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2025 is here! So are the goals and hopes for the new year. If you are experiencing foot and ankle pain, then pain free feet for 2025 should absolutely be on your list of new years resolutions.
Persistent foot and ankle pain is not normal and should be addressed by a professional to make sure your quality of life is what you deserve.
Pain in your feet can be caused by a wide variety of foot ankle conditions. Everything from improper fitting shoes, neuropathy, to bone spurs, can all cause foot and ankle pain.
Factors like your age, general health, diet, and lifestyle all play a large part in your diagnosis.
We'll break down some of the most common foot and ankle conditions we see, and what the next steps for treatment look like.
Hammertoes
Hammertoes are a common foot condition that can cause discomfort and pain. They occur when the middle joint of the toe becomes bent or curled, causing the toe to take on a hammer-like appearance. Hammertoes can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, ill-fitting shoes, and underlying medical conditions. It's important to properly diagnose and treat hammertoes, as they can lead to more serious foot problems if left untreated.
When correcting a hammertoe, things like padding for your toes, medical tape and spacers to hold your toes in the correct position with proper support may be recommended depending on the severity of your hammertoe. Very rarely, surgery is required when the above listed methods fail to bring your toes back to the correct positioning.
At home exercises can be another helpful tool to prevent hammertoe from happening again, as they help strengthen the tendons, joints and muscles to bring your toes back to the best positioning for your balance and natural gait.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, typically as a result of an injury. Some sprains may heal on their own with rest and proper care, but others may require medical intervention. It's important to seek professional care for ankle sprains to properly diagnose the severity of the injury and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
For at home care, check out our "Sprained Ankle Home Recovery Guide" here.
Bunions
Bunions are bony bumps that develop at the base of the big toe, causing it to push against the other toes. They are often caused by wearing narrow shoes or genetics and can be painful, making it difficult to walk or wear shoes comfortably. If you think you're experiencing pain from a bunion, you should see a professional to determine next steps.
Generally, changing your shoe to something more supportive and properly fitting can help with bunions. While your bunion is healing, things like padding can help offer a buffer in between your foot and shoe so that it is not in pain.
Corns/Calluses
Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop in response to pressure or friction. While they may not be painful initially, they can become uncomfortable or even painful over time. If you're experiencing corns or calluses with pain, don't hesitate to contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Generally, corns/calluses can be resolved by soaking them in warm water and gently exfoliating the skin and keeping the area moisturized. Some corns will need to be looked at by a podiatrist, especially if they are big enough to cause discomfort.
Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. It can cause pain and stiffness in any joint in the body. The most common place though is in the small joints of the foot and ankle.There are different types of arthritis that can affect your feet and ankles. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis are all caused by different factors in your body but can feel similar to each other.
Treatment for arthritis is focused on easing and minimizing pain, as there is no cure currently. Options include regenerative medicine, staying active, and anti-inflammatory medications.
Foot and ankle pain isn't normal! Contact us today to get back on your feet and make the next step toward pain free feet!