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Chronic Foot Pain Q&A


What is chronic foot pain?

Chronic foot pain goes on for longer than expected. In general, this type of pain lasts for longer than three months and doesn’t respond to initial treatments. Many cases of chronic foot pain involve long-term conditions, but it can also start in other ways.

What causes chronic foot pain?

Chronic foot pain has a number of causes, with some of the most common being:

  • Bunions: bony bump at the bottom of the big toe
  • Hammertoe: abnormal bending in a middle toe joint
  • Gout: Painful crystal buildup in a joint
  • Osteoarthritis: cartilage breakdown in joints
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: damage to the joint lining
  • Plantar fasciitis: tearing in the ligament along the bottom of your foot
  • Stress fractures: small bone breaks caused by repeated pressure
  • Morton’s neuroma: painful ball of nerve tissue between toes 
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome: compression of an inner foot nerve
  • Bone spurs: abnormal bony growths 
  • Tendonitis: painful inflammation in foot tendons
  • Flat feet: lack of foot arch or collapsed arch
  • Diabetic foot damage: foot ulcers and peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)

Sudden-onset pain, or acute pain, usually occurs with injuries like sprains and strains. Normally, it subsides over the days and weeks afterward if you have proper treatment. However, untreated acute pain can turn into chronic pain.

How is chronic foot pain treated?

At Renew Foot & Ankle, Dr. Gilbertson takes the time to find the root cause of your ongoing foot pain so he can recommend effective solutions. He believes in patient-driven decisions, so you get all the information you need to choose the treatment that’s right for your personal situation. 

Treatment normally starts with conservative care like custom orthotics and bracing, alongside pain relief measures. You may need to make some lifestyle changes. For example, you might need to change your exercise routine, wear different shoes, or perform prescribed foot exercises daily. 

If your chronic foot pain doesn’t improve after a multifaceted conservative approach, Dr. Gilbertson may recommend more aggressive measures, such as steroid and anesthetic injections or minimally invasive foot surgery. 

Effective patient pain relief is a top priority at Renew Foot & Ankle, so don’t wait to get help for chronic foot pain. Reach out through the online scheduling tool or call the office to book your appointment with Dr. Gilbertson today.