Foot Pain Specialist

Apex Medical Center

Pain Management Physicians & Internists located in Las Vegas, NV

The humble foot is one of the unsung heroes of human anatomy. Our feet get very little attention unless they begin to ache, and we spend very little time admiring the complexity of this portion of our bodies. A complicated web of bones, tendons, muscles, and nerves play a critical role in keeping us mobile, and this relatively small part of our body supports us as we go about our daily routines. David Ezeanolue, M.D., C.I.M.E., Alafuro T. Oruene, M.D., Blanche Y. Bonnick, M.D., and the rest of the team at Apex Medical Center have the skills and training to assess all types of foot pain and can help Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, residents find lasting solutions.

Foot Pain Q & A

What are the various types of foot pain?

Foot pain is usually categorized by the area of the foot that’s affected.

Toe pain

Numerous factors can cause pain in or around the toes. Arthritis, bunions, hammertoe, and ingrown toenails can all cause toe pain.

Arch pain

Arch pain is often the result of plantar fasciitis, a condition that can also affect the heel of your foot. A fallen arch is another source of arch pain and happens when the arches of your feet become flat.

Ball of foot pain

Pain in the ball of your foot can be the result of strenuous activity or even ill-fitting shoes. Metatarsalgia can also cause pain and inflammation in this area of your foot.

Heel pain

Pain in the heel may be due to heel spurs, which are abnormal bone growths on the bottom portion of your heel. Plantar fasciitis is also a common heel issue.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. Your plantar fascia is the flat ligament that connects your toes to your heel bone. It also supports the arch of your foot.

If you strain this ligament, it may weaken, swell, or become irritated. That leads to pain when you place weight on your foot.

Several factors can cause plantar fasciitis, including:

  • High arches
  • Flat feet
  • Long periods of time spent standing, walking, or running
  • Pronation, or the inward rolling of your feet
  • Being overweight
  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes     

How can I prevent foot pain?

There are many ways to avoid foot pain. Considering that the average person walks 100,000 miles or more over the course of his or her lifetime, taking preventive measures is a good way to keep your feet healthy and happy.

One way to reduce the risk of foot pain is by maintaining a healthy weight. Improving your flexibility is also important, and many different foot stretches can help.

Wearing shoes that fit properly is also important. Inserts can help you find the optimal level of arch support.

Avoiding long stretches of time spent on your feet can help keep foot pain at bay. If you’re an avid fitness fan, be sure you’re wearing shoes designed for the contours of your feet and avoid walking or running on hard surfaces whenever possible.