Every day, your feet take you anywhere you want to go. And yet we don’t give our feet any thought until they hurt or cause us pain. Foot pain can result from trauma, overuse, or diseases that cause inflammation in the lower limbs.

A constant, shooting or stabbing pain can also be brought on by arthritis. Other times, you may experience tingling, numbness or burning from nerve damage in the foot that requires immediate attention. No matter what form your foot pain takes, getting a proper diagnosis and receiving proper care is important.

Common causes of foot and ankle pain include:

• Blisters and Calluses

When there is a lot of pressure, the skin becomes hardened in places, which are called calluses. Like cuts, blisters grow in the top layer of the skin and contain pockets of fluid.

• Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail often develops when the nail’s edge pushes inside the toe’s skin. First, you will see that the sides of the toenail appear red, swollen and tender. If left treated, pus may develop close to the affected area, resulting in severe pain.

• Improper Footwear

Foot pain is frequently brought on by improper footwear. This involves footwear that is overly tight and causes aching foot tendons. Your choice of footwear can also contribute to foot pain such as wearing high heels every day. The best way to wear heels, in general, is to wear them in moderation.

• Overuse

Overuse injuries are a common cause of foot pain. Even though they hurt, acute injuries typically only need modest medical attention. Some injuries can be treated at home as well. Seeing a podiatrist can help you determine the exact cause of the pain.

• Standing For Long Periods Of Time

Standing on your feet all day, for hours at a time, can be detrimental to your foot health. Many people have jobs that require them to stand on their feet. People who work in sales, factory workers, doctors and nurses often suffer from chronic foot pain.

Resting your feet is the most effective strategy. Try to wear comfortable shoes or spend money on certain inserts to support your feet.

• Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain. It occurs due to inflammation and swelling of the tissue band on the bottom of your feet.

Several factors might contribute to chronic foot pain, however, some can be more severe than you realize. A podiatrist can help you get to the root of the problem and prepare a customized treatment plan that best suits your feet.

At Bay Podiatry Associates, Dr. Argirios Mantzoukas, our board-certified podiatrist, treats a variety of conditions such as ankle sprains, diabetic wounds, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, nerve pain, plantar warts, dry skin, and calluses. We provide excellent service for patients in the Bath Beach, Kings County section of South Brooklyn. Contact our office at 718-266-1986. Our office is at 8635 21st Avenue, Suite 1C, Brooklyn, NY, 11217.