Foot Pain

Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico

Podiatrists & Foot and Ankle Surgeons located in Albuquerque, NM, Rio Rancho, NM, South Valley, NM, Edgewood, NM & Grants, NM

Feet play a central role in balancing your body weight and helping you move throughout the day, so any type of foot pain can interfere with your normal routine. The team at Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico diagnoses and treats all causes of foot pain at their five convenient locations in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, South Valley, Edgewood, and Grants, New Mexico. If foot pain limits your daily activities, call your nearest office or schedule an appointment online today.

Foot Pain Q & A

What causes foot pain?

The foot is an intricate structure that undergoes heavy use on a day-to-day basis. Because of this, foot pain is a common problem. The team at Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico treats many causes of foot pain, including:

Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and gout
Foot and ankle trauma, including fractures, sprains, and strains
Diabetic foot problems, including neuropathy and ulcers
Toenail problems, including fungal infections and ingrown toenails
Deformities, including bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet
Sports injuries, including plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, and stress fractures

Other common foot problems include athlete’s foot, corns, calluses, and warts. People who have diabetes and those who carry extra weight due to pregnancy or obesity are more likely to develop foot pain.

When should I see a podiatrist for foot pain?

Some causes of foot pain, such as ingrown toenails, resolve with simple home treatments. Other conditions, such as bunions and flat feet, don’t go away on their own.

If your foot pain is ongoing or severe enough to limit your normal activities, the team at Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico can help. You should schedule an appointment right away if:

Foot pain is sudden and severe
You can’t bear weight on the foot
A recent injury caused your foot pain
You have an open wound
The foot pain is accompanied by a fever
You have signs of inflammation, like redness and swelling

People who have a medical condition that interferes with blood flow, such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease (PAD), should seek immediate treatment for foot pain.

How is foot pain diagnosed and treated?

First, your podiatrist asks how the foot pain started and whether anything makes it better or worse. They review your medical history and carefully examine your foot.

They may also take tests to further evaluate the structures of your foot. All five Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico locations offer on-site X-rays and ultrasound tests for convenient diagnostic imaging.

After they diagnose your foot pain, your podiatrist develops a personalized treatment plan that may include:

Medications to reduce pain and inflammation
Medications to fight infection, including antifungals and antibiotics
Custom orthotics, including shoes, inserts, and arch supports
Physical therapy
Casting or bracing
Changing footwear
Padding the foot

If your foot pain doesn’t resolve with conservative treatments, they may recommend foot and ankle reconstruction surgery.

To find relief from foot pain, call Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico or book an appointment online today.