Foot Pain Treatment in Flower Mound, TX
Foot pain can stop you in your tracks — literally. Whether your pain is sharp and sudden or dull and chronic, it has a real impact on your quality of life. At DFW Foot and Ankle, Dr. Davey Suh evaluates and treats the full spectrum of foot pain causes in Flower Mound, TX, creating individualized treatment plans that address the root of the problem rather than just the symptoms. Call (972) 899-2170 to schedule your evaluation today.
What Causes Foot Pain?
The foot is a complex structure made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Given how much we ask of our feet every day, it’s no surprise that foot pain is one of the most common complaints seen in podiatric medicine. Pain can originate from bone, soft tissue, nerves, skin, or a combination of factors — which is why an accurate diagnosis from a qualified podiatrist is so important.
Foot pain may develop suddenly from a specific injury, or it may come on gradually as a result of chronic stress, biomechanical imbalances, or an underlying medical condition. Some people experience foot pain temporarily during a period of increased activity, while others deal with ongoing discomfort that worsens without proper care.
Common Causes of Foot Pain
Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain
The most common cause of foot pain overall is plantar fasciitis — inflammation of the plantar fascia that produces stabbing heel pain, particularly in the morning. Related conditions such as heel spurs and bursitis also produce significant heel discomfort. Learn more on our dedicated heel pain page.
Arthritis
Foot and ankle arthritis causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling that can affect any joint in the foot. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis are all common in the foot and ankle. Custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory treatments, and MLS laser therapy can all help manage arthritic foot pain.
Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the bones in the front of the foot shift out of alignment. Bunions cause pain when walking and make it difficult to wear many types of footwear. They can also lead to calluses, ingrown toenails, and irritation of the neighboring toes.
Neuromas
A neuroma — most commonly Morton’s neuroma — involves a thickening of nerve tissue between the toes that causes burning, tingling, and sharp pain in the ball of the foot. It often feels like you’re standing on a pebble or a bunched-up sock.
Flat Feet
Flat feet (fallen arches) alter the mechanics of the entire lower limb, causing pain not only in the foot and arch but also in the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. Custom orthotics are often highly effective for managing the pain and biomechanical issues associated with flat feet.
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis affects the back of the heel and ankle, causing pain and stiffness that worsens with activity. It is common in runners and athletes but can affect anyone who places repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon.
Fractures and Sprains
Foot and ankle fractures and sprains can cause immediate, acute pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Stress fractures — tiny cracks in the bone from repetitive impact — develop more gradually and may be mistaken for soft tissue pain.
Diabetic Foot Pain
Diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation that lead to foot pain, numbness, tingling, and an increased risk of ulcers and infections. Dedicated diabetic foot care at DFW Foot and Ankle helps patients manage these risks and protect their foot health.
How Does Dr. Suh Diagnose and Treat Foot Pain?
When you visit DFW Foot and Ankle for foot pain, Dr. Suh will conduct a thorough examination that includes assessing your gait, foot structure, range of motion, and areas of tenderness. He may order X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI imaging to identify bone or soft tissue problems not visible on examination. From there, he will explain his findings and develop a comprehensive treatment plan personalized to your specific condition.
Treatment options at DFW Foot and Ankle include custom orthotics, MLS laser therapy, shock wave therapy, physical therapy, medications, injections, and surgical intervention for cases that require it. Don’t live with foot pain — call (972) 899-2170 today to schedule your appointment in Flower Mound, TX.
Foot Pain FAQs
When should I see a podiatrist for foot pain?
You should see a podiatrist if your foot pain is severe, has persisted for more than a week or two, limits your ability to walk or perform daily activities, followed an injury, or is accompanied by swelling, bruising, numbness, or tingling. Early evaluation leads to faster, more effective treatment.
Can foot pain be a sign of a more serious condition?
Yes. In some cases, foot pain is a symptom of a systemic condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes. Nerve pain (neuropathy) in the feet can be an early warning sign of diabetes. Dr. Suh will assess your foot pain in the context of your overall health and refer you to appropriate specialists if needed.
What is the most common cause of foot pain?
Plantar fasciitis — inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot — is the most common cause of foot pain in adults. However, the true source of foot pain varies widely from person to person, and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.
Can the wrong footwear cause foot pain?
Absolutely. Shoes that are too tight, too narrow, lack arch support, or have worn-out soles can cause or significantly worsen many foot conditions, including plantar fasciitis, neuromas, bunions, and ingrown toenails. Dr. Suh can advise you on appropriate footwear as part of your treatment plan.
Are custom orthotics better than store-bought insoles for foot pain?
In most cases, yes. Custom orthotics are fabricated specifically for your foot shape and biomechanics using a 3D scan, providing a level of support and precision that mass-produced insoles simply cannot match. For many patients, custom orthotics are a cornerstone of lasting foot pain relief.
Can foot pain cause knee, hip, or back pain?
Yes. The foot is the foundation of the entire musculoskeletal system. Biomechanical problems in the foot — such as flat feet or overpronation — can create a chain reaction of compensatory stress in the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. Correcting foot mechanics with custom orthotics often provides relief further up the body as well.
Is surgery usually needed for foot pain?
Surgery is rarely the first option for foot pain. The vast majority of foot pain conditions respond well to conservative, non-surgical treatments such as orthotics, physical therapy, laser therapy, and shock wave therapy. Dr. Suh will always exhaust appropriate conservative options before considering surgical intervention.