Did you know that 87% of adults experience foot pain at some point in their lives? Despite its prevalence, many individuals delay seeking professional care, allowing simple conditions to become chronic issues.
At South Texas Podiatry, led by Dr. Ed Davis, Dr. Silas Espino, and Dr. Bryan Sagray, our board-certified foot and ankle specialists provide expert podiatric care in San Antonio, Texas. With a strong focus on minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments, we take the time to understand your unique needs, accurately diagnose your condition, and recommend personalised, effective solutions to help you find lasting relief. If you're experiencing persistent foot and ankle pain or discomfort, schedule an appointment with our office today.
Let's explore the causes of foot pain, available treatments, and steps to ensure your long-term foot health.
Understanding Foot Pain
Foot pain ranges from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain, affecting people of all ages and lifestyles. Pain can originate from injury, structural issues, chronic medical conditions, or daily wear and tear. Accurately identifying the source of your foot pain is essential to effective treatment and recovery.
At South Texas Podiatry, we take the time to assess your symptoms thoroughly, combining patient history, physical examination, and advanced diagnostic imaging techniques to reach an accurate diagnosis.
Top Causes of Foot Pain and Their Symptoms
Recognising common foot pain conditions can help you seek timely treatment. Here are some of the most frequent causes:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, causing sharp heel pain. Symptoms are usually most severe during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged rest and can gradually worsen over time without treatment.
Bunions
A bunion is a bony protrusion at the base of the big toe joint, often causing redness, swelling, and tenderness. It can lead to difficulty fitting into shoes and pain during walking or physical activities.
Neuroma (Morton’s Neuroma)
Morton’s neuroma occurs due to nerve tissue thickening between the third and fourth toes, resulting in sharp, burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the affected area. Symptoms often worsen with tight footwear or prolonged standing.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that involves the compression of nerves near the ankle, causing symptoms such as burning pain, tingling, and numbness along the inner ankle and foot, sometimes extending into the toes.
Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Flat feet occur when the arches collapse, leading to generalised discomfort, swelling along the arch, foot fatigue, and difficulty with prolonged standing or activity.
Stress Fractures and Stress Reactions
These injuries are tiny cracks in bones caused by repetitive stress. Symptoms include progressively worsening pain, swelling, and tenderness, especially during activity, improving slightly with rest.
Hallux Rigidus
Hallux rigidus is arthritis affecting the big toe joint, causing stiffness, pain, and limited movement. Pain is often aggravated by activity and cold temperatures.
Heel Pain (Heel Spurs)
Heel spurs are bony growths on the underside of the heel bone, commonly associated with plantar fasciitis. Symptoms include sharp or aching pain, especially during walking, running, or prolonged standing.
Treatment Options Available at South Texas Podiatry
At South Texas Podiatry, we provide state-of-the-art treatments designed to alleviate foot and ankle problems and restore optimal function:
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Non-invasive acoustic waves stimulate healing in conditions like plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain.
- Custom Foot Orthoses: Personalised shoe inserts correct biomechanical imbalances, offering long-term relief and support.
- Swift Microwave Therapy: Advanced microwave therapy targets and eliminates plantar warts safely and painlessly.
- Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis): Highly effective laser treatment clears fungal infections without systemic side effects.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: A minimally invasive technique for managing chronic nerve-related pain, such as neuromas.
- Diagnostic Imaging (Ultrasound, Digital X-ray, Fluoroscopy): Precise imaging performed on-site enables quick, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
Importance of Early Intervention
Addressing foot problems early significantly improves treatment outcomes, prevents the worsening of conditions, and minimises the need for surgical intervention. Early evaluation and treatment by a podiatric specialist can shorten recovery times, enhance the quality of life, and allow a quicker return to daily activities.
Ignoring foot discomfort can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, altered walking patterns, and further complications such as knee, hip, or back issues.
How to Prevent Recurring Foot Pain
Preventative measures are crucial to maintaining foot health and preventing recurring pain:
- Wear Supportive, Properly Fitted Shoes: Wearing shoes with adequate cushioning, arch support, and proper fit reduces foot strain.
- Maintain Healthy Body Weight: Reducing extra body weight lowers stress on the feet, alleviating discomfort.
- Regular Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Daily foot and calf stretches improve flexibility, decrease tension, and enhance foot strength.
- Use Custom Orthotics: Consistent use of custom orthoses supports proper foot mechanics and prevents the recurrence of conditions.
- Regular Foot Check-ups: Routine podiatric evaluations identify potential problems early, significantly reducing the risk of chronic or worsening conditions.
When to See a Podiatrist
Knowing when to seek professional care is crucial for effectively managing foot pain and preventing complications. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if you experience:
- Persistent pain: Foot discomfort lasting more than a few days without improvement, despite rest or home care.
- Limited mobility: Difficulty walking, standing, or performing daily activities comfortably due to foot or ankle pain.
- Swelling or inflammation: Persistent swelling, redness, or warmth that does not resolve quickly.
- Signs of infection: Symptoms such as redness, warmth, tenderness, or drainage from a wound or toenail.
- Numbness or tingling: Ongoing sensations of numbness, tingling, or burning in your feet.
- Foot deformities: Progression of structural changes like bunions, hammertoes, or collapsing arches.
- Recent trauma or injury: Any acute injury causing severe pain, swelling, or bruising that limits movement.
Early evaluation by a specialist ensures accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, helping you regain comfort and prevent long-term issues.
Why Choose South Texas Podiatry for Your Foot Pain?
At South Texas Podiatry, we offer specialised, compassionate podiatric care. Our team, led by Dr. Davis, Dr. Espino, and Dr. Sagray, combines extensive expertise with advanced, minimally invasive treatments tailored to your specific needs. Our commitment to personalised, patient-focused care ensures the best outcomes, prioritising your comfort, quick recovery, and lasting relief.
Choosing South Texas Podiatry means placing your trust in a highly skilled professional who prioritizes your comfort, healing, and long-term foot health.
Find Lasting Relief from Foot Pain at South Texas Podiatry
Living with foot pain shouldn't be your new normal—effective relief and healing are within reach with the right care. South Texas Podiatry provides expert, comprehensive treatment solutions designed to restore your foot health and active lifestyle.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and experience exceptional podiatric care for foot pain relief in San Antonio. Our dedicated team is ready to help you every step of the way.
