Foot Pain

Most people experience foot pain occasionally, but if your symptoms keep you from your routine, seek treatment immediately. At Blackstone Valley Foot and Ankle in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, podiatrist Joseph Domenico, DPM, and his team have years of experience diagnosing and treating all types of foot pain. Whether you’re suffering from an overuse injury, like Achilles tendonitis, or have an ingrown toenail, Blackstone Valley Foot and Ankle can help. Call the office today and schedule foot pain treatment, or book your appointment online. 

Should I see a podiatrist about foot pain?

Your feet have 26 bones and 33 joints. They support the weight of your upper body and experience wear-and-tear daily, so it’s no wonder that foot pain is common. 

Most foot pain is mild and improves on its own, but if your symptoms occur alongside swelling and last for more than a week, contact the Blackstone Valley Foot and Ankle team.

What causes foot pain?

The Blackstone Valley Foot and Ankle team treats foot pain caused by various foot and ankle problems, including:

• Standing for long periods
• Structural abnormalities (e.g., flat feet and high arches)
• Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly
• Playing sports
• Bunions
• Overuse injuries (e.g., Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis)
• Hammertoes
• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar warts
• Neuromas
• Heel spurs
• Corns and calluses
• Diabetic wounds

Sometimes foot pain occurs due to a traumatic injury, like a broken bone (fracture) or an ankle sprain.

How does a podiatrist diagnose foot pain?

Your Blackstone Valley Foot and Ankle provider asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, what it feels like, and whether it extends into other areas, like your lower legs. 

They complete a podiatry exam, checking the affected area for redness, bruising, and swelling. Your provider assesses your tendon reflexes, muscle strength, and range of motion. 

Then, they gently press on the area, checking for sensitive places, and order diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to look at your bones, joints, and surrounding tissues.

How does a podiatrist treat foot pain?

The Blackstone Valley Foot and Ankle team treats foot pain using a conservative, minimally invasive approach. They might suggest:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication
• Custom orthotics (prescription shoe inserts)
• Physical therapy
• Wearing comfortable shoes that support your feet
• Wound care (if you have a diabetic ulcer or another open wound)
• Losing weight
• Ultrasound therapy

It might take several types of treatment, depending on the type of foot pain you have. Your podiatrist monitors your symptoms at each checkup and makes adjustments as needed. 

If your pain doesn’t improve after conservative measures, you might benefit from minimally invasive or traditional open foot and ankle surgery. Foot and ankle surgery can align broken bones, fuse painful joints, or repair damaged tendons and ligaments. 

Don’t wait to receive foot pain treatment. Call Blackstone Valley Foot and Ankle today to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online.