Foot

At Heartland Orthopedic Specialists, our specialty-trained foot doctor is the expert in assessing, diagnosing, and treating foot injuries and conditions.

The foot is a complex structure, containing 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, and 19 muscles. Due to its unique anatomy, the foot is susceptible to a wide range of injuries and conditions and can be the source of significant, often debilitating, pain.

At some point in their lifetimes, most Americans will experience foot pain, which can be the result of a wide range of injuries and conditions, from improper footwear and misalignment of the spine to traumatic injuries or chronic inflammation.

Common causes of foot pain include, but are not limited to:

• Traumatic injuries, such as fractures and strains
• Overuse injuries, such as stress fractures
• Chronic conditions and diseases, such as arthritis, diabetes, and plantar fasciitis
• Deformities, such as bunions and flatfoot

Ignoring a foot injury or condition can be counterproductive, cause further damage, and is ill-advised, as foot pain can emanate from the bones, tendons, nerves, and ligaments of the foot, making self-diagnosis extremely difficult.

It may be time to consult a foot specialist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of foot pain:

• Numbness in the foot
• Pain in the heel, ball, or arch of the foot
• Inability to perform daily activities without foot pain
• Change in sensation or color of the skin or toenails
• Swelling or tenderness in the foot
• Loss of function
• Deformity

Because the foot endures constant weight bearing, stress, and frequency of use, foot pain generally does not subside without proper treatment. A consultation with a foot doctor is the best way to differentiate between a severe foot condition and minor foot injury.