You’ve been dealing with a nagging ache in your heel for weeks. Every morning, those first few steps out of bed send sharp pain through your foot. You’ve tried resting, stretching, and over-the-counter pain relievers, but nothing seems to help. Eventually, you wonder: Is this serious enough to see a professional?
At Alpine Foot & Ankle Clinic, our skilled Missoula podiatrist, Dr. Gregg Neibauer, understands that foot pain can be confusing. Many people wonder if what they’re experiencing warrants professional attention, or if they should just wait and “tough it out.” The truth is that early intervention often leads to faster recovery and prevents minor podiatric issues from becoming major problems.
Knowing when to seek podiatric care can save you months of unnecessary pain and help you get back to the activities you love sooner. Here’s what you should know, including what you can expect when you visit our podiatry practice in Missoula, Montana.
Red Flags Requiring Immediate Podiatric Attention
Some podiatric problems can’t wait. The following symptoms indicate a need for an immediate professional evaluation:
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Severe pain that prevents weight-bearing
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Redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or other signs of infection
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Numbness or tingling that doesn’t improve with rest
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Open wounds or sores that won’t heal
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Sudden onset of intense pain after an injury
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Visible deformity or unusual foot shape changes
For diabetic patients, any foot problem requires prompt medical attention, as diabetes can slow the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
When to Seek an Evaluation for Persistent Podiatric Pain
Fortunately, you don’t need to wait for severe symptoms to seek help for foot pain. We encourage patients to schedule a consultation with our Missoula podiatrist, Dr. Neibauer, if they experience:
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Pain that lasts for more than a few days and doesn’t improve
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Discomfort that interferes with daily activities
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Recurring heel pain, especially in the morning
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Persistent swelling that doesn’t respond to rest and elevation
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Pain that worsens with activity but doesn’t improve with rest
Don’t put up with foot pain. Early intervention often means simpler, more effective treatment. Many Alpine Foot & Ankle Clinic Montana and northern Idaho patients wish they’d sought treatment sooner. Give your feet the exceptional care they deserve.
Our Missoula Foot and Ankle Expert Offers Comprehensive Care
Dr. Neibauer diagnoses and treats the full spectrum of conditions associated with heel, foot, or ankle pain. He offers advanced treatments that can be difficult to find in our rural state, focusing on non-surgical therapies that help patients recover faster and with fewer risks.
Common conditions we address include:
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Strains and sprains. Stretching or tearing injuries, strains affect muscles or tendons, which attach muscles to bone, while sprains affect ligaments, which connect bones to joints.
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Plantar fasciitis. This inflammation of the plantar fascia—the thick ligament that connects the heel bone and toes—causes sharp heel pain, particularly noticeable with your first steps in the morning. Though the pain may ease with activity, it often recurs after rest.
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Heel spurs. When bony calcium deposits develop on the underside of the heel bone, it can cause stabbing pain when you walk or stand. Heel spurs often develop with plantar fasciitis but can also form independently.
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Bunions. Misaligned metatarsals cause the base of the big toe joint to jut outward, causing pain and inflammation and making it difficult to wear shoes. Bunions are a progressive condition, which makes early intervention crucial.
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Morton’s neuroma. Caused by a thickening of the nerve tissue between the third and fourth toes, Morton’s neuroma can make it feel like you’re walking on a pebble or standing on a fold in your sock. Burning, tingling, or numbness in the toes are other common symptoms.
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Stress fractures. Tiny cracks on the surface of bones can cause pain, tenderness—and even swelling and bruising—that typically worsens with activity and eases with rest.
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Arthritis. Several types of arthritis affect the feet, including osteoarthritis, caused by wear and tear; rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition; and gout, a painful inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystals in the joints.
What to Expect During Your Consultation With Our Missoula Podiatrist
Dr. Neibauer brings more than 20 years of experience to his Montana podiatry practice and takes a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating foot pain. During your initial evaluation, you’ll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and activity level. He’ll examine your feet, assess your gait, and recommend imaging studies—like X-rays or MRI—if needed.
Alpine Foot & Ankle Clinic offers advanced treatment options in Missoula, including shockwave therapy and laser treatments. These innovative interventions often provide swifter relief than traditional methods. Our personalized treatment plans focus on non-invasive and minimally invasive options whenever possible. Dr. Neibauer believes most foot problems can be resolved without surgery.
Don’t Put Up With Foot Pain
Delaying treatment for foot pain can cause you to alter your gait, leading to compensatory injuries in other parts of your body. It can also result in chronic pain that’s more difficult to treat, activity limitations that affect your quality of life, or more invasive treatments that could have been avoided. Don’t risk it. Take the first step toward foot pain relief today.