Foot Pain Specialist

What conditions can lead to foot pain?

Often, pain within the foot is caused by a mechanical issue and is not the result of disease. That means that with proper medical intervention and treatment, relief from foot pain is an attainable goal. Some people experience pain as a result of repetitive stress injuries to the foot, such as heavy exercise or participation in sports. Other conditions are caused by wearing shoes that are too constricting or that do not provide the proper level of support. In some cases, foot pain is the result of sudden trauma to the foot.

What is gout, and how is it treated?

Gout is a type of arthritis and is indicated by the presence of unusually high levels of uric acid in the blood. When too much uric acid is present, the excess forms into small crystals that cannot be processed by the kidneys. If those crystals are present in the foot, they can act like ground glass within joints, leading to pain in the area of the toes. Gout has a hereditary component and is more common in older people, but anyone can develop the condition. Treatment options include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, prescription medications and niacin supplements.

When should I see the doctor?

Contact the doctor right away if:

• You move your foot
• You cannot stand on your foot
• Your foot is visually deformed or twisted
• Your feet are not sturdy when you step down
• You notice indications of infection such as red streaks, pain, inflammation, fever, pus, or warmth at the site
• Your foot is numb or tingling
• You have bruises which persist for longer than 14 days
• Your foot condition does not improve in the predicted manner
• Your foot gets very pale, cold, white, or blue

If you experience a foot related emergency, call 911 or proceed to the ER immediately. Dr. Amar can work with patients to determine the cause of their foot pain so that treatment can begin right away.