Foot pain(opens in a new tab) from driving is more common than some might imagine. Such pain is sometimes jokingly referred to as “driver’s foot,” “clutch foot,” or “accelerator foot.” Drivers may experience foot pain from driving as cramps in their feet, pain in one or both heels, pain in the ball of the foot around the big toe joint, or across the top of the foot. Pain may be worse if one is stuck in traffic for prolonged periods of time and needing to hold the foot in one position for longer than usual. The angle of the foot while driving might also contribute to pain. Because we tend to rest the heels of our feet on the floor when driving, this area is more apt to become sore or bruised. One can also experience pain where the ankle meets the foot from the tension of holding the pedals in certain places or having pedals that are hard to push down. If you experience foot pain while driving, or if pain persists when not driving, it is a good idea to consult with a podiatrist to see what the problem might be. This health professional is an expert in treatment options for all foot and ankle-related conditions.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Michael Ruiz, DPM from Lake Erie Podiatry. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Erie, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Foot Pain
Our feet are arguably the most important parts of our bodies because they are responsible for getting us from place to place. However, we often don’t think about our feet until they begin to hurt. If you have pain in your feet, you need to first determine where on the foot you are experiencing it to get to the root of the problem. The most common areas to feel pain on the foot are the heel and the ankle.
Heel pain is most commonly attributed to a condition called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, which is the band of tough tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis pain is usually worse in the morning, and it tends to go away throughout the day. If you have plantar fasciitis, you should rest your foot and do heel and foot muscles stretches. Wearing shoes with proper arch support and a cushioned sole has also been proven to be beneficial.
Some common symptoms of foot pain are redness, swelling, and stiffness. Foot pain can be dull or sharp depending on its underlying cause. Toe pain can also occur, and it is usually caused by gout, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, sprains, fractures, and corns.
If you have severe pain in your feet, you should immediately seek assistance from your podiatrist for treatment. Depending on the cause of your pain, your podiatrist may give you a variety of treatment options.
