Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
Forefoot Pain
What is forefoot pain?
Forefoot pain is a type of pain that happens in the front part of your foot, specifically around the area where your toes are located. It can be exacerbated by weight bearing activity or even incorrect footwear. Some common causes are listed below:
Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
Common Causes of Forefoot Pain
Overuse
If you use your feet a lot, like during long walks or standing for extended periods, the forefoot can become sore and painful.
Ill-fitting shoes
Wearing shoes that are too tight or don′t provide enough support can put extra pressure on the forefoot, leading to pain.
Injury
Sometimes, a specific injury like stubbing your toe, dropping something heavy on your foot, or twisting it the wrong way can cause forefoot pain.
Conditions like bunions or hammertoes
These are foot deformities that can cause the toes to bend in uncomfortable ways, leading to pain in the forefoot area.
Nerve problems
Sometimes, nerves in the foot can get compressed or irritated, causing pain in the forefoot.
Arthritis
This is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints, and it can also affect the joints in the forefoot.
Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
How can Advanced Podiatry help?
Diagnosis
A podiatrist will start by asking you about your symptoms, medical history, and any recent activities that might have contributed to the pain. They will then examine your feet to identify the source of the pain and may order additional tests, such as X-rays or scans, to get a better look at the bones and joints.
Treatment Plan
Once the cause of the forefoot pain is determined, our podiatrists will create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.
Footwear Recommendations
Our podiatrists can suggest appropriate shoes that provide proper support and cushioning for your feet. They may also recommend orthotic inserts to help alleviate pressure and correct any foot imbalances.
Medications
Over the counter or prescription pain medications, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs, can help reduce pain and inflammation in the forefoot area.
Physical Therapy
Our podiatrists might recommend specific exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles in your feet and improve flexibility. This may help alleviate pain and prevent future issues.
Custom Orthotics
If your foot structure is contributing to the pain, our podiatrists may design custom orthotic inserts that fit inside your shoes. These inserts can help distribute pressure more evenly and provide better support.
Padding and Strapping
Our podiatrists may use special padding or strapping techniques to relieve pressure from specific areas of the forefoot, especially if you have conditions like bunions or hammertoes.
Injections
In some cases, corticosteroid injections might be used to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
Footwear Modifications
If necessary, our podiatrists might recommend modifications to your shoes or provide guidance on lacing techniques to reduce pressure on certain areas of the foot.
Surgical Intervention
If conservative treatments don't provide relief, and the pain is due to a more severe condition like a deformity or structural issue, the podiatrist might discuss surgical options with you.