Don’t Suffer With Foot Pain When Our Las Vegas Podiatrist Has Winning Solutions
Our feet are one of the most hard-working parts of our bodies, bearing full weight with every step we take. It's no wonder that foot pain is such a common problem. Whether it's a dull ache, sharp stabbing sensation, or general soreness, foot pain can significantly affect your quality of life.
With all the thrill and excitement in Las Vegas, no one has time to let foot pain prevent them from enjoying all the city has to offer. If you’re struggling with foot pain, contact Dr. David Biesinger at Centennial Foot & Ankle for winning solutions.
Types of Conditions We Treat
There are numerous conditions that can cause foot pain. Some of the most common ones we treat at our Las Vegas podiatry office include:
- Arthritis. This condition is caused by inflammation of the joints in the feet, which can cause pain, stiffness, and deformity. Several types of arthritis can affect the feet, including osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis), rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disorder), and gout (a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals).
- Bunions. These bony bumps form at the base of the big toe, often due to ill-fitting shoes or genetics. Bunions can cause the big toe to lean inward toward the second toe, resulting in a painful, swollen protrusion. They can also lead to other toe deformities, such as hammer toes, and make it difficult to wear shoes comfortably.
- Hammer toes. This condition causes abnormal bending of one or more toes, causing them to resemble a hammer shape. Hammer toes are often caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or have high heels, which can force the toes into a bent position. Over time, the muscles and tendons in the toes become shorter, leading to a permanent deformity that can be painful and increase the risk of corns or calluses.
- Heel spurs. These bony protrusions develop on the heel bone and are often caused by plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. Heel spurs are essentially calcium deposits that form on the heel bone as a result of repeated stress or strain on the foot. They can cause significant heel pain, especially when walking or standing for long periods.
- Neuromas. A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue, typically between the toes, causing pain, burning, and numbness. Neuromas are often caused by repetitive trauma or compression of the nerve, such as from wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes. They can also develop after foot surgery or as a result of an injury.
- Plantar fasciitis. This condition is characterized by inflammation of the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot, causing heel pain. The pain is typically worse in the morning or after periods of rest, and it can make it difficult to walk or stand for long periods. Plantar fasciitis is often caused by excessive stress on the feet, such as from obesity, frequent running or standing, or wearing shoes without proper arch support.
- Stress fractures. These tiny cracks in the bones of the feet are often caused by overuse or high-impact activities. Stress fractures can occur in any of the bones in the feet, but they are most common in the metatarsals (the bones in the mid-foot) and the heel bone. They are typically caused by sudden increases in physical activity or repetitive stress on the feet, such as from running or jumping.
Types of Treatments We Might Recommend
Depending on the specific condition and severity of your foot pain, our Las Vegas podiatrist may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:
- Medication. Over-the-counter or prescription medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) and oral corticosteroids, can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with various foot conditions. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can provide relief from acute or chronic pain, while corticosteroids are typically used for more severe cases of inflammation.
- Custom orthotics. Custom-made shoe inserts or braces, known as orthotics, are designed to correct foot alignment, redistribute pressure, and provide support to specific areas of the foot. They are made from molds of the patient's feet to ensure a perfect fit and optimal support.
- Physical therapy. A comprehensive physical therapy program can be highly beneficial for treating various foot conditions. Stretching and strengthening exercises, along with other techniques like massage, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation, can improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion in the feet and ankles. Physical therapists can also provide guidance on proper footwear, activity modifications, and gait retraining to alleviate stress on the feet and prevent further injury.
- Cortisone injections. Corticosteroid medications, such as cortisone, can help reduce inflammation and pain in specific areas of the foot. These injections are typically administered directly into the affected area, such as the plantar fascia for plantar fasciitis or the bursa surrounding a bunion.
- Shockwave therapy. Also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), this non-invasive treatment uses high-energy sound waves to promote healing and reduce pain in conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendonitis. The shockwaves stimulate the body's natural healing processes and can help break up calcifications or scar tissue that may be contributing to pain and inflammation.
- Surgery. In severe cases or when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, surgical procedures may be necessary to correct foot deformities, remove bunions or bone spurs, or repair damaged tendons or ligaments. Surgical interventions are typically reserved for cases where non-invasive treatments have been unsuccessful and the condition is significantly impacting the patient's quality of life or mobility.