Foot Pain

Whether you feel a sudden, sharp pain or a lasting dull ache, foot pain can significantly affect your mobility and quality of life. Carl Ingrassia, DPM, understands the toll foot pain can have on your daily activities and long-term well-being. At Fords Foot and Ankle Care in Fords, New Jersey, Dr. Ingrassia uses advanced diagnostics and innovative treatments, like laser therapy, to relieve your pain and restore your foot function. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What causes foot pain?

Foot pain can stem from various factors. Your feet are prone to discomfort due to their complex structure, constant weight-bearing, and nerve density. Ill-fitting shoes, biomechanical issues, injuries, inflammatory conditions, and aging can all contribute to foot pain, affecting stability and mobility.

Common causes of foot pain include:

Hammertoes

A hammertoe occurs when the toe’s middle joint bends abnormally, causing pain and discomfort in the toes.

Fractures

Bone breaks, also called fractures, are usually the result of stress, traumatic injury, or damage to injuries that haven’t properly healed.

Corns and calluses

While a corn is a tiny, tender area of skin, a callus is a rough, thickened patch. These hardened skin areas develop due to friction or pressure on the feet, leading to localized pain and discomfort. 

Heel spurs

Heel spurs are bony growths on the heel bone, which can cause sharp pain, especially when standing or walking.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that supports the arch of the foot.

Ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails can cause pain, redness, and swelling when the nail's edge grows into the surrounding skin. They can become infected without proper treatment.

Neuromas

These benign growths of nerve tissue can result in intense pain and discomfort in the toes and forefoot area.

Bunions

These bony bumps usually form at the base of the big toe, causing it to gravitate toward the adjacent toes and shift out of alignment, leading to pain and toe deformity.

How is foot pain diagnosed?

After reviewing your medical history and discussing your symptoms, Dr. Ingrassia evaluates your feet and performs a gait analysis. He may also use digital X-rays to view your foot’s internal structures and pinpoint the source of pain.

What are the most effective treatments for foot pain?

Diagnosing your foot pain is the first step in treating it. Once you have a proper diagnosis, Dr. Ingrassia may recommend:

• Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Laser treatments
• Cortisone injections
• Stretches and exercise
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)

A combination of treatments is usually the best approach to effectively relieve ankle pain. Call Fords Foot and Ankle Care today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.