This condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, the ligament connecting the heel to the toes, resulting in severe heel pain. 

Morton’s Neuroma

A neuroma occurs when a nerve is compressed in the foot, typically between the second and third toes.

Capsulitis

Capsulitis is the inflammation of the joint capsules in the ball of your foot.

Arthritis

Arthritis leads to joint inflammation, causing pain and stiffness.

Diabetic Ulcers

These are open sores that develop when tissue damaged by diabetes deteriorates.

Plantar Warts

These small growths, caused by a viral infection, usually appear on the sole of the foot.

Bunions

Bunions are bony protrusions at the base of the big toe.

Toenail Fungus

Fungal infections cause the toenail to thicken, discolor, and become brittle.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis occurs when small tears accumulate in the tendon, leading to inflammation and pain.

Treating Foot Pain

The treatment for foot pain varies depending on its cause and impact. Skylake Medical Associates offers several effective treatments, including orthotics and laser therapy.

How Do Orthotics Help With Foot Pain?

Orthotics are custom-designed insoles worn in shoes to alleviate foot pain. While over-the-counter options exist, custom-fitted orthotics from your podiatrist provide the best results. These orthotics are precisely crafted to address your specific foot pain.

Orthotics can be rigid, ideal for correcting structural abnormalities, or soft, which offer support and protection for conditions like diabetic foot issues. Some orthotics combine both properties for optimal support and comfort.

To create custom-fitted orthotics, your podiatrist will take laser images of your feet. These images, along with detailed design specifications, are sent to a specialized orthotics lab for manufacturing.

How Does Laser Treatment Help With Foot Pain?

Class IV laser therapy is an FDA-approved, noninvasive treatment that reduces inflammation and pain while promoting healing. This painless procedure helps restore normal foot function more quickly.

During the treatment, your podiatrist will position the Class IV laser therapy handpiece above or directly on your skin. They will slowly move the handpiece across the treatment area, allowing the laser’s light to penetrate at a cellular level. This process enhances blood circulation and stimulates natural healing.