The human foot is an amazing, complex structure of bones, joints, muscles, tendons and nerves that can sustain great pressure and provides resiliency. It provides the body with support, stability and mobility. The foot is divided into three parts –the forefoot (the five toes and the five longer bones), the midfoot (a collection of bones forming the foot’s arch) and the hind foot (heel and ankle). A malfunction or injury to any of the components will affect other parts of the body.

The feet are vulnerable to injury compared to any parts of the body as they frequently endure stress because of walking, running, physical activities and sports. Athletes in gymnastics, basketball and soccer have high risk of foot injury.

A foot injury is accompanied by pain. To better treat the pain, a proper diagnosis has to be conducted. Self-medication isn’t advisable as treatment is not targeting to the root cause of the problem and prolonging the pain may lead to complications. To address the need for proper diagnosis, you have to see an orthopedic professional who is an expert when it comes to bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and soft tissues. A practitioner can perform an orthopedic examination and prescribe X-ray, CT scan and MRI scan.

A traumatic pain results from broken bones, sprains, strains, stress fractures or overuse injuries. The pain can also be due to an inflammation such as those with bunions, gout, osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot), tendonitis (tendon inflammation) and rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment for foot injury depends on the location, type and severity. The practitioner may recommend the use of brace, split or cast, the use of orthotic device, physical therapy or in some cases surgery.

If pain is left untreated, complications could happen like a widespread infection, joint deformity, gangrene, sepsis and even amputation. Before the situation get worse, see an orthopedic professional for treatment.