Our Top-Notch Texas Foot Doctors Discuss How Untreated Gait Problems Can Cause Chronic Foot Pain

If you’re searching for a solution to your chronic foot pain, the answer may be related to the way you walk. Gait problems aren’t the only potential cause of chronic foot pain, but they are quite common and can lead to serious health issues in addition to discomfort. Chronic foot pain and complications

The best way to determine whether problems with your gait are causing your chronic foot pain or if you are suffering from some other medical condition is to be evaluated by a podiatrist. If you’re in the Tarrant County area of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the experienced Grapevine and Keller foot doctors at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists can help.

6 Ways Gait Can Cause or Worsen Chronic Foot Pain

A person’s gait is the pattern of how they walk. The manner in which a person walks can have a significant impact on their overall foot and ankle health. If you suffer from chronic pain, it is possible that gait problems may be the underlying cause. Gait can affect your feet in a number of ways, including the following:

  • Stress distribution. Walking with a proper gait ensures that stress and weight are evenly distributed across your feet. An abnormal gait, however, can lead to uneven distribution that causes certain areas of the foot to bear more pressure than others. This can lead to pain, calluses, or corns.
  • Foot alignment. Your gait affects how your feet are aligned. Poor alignment can lead to conditions such as flat feet or high arches, both of which can cause discomfort and pain.
  • Plantar fasciitis. Poor gait can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the fascia—a band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes.
  • Toe deformities. Poor gait can aggravate or cause toe deformities, such as hammer toes or bunions. This is particularly likely if your toes don’t align properly or move correctly as you walk.
  • Muscle fatigue and injury. Gait problems can cause the muscles in your feet and legs to work harder, leading to fatigue and a heightened risk of injuries such as strains, sprains, or stress fractures.
  • Uneven shoes. An abnormal gait can cause your shoes to wear unevenly. Continuing to wear shoes that have worn unevenly can contribute to making your foot pain even worse.

Examples of Chronic Foot Pain Complications

If you have chronic foot pain, it is possible that your gait may be causing or contributing to your discomfort. The only way to know for sure is to have your feet evaluated by a qualified medical professional. The experienced podiatrists at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists understand chronic pain issues and can analyze your gait and also look for other potential causes of your pain.

Chronic foot pain isn’t always caused by a single factor. Regardless of the cause(s), untreated foot pain can lead to a variety of complications that can significantly affect your overall health and quality of life. Allowing chronic foot pain to go on without diagnosis and treatment can lead to the following:

  • Diminished mobility. Foot pain can cause you to alter your gait to avoid discomfort, which can lead to further problems over time. Adapting your stride to minimize your discomfort can make it difficult for you to walk and reduce your mobility.
  • Joint problems. Compensating for foot pain by changing how you walk can put extra stress on your knees, hips, and lower back and lead to joint pain and arthritis.
  • Joint health. Adjusting your gait to compensate for chronic foot pain can put extra strain on your ankles and other joints, including your knees and hips. Over time, this can lead to joint pain and inflammation.
  • Increased fall risk. When your feet hurt, it’s natural to reduce your activity levels and alter your gait to minimize discomfort. Doing so, however, can weaken the muscles in your legs and feet, which can increase your risk of falling.
  • Poor posture. Chronic foot pain can affect your posture as you try to compensate for the discomfort. Changes in your posture can lead to pain and problems in other areas, such as your back, neck, and shoulders.
  • Reduced quality of life. Persistent foot pain can make it difficult to work or participate in hobbies or social activities, leading to a reduced quality of life.
  • Mental health issues. Chronic pain of any kind can contribute to mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and stress, due to the constant discomfort and limitations.
  • Progression of underlying conditions. Foot pain can be a symptom of many types of underlying conditions, including diabetes, arthritis, or vascular issues. Without diagnosis and proper treatment, these conditions can progress and lead to even more severe outcomes.

Common Treatments and Therapies for Gait Issues

When you consider the potential impact of leaving chronic foot pain untreated, it’s easy to see why it’s so important to seek help from a foot doctor. A skilled podiatrist will thoroughly examine your feet, analyze your gait, review your medical history, and recommend other evaluative procedures as needed in order to identify factors causing or contributing to your chronic foot pain.

If your podiatrist identifies concerns with your gait as a result of your individualized evaluation, they will make appropriate recommendations based on your specific situation, such as the following:

  • Custom orthotics. Custom orthotics are specialized, customized devices for shoes designed to improve gait, correct alignment issues, and redistribute pressure more evenly. Wearing custom orthotics can improve overall health and relieve foot and ankle pain.  
  • Specific footwear. Your podiatrist may suggest specific types of shoes that provide the support and cushioning needed for your foot type and gait.
  • Exercise and stretches. Certain exercises and stretches may help strengthen and balance the muscles in your feet and legs, improve flexibility, and correct gait issues.
  • Lifestyle modifications. Your foot doctor may advise you to change some of your daily activities to reduce stress on your feet, such as incorporating rest periods and modifying your exercise routine.

It’s a good idea to schedule regular follow-up appointments with your podiatrist so they can monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Depending on the cause and severity of your discomfort, your podiatrist may recommend surgery if nonsurgical treatments for foot pain do not provide effective relief.

See a Podiatrist for Chronic Foot Pain Relief

Each patient’s situation is unique, so it’s important to choose a podiatrist who will listen to your concerns, perform a thorough examination, and carefully explain your therapeutic options. Seeking timely treatment from a podiatrist can help address foot pain effectively, prevent complications, and maintain your overall health and well-being. Our experienced Texas foot specialists are here to help those in and around the Tarrant County area find relief.

Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists for Your Foot and Ankle Health

If you have pain in your feet or ankles, it can negatively impact your life and interfere with your daily routine. You need a compassionate, skilled podiatrist to work with you to determine the cause and provide treatment based on your specific needs. With 30 years of experience, the podiatrists at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists understand the relationship between your feet and your overall health. Whether your condition requires therapy, orthotics, or surgery, we offer leading-edge medical care to address your unique situation.

We offer patients in the Dallas-Fort Worth area safe, effective, and affordable treatment plans. If you’re struggling with a foot or an ankle problem, call us today at 817-481-4000, or fill out our contact form to make an appointment.