Las Vegas Podiatrist Dr. David Biesinger Helps Patients Find Relief From Foot Pain
Individualized treatment options get Centennial Foot & Ankle patients back on their feet. If foot pain keeps you from the activities you love doing, let Las Vegas podiatrist Dr. David Biesinger give you the pain relief you’ve been waiting for.
The Causes of Foot Pain
Foot pain can happen for a variety of reasons. Common causes of foot pain that we often treat in our Las Vegas podiatry office include:
- Bunions. Tight shoes, high heels, injury, arthritis, and foot stress cause bunions. Bunions can make it difficult to walk or find shoes that fit properly.
- Ankle sprains. Twisting your ankle suddenly during everyday life or an athletic activity can cause an ankle sprain that limits your mobility.
- Fractures. Fractures can be caused by overuse or sports-related activities. Symptoms of foot and ankle fractures include pain that increases when standing, swelling, and bruising.
- Plantar fasciitis. Running, weight, and unsupportive shoes cause plantar fasciitis, a form of heel pain. This condition is very common but can be treated through physical therapy, night splints, and orthotics.
- Diabetes. Changes in skin color, presence of ulcers, and ingrown toenails are more common in those experiencing diabetes.
How to Treat Pain at Home
Mild pain can typically be treated at home. Foot pain caused by a mild injury will often respond well to rest and cold therapy. Before seeking medical attention for a mild injury, you can try these methods of home care.
- Rest. Avoid any activity that increases the pain.
- Cold therapy. Ice the injury for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day.
- Over-the-counter pain medicine. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can decrease pain.
- Foot brace. A brace can provide support to the injured area.
Reasons to See a Doctor for Foot Pain
You’ll know it’s time to schedule an office visit if the following occurs:
- Your swelling sees no improvement after following home care for two to five days. Continuous swelling could indicate inflammation or vascular issues. Our Las Vegas podiatrist can provide a treatment plan for foot or ankle swelling.
- Your pain doesn’t improve. Persistent pain could indicate underlying issues, including tendonitis, arthritis, or stress fractures. These issues require professional evaluation and medical treatment.
- You’re experiencing burning pain, numbness, or tingling. These symptoms may be a sign of nerve compression or neurological issues. A podiatrist's examination can determine the cause and create a treatment plan.
- The pain occurs suddenly with no known cause. Sudden pain could be diabetes-related and requires immediate attention. Call your podiatrist immediately.
- You have pain in both feet. Difficulty walking or standing due to pain in both feet requires a podiatrist's attention for diagnosis and treatment.
- You’re experiencing changes in nail and skin health. Discoloration, growths, or infections could be signs of fungal infections or other conditions that need professional attention. Our Las Vegas podiatrist will examine your skin and nails to determine the cause and the next steps.
- You have a visible foot deformity. Bunions, hammer toes, or other deformities will get worse if left untreated. Fast action and treatment can prevent the need for surgeries.
- You have a sport-related injury. Injuries to the foot or ankle due to sports should seek prompt medical attention to expedite healing and prevent long-term injuries.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait to schedule an appointment. Acting quickly will prevent the pain from getting worse and causing long-term injuries.
Patients With Diabetes Need to Exercise Caution
Diabetes can cause problems with blood flow and wound healing that can lead to the need for an amputation if they are not properly addressed. If you are experiencing severe pain or extreme swelling, have an open or oozing wound, are unable to walk, or have a wound that won’t heal, you should seek immediate medical attention. Signs of infection include redness, warmth, and tenderness in the affected area as well as a fever of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you have any of these symptoms, we recommend you seek medical care as soon as possible. Our office provides a full range of diabetic foot care services, including specialized wound care treatments.