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Feet are complex structures of bones, muscles, tendons, nerves, and more. You rely on your feet to carry you through the day, but if they hurt, this can impact your ability to function and enjoy life.
If you experience stabbing foot pain, you don’t have to live with it. David B. Glover, DPM, FACFAS, and our team at Mountain View Foot & Ankle Institute are equipped to diagnose and treat all types of foot issues. In this blog, Dr. Glover explains some of the common causes of stabbing foot pain.
Feet are complex, and any number of issues can trigger stabbing pain in one or both feet. A few of the most common causes of stabbing pain are plantar fasciitis, nerve damage, and acute injuries.
One of the top causes of stabbing foot pain is plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the fibrous tendon that connects your toes to the underside of your heel.
Plantar fasciitis pain is often described as stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot or heel. It’s generally worse when you take your first steps in the morning, or when you start walking after sitting for a long period of time.
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage in the feet, legs, arms, and/or hands. Nerve damage in the feet is particularly common in people who have diabetes, because high blood sugar levels can damage nerves and circulation over time.
Nerve pain in the feet can feel like sharp, stabbing pain. Some people describe nerve pain as a burning or tingling sensation. Nerve pain can severely impact your mobility if the pain makes it unbearable to stand or walk.
A sudden injury that damages the bones, muscles, tendons, or other tissues in the foot can trigger stabbing foot pain, both at the time of the injury and afterward. Dr. Glover sees patients of all ages who have suffered sports injuries or other musculoskeletal injuries affecting the feet and ankles.
Don’t ignore stabbing foot pain. The only way to confirm what’s causing your foot pain is by visiting a podiatrist. At Mountain View Foot & Ankle Institute, we offer comprehensive evaluations to assess foot health.
If you’re experiencing stabbing foot pain, come to your appointment prepared to discuss your symptoms and your medical history. Do your best to describe how the pain feels and how long the bouts of pain last.
Tell Dr. Glover if you have other symptoms, such as:
Dr. Glover will perform a physical exam of your foot, and he may order X-rays to confirm his diagnosis. Treatment for stabbing foot pain will focus on minimizing symptoms and healing the damaged muscles, tendons, or bones.
For example, treatment for plantar fasciitis generally includes a combination of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, rest, and specialized stretches. Dr. Glover and our team will work with you to help you return to your daily life safely, and we may recommend custom orthotics, night splints, or other assistive devices to support and protect your feet.
If you have foot pain, we can help you get back on your feet. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Mountain View Foot & Ankle Institute today.
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