How to Diagnose Foot Pain

Feel a need to diagnose your foot pain? You are not alone. A survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association found more than half of adult Americans have severe foot pain. About four in 10 Americans say sore feet limits their activities. Here is a look at how to diagnose some of the common causes of foot pain, with some notes on when to seek help.

Instructions

• 1

  Review your activities. Sudden foot pain after heavy exercise or long walks may mean an injury due to stress or overuse. Treat the pain with ice, rest and aspirin or another pain reliever. If pain lasts more than a few days, call a doctor or podiatrist.

• 2

  Pinpoint your pain. Ongoing stiffness and pain in the joints and toes may mean you have arthritis. An inflamed or painful heel can indicate heel spurs. Pain along the arch of the foot can result from plantar fascitis, a common inflammation of the foot tendons. Unusual bumps on any part of the foot could mean your bones rub against the skin due to poor fitting shoes or skeletal problems. Any long-term foot pain can indicate circulatory problems, nerve damage or bone structure flaws. Again, see an MD or podiatrist if pain persists.

• 3

  Know your nails. Discolored, painful nails can indicate a fungal infection. Nails that grow into the skin around them, known as ingrown toenails, can result from injury, fungus or skeletal problems. See your doctor or podiatrist for treatment of damaged or unsightly nails.

• 4

  Test your toes. If your big toe hurts and slants away from the other toes, you may have a bunion. This is a genetic condition aggravated by poorly fitting shoes. Bent or folded toes can also indicate hammertoe, caused by poor muscle strength and pressure on the foot. Surgery can help these conditions.

• 5

  Scan your skin. Scaly or itchy skin can result from fungal infections. The most common is known as athlete's foot. To treat, wash your feet daily with soap and warm water. Dry the feet carefully. Make sure that your shoes and socks are dry and clean. Visit your doctor if the condition does not improve. Painful corns or calluses can build up due to pressure from tight-fitting shoes. Keep the skin covered with a soft bandage to reduce pressure. Then soften the skin with lotions or soaking the area in warm water and Epsom salts. Blisters result from skin friction. Don't pop them--this can lead to infection. Keep the blister covered by a bandage until it heals. If a skin injury becomes infected, see a doctor as soon as possible.