Sharp Needle Like Pain In Foot | 7 Possible Causes
A sharp needle like pain in foot can be due to various issues. If you didn’t receive an injury, it must be another medical issue. That means it is essential to see the problem and what to do about it.
You can’t fix a problem if you don’t know the cause, so that needs ascertaining first of all.
The best way to ascertain this is our constant sharing method with readers. We look at the various symptoms you may experience and consider the cause.
The body works as one unit, which means some illnesses may share the same symptoms. We look at those that don’t apply to help with elimination to work this issue out.
Once you can figure out which apply to you, it becomes easier to treat though it may leave more than one. You can now use the treatments that apply to those conditions, especially those that don’t require medication.
If drugs are part of the treatment, it is best to get advice from a physician. Here are the leading causes of sharp needle pain in the foot.
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Leading Causes Of Sharp Needle Like Pain In Foot
Charcot Arthropathy Of The Foot
You can experience Charcot arthropathy in the feet due to illnesses like diabetes or weak bones in the feet. Other causes are dislocation of bones and fractures.
Symptoms of this condition are numbness in the feet and joint pain. Other symptoms are swelling in one or both feet. The area may feel warm and be red; the swelling may come and go.
Treatments for Charcot arthropathy in the feet are pain medication to help ease the pain. The doctor will use a cast to help hold the bones in place; it may just be a boot cast for the ankle and instep.
Rest is another part of the treatment as the person must avoid any weight on the cast.
Frostnip Of The Lower Limbs
This condition is rare but possible during the winter months. The tip of the toes can become damaged due to cold exposure. Frost can cause permanent damage to the fingers and toes. In many cases, the removal of these body parts is necessary.
Symptoms for frostnip are limping, foot pain, coldness in toes, numbness, swelling of the feet, and redness in the feet.
Treatments for this condition are immediate warming of the area to save your feet and toes. Place your feet in warm water until you can no longer feel the cold in your feet. The water should be at least 40 to 42 Celcius.
Chronic Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy
Chronic idiopathic peripheral neuropathy causes relate to the wearing down of the body. The actual cause is unknown, but it happens to persons 60 years and older. This knowledge alone should tell you it has to do with aging.
The symptoms of chronic idiopathic peripheral neuropathy are tingling and sensations like pins and needles in the feet. Other symptoms are cramping, numbness, and weakness in the feet. You may find difficulty standing as well.
Treatment for this condition is painkillers and occupational and physical therapy. Other treatments include surgery, braces, therapeutic shoes, and support to keep the weight off your feet.
Sharp Needle Like Pain In Foot – Other Causes
It can be appalling the conditions that can affect the human body. One look at the issues of your feet shows how complex the human body can be. However, we have more to come, so keep reading as some of the other causes may pertain to you. Here are other conditions to consider.
Jones Fracture
If you injured your foot, chances are you have a Jones fracture. The fifth metatarsal, a bone on the outside of the foot, becomes damaged. The injury can be from a sudden impact or a fine crack that worsens due to use and time.
The symptoms of a Jones fracture are excruciating pain in the foot, look of bruising, and trouble walking. Other symptoms are injury pain and constant foot pain.
The treatment for this condition is rest, as any movement can worsen the injury. Other treatments include surgery to align the fracture and speed up healing. If you choose to let it heal on its own, that might take longer.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the feet. If the compression affects the posterior tibial nerve, it can send messages to the brain, resulting in pain. Nerves can cause pain throughout the body, including the feet.
Symptoms for Tarsal tunnel syndrome are numbness in the bottom of the feet, excruciating pain, tingling, and burning sensation in the foot. Other symptoms are swelling of the feet.
Treatments for this condition are steroid injections and anti-inflammatory medications. Protecting the injured foot is vital; use a brace, splint, or other orthotic devices to secure the foot.
Foot Injury From An Object
If you happen to get a splinter, nail, or some other object in your foot, that could cause the pain. Straight off the bat, if a foreign object injured you, you know the cause.
Symptoms for this type of injury are bleeding, pain in the foot, and a visible puncture or entry wound. The injury may cause swelling and redness.
Treatments for such injuries are removing the object if it is still in the foot. Other treatments are stopping the bleeding, cleaning the wound, and wrapping it with a bandage to prevent infection.
You may also take pain medication to help with the pain.
Posterior Tibialis Tendinopathy
Posterior tibialis tendinopathy can cause pain to the feet if the posterior tibialis tendon is damaged. The tendon connects the calf muscle to the bottom of your feet.
Symptoms for posterior tibialis tendinopathy are ankle and foot pain and swelling. The more you use the feet, the worse the pain becomes. Inability to raise the heel and problems in the arch in the feet are known symptoms.
Treatments for this condition are orthotics devices and braces. If the condition is severe, you may require surgery as well. Other treatments include pain medication to assist with the pain.
Another sharp needle like pain in foot conditions could be a sprain, so if you know that you are wringing your foot, then let the doctor know. Plantar fasciitis is another condition that can cause such pain as the heel loses strength and collagen.
The inflammation causes the pain, so be sure to address that. These are the leading causes of foot pain. If you are unsure of your condition, consult your doctor.