Your feet are complex structures made up of numerous bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons that work in concert to enable weight bearing and mobility. Frequently under stress, these hardworking body parts are subject to a plethora of painful medical problems that can make going to work, engaging in your favorite activities, or even just getting through the day difficult.
Foot pain can strike at any time, and when it does, don't dismiss it as an inevitable part of life. Get the exceptional podiatry care you need to feel better.
Yavapai Foot and Ankle Center's skilled podiatrist, Dr. John (Todd) Cox, DPM, understands the complexities of foot pain and provides comprehensive podiatric care for Quad Cities adults and children ages four and up. After identifying the source of your pain, he'll discuss your treatment options and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Common Foot Pain Causes and Risk Factors
Foot pain can manifest in various ways, including swelling, stiffness, or general discomfort—and it can affect any part of your feet.
While some foot problems can be hereditary, congenital, or caused by underlying medical conditions like diabetes and various types of arthritis, others are influenced by lifestyle factors. For instance, you may face an increased risk of foot pain if you:
- Wear shoes that fit poorly, have high heels or narrow toe boxes, or are inappropriate for your specific activities
- Participate in high-impact sports and exercises, such as running, dance, gymnastics, or sports involving repetitive jumping
- Increase the frequency, duration, or intensity of physical activities too rapidly, putting excessive strain on your feet
- Have a job or engage in activities that require repetitive movements, prolonged standing, or walking for extended periods
Conditions Causing Heel Pain
Your heels serve a variety of essential functions, from aiding balance and stability to providing cushioning and shock absorption. Persistent pain in the heels is one of the most common reasons people visit a podiatrist. Frequent causes of heel pain include the following conditions:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Heel spurs
- Haglund's deformity
- Sever's Disease (in children)
Whatever the cause of your pain, at Yavapai Foot and Ankle Center, we’re committed to helping you find effective solutions.
Other Examples of Painful Foot Conditions
Pain can be a symptom of numerous podiatric injuries, disorders, and structural abnormalities. As a full-spectrum podiatry practice, we treat all painful foot conditions. Some of the common pain-causing foot issues we address at our Prescott, Arizona, office include:
- Strain and sprains
- Corns and calluses
- Ingrown toenails
- Plantar warts
- Stress fractures and broken bones
- Bunions
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Neuromas (including Morton’s neuroma)
- Neuropathy
- Hammer toes and mallet toes
- Bone spurs (including heel spurs)
- Osteomyelitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
When to See a Foot and Ankle Specialist
Some painful foot issues may resolve with home care measures such as rest, ice, compression, elevation, and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, if the pain doesn’t improve or worsens after a few days—or you’ve broken a bone, ruptured a tendon, or suffered another acute injury— it's time to see a knowledgeable and experienced podiatrist.
Our Prescott-Quad Cities Area Podiatry Practice Delivers Capable and Conscientious Care for All Types of Foot Pain
Dr. Cox provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for the full gamut of painful foot conditions. He utilizes a conservative approach to patient care that prioritizes non-surgical therapies, such as:
- Custom orthotics or shoe inserts
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Shockwave therapy
When conservative methods fail to sufficiently relieve pain or restore mobility, a surgical solution may offer the best results. Dr. Cox can help you explore your options and weigh the benefits of the various procedures.
Schedule an Appointment With Our Central Arizona Foot Pain Specialist
Wherever your feet hurt and whatever the cause, Yavapai Foot and Ankle Center is here to help you get back on your feet as quickly and safely as possible. Complete our contact form or text our office at 928-445-4898 to request an appointment. Ask about a same-day appointment for acute injuries.