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Three Foot Pain Symptoms Not To Ignore

Whether you work a job requiring you to stand for long hours, stub your toe, or simply spend a day being active, it is fairly normal to experience foot pain occasionally. However, this discomfort is often minimal and does not require a great cause for concern, but this is not always true. There are times when the pain you experience in your foot indicates the need for medical intervention. Learn about some of the accompanying factors that deserve your attention.

Localization

Persistent pain that seems limited to the same area should grab your attention. Localized pain is sometimes indicative of an injury. For example, people with frequent pain in their heel area could suffer from a condition known as plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the tissue connecting the toes to the heel. 

On the other hand, someone with localized pain in their big toe could be suffering from a stress fracture. Resolving both conditions will typically require medical treatment or therapy, so visiting the doctor is essential.

Numbness

Periods of pain preceded or followed by numbness could be a sign of circulatory issues. The numbness caused by poor circulation is often linked to a condition known as peripheral artery disease. With this condition, a build-up in the arteries prevents blood from adequately flowing throughout the body, including to the feet. 

A lack of proper circulation prevents proper oxygen delivery to the tissues in your muscles, resulting in pain, while the lack of oxygen delivery also causes numbness. People with this condition might also have feet that are cooler than the rest of their body.

Swelling

Another circulatory-linked symptom not to ignore with foot pain is swelling. In some rare cases, pain and swelling result from a deep vein thrombosis, which is a blood clot, in simple terms. With this condition, a clot forms in the vein that completely blocks blood flow. 

As a result, blood is diverted to the other veins in the area, which results in a build-up of blood and pressure, which results in pain and swelling. It is important to note that swelling can originate from several other far less concerning issues, but anytime swelling is present, it is best to allow a doctor to make this determination.

If you have concerns about the pain you are experiencing in your foot, be sure to visit a medical clinic and speak with a care provider as soon as possible. Your health could depend on it.

For more info, visit a local medical center.