4 Common Causes of Summer Foot Pain
Summertime means fun in the sun, but it can also be a time for foot pain. If you are experiencing pain in your feet, don’t worry – we have the information you need to understand what may be causing your pain so that you can get relief! Here are four of the most common causes of summer foot pain and how to treat them.
1. Heel Pain
The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which is when the tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis can be caused from summer activities like jumping or jogging and from less supportive footwear like sandals. Treatment for this condition normally includes rest, ice, stretching, and over-the-counter pain medication. If you are still experiencing pain after trying these treatments, you may need to see an orthopaedic doctor.
2. Ankle Pain
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of things, including achilles tendinitis, sprains, and fractures. Treatment for ankle pain depends on the cause – achilles tendinitis, for instance, is treated with ice, rest, and stretching, while a sprain may require you to wear a boot or brace. If you think you may have fractured your ankle, it is important to see a doctor right away.
3. Footwear
Wearing ill-fitting shoes is one of the most common causes of foot pain. If your shoes are too tight, too loose, or have heels, it can lead to different types of foot pain. Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly can also lead to other problems such as blisters, bunions and hammertoes. To avoid foot pain, make sure you wear shoes that fit well and offer support. Summer sandals and flip flops, as well as a lot of time spent barefoot with little to no foot support, can often lead to foot pain. Orthopedic doctors can create custom orthotics to help get a supportive fit in all footwear.
4. Injury
Each year, over 50,000 people in the US injure their feet causing pain and often missed work. If you have recently hurt your foot, it is important to rest it and ice it. You may also need to take over-the-counter pain medication and see a doctor, depending on the severity of the injury. The sooner you see an orthopedic doctor, the sooner you can get the injury diagnosed and begin the treatment and healing process.
There are a number of other potential causes of summer foot pain, but these are some of the most common. While summertime is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and get active, it’s also important to take care of your feet. If you are experiencing foot pain, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor and seek treatment before the condition worsens.
