Foot Pain Slowing You Down? | Foot & Ankle Centers

Foot pain is more common than many realize and can develop gradually or appear suddenly. Whether it’s a dull ache after a long day or sharp pain in the morning, persistent discomfort can make everyday activities difficult. Ignoring it may allow minor issues to worsen, affecting mobility, posture, and overall quality of life.

Causes vary and aren’t always obvious. While many assume foot pain comes from aging, long hours on your feet, or stylish-but-uncomfortable shoes, it can also stem from injuries, medical conditions, or biomechanical issues that extend beyond the foot itself.

Common Causes of Foot Pain

Foot pain can come from several sources, and pinpointing the right cause is essential for effective treatment. Some of the most common contributors include:

• Footwear problems – Shoes that don’t fit properly or lack support
• Medical conditions or injuries – Such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, or bunions
• Biomechanical issues – Alignment problems in the legs, hips, or lower back

At Foot & Ankle Centers in Frisco, Little Elm, and McKinney, Drs. Tavakoli, Knapp, and Treleven provide expert foot care, combining extensive experience with personalized treatment plans to help patients relieve pain and maintain long-term mobility.

Footwear Problems

The shoes you wear every day play a huge role in your foot health. Even minor issues like worn-out insoles or shoes that don’t fit properly can put extra stress on your feet. Over time, shoes that don’t support your natural structure can lead to chronic pain, plantar fasciitis, bunions, or tendon strain.

Common footwear-related issues include:

• Flat flip-flops with no arch support
• High heels that shift weight forward and compress toes
• Pointed-toe shoes that crowd the toes

Proper footwear and small adjustments—like supportive shoes, new insoles, or a wider toe box—can protect your feet, reduce pain, and support long-term foot health.

Injuries or Medical Conditions

Foot pain can also signal specific conditions that need professional attention. Some of the most common include:

• Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, causing heel pain
• Achilles tendinitis: Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel
• Bunions: Structural deformities at the base of the big toe, causing swelling and difficulty wearing certain shoes

Getting a thorough evaluation is important to prevent long-term complications and restore mobility. At Foot & Ankle Centers, our team provides detailed assessments to identify the root cause of pain and create personalized treatment plans.

Biomechanical Issues

Sometimes the root of foot pain isn’t in the foot itself. Misalignment or weakness in the legs, hips, or lower back can create imbalances that affect how your feet strike the ground.

Examples of biomechanical causes include:

• Overpronation or flat feet
• Leg length differences
• Muscle imbalances in the legs or hips

Our team of podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Centers, serving three convenient DFW locations, evaluate these underlying issues and provide solutions that may include custom orthotics, PRP Therapy, targeted exercises, or surgical intervention.

When to Seek Professional Evaluation

Persistent foot pain should never be ignored. Signs you may need professional care include ongoing pain despite rest, swelling or redness, visible changes like bunions or misaligned toes, numbness or tingling, and difficulty walking or performing daily activities.

At our offices in Frisco, Little Elm, and McKinney, Drs. Tavakoli, Knapp, and Treleven provide thorough evaluations, which can include advanced imaging such as extremity MRI. They offer tailored solutions to improve overall function and comfort.

Supporting Foot Health at Home

While professional care is essential, you can also take steps at home to support your feet:

• Choose proper footwear – Shoes with arch support, cushioning, and a wide toe box
• Replace worn-out insoles – Old insoles fail to provide necessary support
• Maintain a healthy weight – Less pressure on feet lowers the risk of pain
• Stay active – Gentle exercises strengthen foot and leg muscles
• Monitor changes – Swelling, redness, or structural changes should prompt evaluation

Combining these habits with guidance from professionals helps patients reduce pain, prevent complications, and maintain long-term foot health.

Expert Foot Care Starts Here

Your feet shouldn’t hurt—and the sooner discomfort is addressed, the better your outcome. Whether your pain is caused by shoes, injuries, medical conditions, or biomechanical issues, the team at Foot & Ankle Centers is here to help.

Take the first step toward pain-free feet by visiting us in McKinney, Frisco, or Little Elm. Whether you’re dealing with everyday discomfort or persistent foot pain, our team—including Drs. Treleven, Tavakoli, and Knapp—offers expert evaluation and personalized care to help you move comfortably and confidently again.