- If you go to your general practitioner complaining of foot pain, she may refer you to a specialist such as a podiatrist, chiropodist, orthopedist or physical therapist.
- Foot pain can be caused by traumatic injury or conditions such as diabetes, Hansen's disease and gout. Foot pain can also be caused by a viruses and funguses that cause plantar warts or athlete's foot, an ingrown toenail or something as simple as poor-fitting shoes.
- The first thing a doctor will look at when doing a diagnosis for foot pain are the specific symptoms. The doctor will ask if the pain is associated with movement or if it is worse when standing or moving. He will also look for pain or bumps near a bone that could indicate a fracture and swelling that could mean muscle problems.
- Depending on the results of the visual examination and your answers to her questions, the doctor will perform diagnostic tests such as an X-ray, MRI or bone scan.
- Depending on the cause, treatment can be as simple as taking an over-the-counter pain medication and rest. The doctor could also wrap the foot with a support and order crutches, prescribe physical therapy or have the patient fitted for orthopedic shoes.
