You may be able to ignore a headache or an aching back for a little while, but it's often impossible to forget about foot pain. Luckily, your Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Sun City Center and Apollo Beach/Riverview, FL, podiatrists at Total Foot & Ankle of Tampa Bay offer effective treatments for the conditions that affect your feet.

What causes foot pain?

Pain in your foot may occur due to:

• An Ingrown Toenail: An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of your nail grows into the surrounding skin. You may be able to loosen the trapped nail by soaking your toe in warm water for 15 minutes, then placing dental floss or cotton under the nail. If you can't free the trapped nail or you have diabetes, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with your Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Sun City Center or Apollo Beach/Riverview podiatrist. They'll perform a minor procedure to remove the edge of the nail.
• Plantar Fasciitis: A tough band of tissue called the plantar fascia connects your toes to your heels on the underside of your foot. If the fascia becomes inflamed, you'll notice pain in your heel. Rest, and over-the-counter pain medications can be helpful if you have plantar fascia. If your heel still hurts after a few weeks of home care, your podiatrist may recommend prescription orthotics or heel cups, physical therapy, night splints or extracorporeal shockwave therapy.
• Bunions: A bunion is a bony bump at the base of your big toe. The bumps are particularly common in women who wear high heels or tight shoes regularly. Rest can ease bunion pain, but the bumps won't go away on their own. Your foot doctor may recommend that your tape your foot to improve the position of your joint or wear orthotics. Surgery offers the only way to reverse bunions.
• Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis: Although you may associate arthritis with painful hands or knees, the condition can also affect your feet. Treatment options for arthritis include orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections, physical therapy, orthopedic shoes and surgery, in some cases.

Are you ready to find a solution for your foot pain? Schedule an appointment with the foot doctors at Total Foot & Ankle of Tampa Bay by calling (813) 788-3600 for the Wesley Chapel, FL, office, (813) 788-3600 for the Zephyrhills office, (813) 633-5900 for the Sun City Center or Apollo Beach/Riverview offices.