Pain Management for Conditions
Links
American Board of Podiatric Surgery
The American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS), in accordance with standards published by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), conducts primary source verification of the podiatric medical school graduation, residency training completion, and state licensure for each ABPS member. It is the recognized board certification organization by the American Podiatric Medical Association and the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons.
American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons
The American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) is a professional society of more than 6,000 foot and ankle surgeons. Founded in 1942, ACFAS seeks to promote the art and science of foot, ankle, and related lower extremity surgery, address the concerns of foot and ankle surgeons, and advance and improve standards of education and surgical skill.
Foot Health Facts-Healthy feet for an Active Life
The patient education website of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons
American Podiatric Medical Association
Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is the leading resource for foot and ankle health information. Currently, the organization represents a vast majority of the 15,000 podiatrists in the country. In addition to the national headquarters, APMA boasts 53 state component locations throughout the United States and its territories, as well as affiliated societies
Virginia Podiatric Medical Association
The state component of the APMA.
American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine
The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine serves to advance the understanding, prevention and management of lower extremity sports and fitness injuries. Useful articles and various athletic shoe lists are found on this site.
American Professional Wound Care Association
The American Professional Wound Care Association is a non-profit medical association welcoming all medical specialties involved in treating the various forms of non-healing wounds, including diabetic, vascular, ischemic, pressure ulcers, burns and cancer.
Northcoast Footcare is an online resource for reliable and up-to-date foot health information. Northcoast Footcare, Inc has a complete resource of patient information for common foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis and bunions as well as step by step tratments for each condition. We believe that images, diagrams and illustrations are the best way to help individuals understand their foot problems. Northcoast Footcare has the greatest number of graphicson the web for help on diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions. Content and articles written by Christine Dobrowolski, DPM, MS.
The American Diabetes Association mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. This site is an excellent resource for anyone desiring more information about diabetes
Ankle Pain
Arch Pain
Arthritis
Ball of the Foot Pain
Bunions
Heel Pain
Metatarsalgia
Top of the Foot Pain
Note: For any foot condition, please consult your physician before taking any medication for pain management.
Recurring or persistent (chronic) pain on the outer side of the ankle often develops after an injury, such as a sprained ankle.
The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society identifies both conservative and surgical treatment methods to alleviate this pain. Conservative treatments include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce swelling.
- Physical therapy, including tilt-board exercises directed at strengthening the muscles, restoring range of motion, and increasing the perception of joint position.
- An ankle brace or other support.
- An injection of a steroid medication.
- In the case of a fracture, immobilization to allow the bone to heal.
Almost half of all people who sprain their ankle once will experience additional ankle sprains and/or chronic pain. You can help prevent chronic pain from developing by following these simple steps:
- Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and complete the prescribed physical rehabilitation program.
- Do not return to activity until cleared by your physician.
- When you do return to sports, use an ankle brace rather than taping the ankle. Bracing is more effective than taping in preventing ankle sprains.
- If you wear hi-top shoes, be sure to lace them properly and completely.
Arch pain
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of a thick, fibrous ligament in the arch of the foot. The plantar fascia (arch of the foot) attaches into the heel bone and fans out toward the ball of the foot, attaching into the base of the toes. If this ligament is stretched excessively it will become inflamed and begin to cause pain.
The main emphasis for treatment of arch pain is to reduce the forces that are causing the plantar fascia to stretch excessively. This includes calf muscle stretching, over the counter arch supports, and orthotics. Oral anti-inflammatory medications may be useful in controlling the pain.
Additionally, cortisone injections may be recommended for the treatment of plantar fasciitis.
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Arthritis
Arthritis in the foot and ankle can be treated in many ways, including:
- Physical therapy and exercise.
- Orthotics or specially prescribed shoes.
- Foot soaks/paraffin baths.
- Ice packs.
- Massages.
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen products.
- Prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
- Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid.
Ball of the foot pain
Calluses are the most common source of pain on the ball of the foot. Treatment consists of periodic trimming or shaving the callus, padding the shoes to remove the pressure, using shoe orthotics, or, in severe cases, surgery.
Pain in the ball of the foot not associated with calluses can be a result of inflammation of a tendon in the toe, arthritis, inflammation of the joint, or a neuroma. Stiffness in the big toe and big toe joint (Hallux Limitus and Hallus Rigidis) and sesamoiditis, an inflammation of two small bones under the big toe joint, are also conditions that lead to pain in the ball of the foot.
While treatments vary based on the condition and individual case, techniques for reducing pain in the ball of the foot include:
- Physical therapy and exercise.
- Over-the-counter or prescription pain and/or anti-inflammatory medications.
- Orthotics or specially prescribed corrective shoes.
- Cortisone injections.
- Proper shoe wear.
Bunions
Most bunions can be treated without surgery by wearing protective pads to cushion the painful area, and by wearing properly-fitted shoes.
Bunion surgery, known as a bunionectomy, realigns the bone, ligaments, tendons, and nerves so the big toe can be brought back to its correct position. Many bunion surgeries are performed on a same-day, outpatient basis. However, a long recovery is common and may include persistent swelling and stiffness.
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Heel pain
Plantar fasciitis is commonly traced to an inflammation of the ligament that stretches across the bottom of the foot. The condition can usually be treated effectively with conservative measures, such as use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy.
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Metatarsalgia
Foot pain in the ball of the foot, the area between the arch and toes, is generally referred to as metatarsalgia. The pain centers on one or more of the five bones (metatarsals) in this mid-portion of the foot.
A simple change of shoes may solve the problem. In more severe cases, podiatrists may prescribe a custom orthotic device to make sure the foot structures are in their proper position.
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There are several causes of pain on the top of the foot. The quality of the pain and its location helps podiatrists determine the cause.
Managing pain on the top of the foot can be aided by:
- A period of limiting activity.
- Below-the-knee walking casts.
- Functional orthotics.
- Oral anti-inflammatory medications.