Our feet are complex structures, containing a whopping 26 bones and even more joints to match them. Yet, while we often hear about injuries to larger joints, such as those concerning the knee or hip, foot joint problems can be a hidden source of significant discomfort.

We want you to be informed from tip to toe, so in this blog post, Advanced Foot Care of New Jersey is going to break down the basics of joint pain and ways you can spot the ache before it worsens.

What’s Going on With That Joint?

Every step you take puts immense stress on the tiny joints within your feet, especially the ones in the big toe and ankle.
This repetitive pressure can lead to microtrauma, tiny tears in the cartilage that cushions the bones.
These tears might not show up on a basic x-ray, but they can cause significant pain nonetheless.
Advanced imaging techniques like MRI scans can reveal these hidden injuries.
Early diagnosis is important because, unlike some larger joints, foot joints typically can’t be replaced.

The good news? Most foot joint pain can be treated non-surgically, especially if we catch the problem early.

What Can Cause Foot Joint Pain?

Since there are so many joints in your foot, there are more than a few ways for them to start hurting.

Foot structure: Flat feet or other anatomical abnormalities can put excessive stress on certain joints.
Extra weight: Carrying extra pounds increases the pressure on your foot joints.
Improper footwear: Shoes that don’t provide enough support contribute to joint problems.
Overuse: Activities like running or jumping can lead to microtrauma if not done with proper form and recovery.
Jobs requiring prolonged standing: Standing on hard surfaces all day can take a toll on your foot joints.

Experiencing foot or ankle pain that isn’t due to a clear injury? Don’t ignore it! Early diagnosis and treatment can help keep your foot joints healthy and pain-free for years to come.

At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, our doctor and staff look forward to resolving all of your family’s podiatric healthcare needs. We proudly serve the communities of Little Falls, Cedar Grove, Verona, Stoney Road, Sandy Hill, Albion Place, and Great Notch. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!