Foot Pain

Foot pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, affecting up to 87% of people. While most foot pain improves with rest and over-the-counter medication, seek treatment if your symptoms persist. At Southwest Foot & Ankle Center, podiatrist Petrina Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, specializes in minimally invasive foot pain treatment. Request a consultation in Scottsdale, Arizona, by calling the office or booking online today.

What is foot pain?

Foot pain refers to aching, stiffness, or general discomfort that occurs in the heels, toes, ankles, or balls of the feet. Almost everyone experiences foot pain occasionally, but if your symptoms affect your mobility or quality of life, it’s crucial to identify the underlying cause. 

At Southwest Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. Lewis has more than 20 years of experience diagnosing and treating foot pain. After a physical exam and discussion of your symptoms, she can make treatment recommendations.

What causes foot pain?

Foot pain occurs for various reasons, including:

• Peripheral neuropathy
• Metatarsalgia (inflammation in the ball of your foot)
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Fat pad atrophy
• Gout
• Flat feet
• Osteoarthritis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Ingrown toenails
• Heel spurs
• Fractures
• Dislocated joints
• Corns and calluses
• Blisters
• Athlete’s foot
• Fallen arches
• Warts

You might also experience foot pain if you play sports or work a physically demanding job that requires you to spend long periods on your feet.

When should I see a podiatrist about foot pain?

Make an appointment with Dr. Lewis at Southwest Foot & Ankle Center if your foot or ankle pain lasts for more than a week. That’s especially true if the pain worsens or it occurs alongside other issues, like skin discoloration or an open wound.

How is foot pain diagnosed?

To diagnose foot pain, Dr. Lewis reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when the pain started, where it occurs, and whether it extends to other parts of your body. 

Next, she examines your foot, looking for redness, bruising, or swelling. Dr. Lewis gently presses on your foot to pinpoint areas of sensitivity and checks your muscle strength and range of motion. She also orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI, to get a closer look at your bones, joints, and soft tissues.

How is foot pain treated?

Treatment of foot pain depends on various factors, including your age, the underlying cause, and the intensity of your symptoms. Depending on your needs, Dr. Lewis might recommend:

• Custom orthotics
• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Leneva® fat injections
• Dermal fillers
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP treatment)
• Shockwave therapy
• Wart removal
• Losing weight
• Quitting smoking

If these treatments don’t provide lasting relief, Dr. Lewis might recommend surgery. Dr. Lewis performs several types of foot and ankle surgery, including traditional open techniques and minimally invasive procedures.

To access complete care for foot pain, make an appointment at Southwest Foot & Ankle Center by calling the office or booking online today.