Foot Pain Diagnosis & Treatment in New Orleans
Foot pain can originate in the forefoot, heel, arch, ankle, or surrounding soft tissues. Identifying the exact location and pattern of discomfort helps determine the underlying condition. Below are the most common causes of foot and ankle pain we evaluate and treat.
The forefoot is the front portion of the foot, consisting of the five metatarsal bones, the phalanges (toes), and the associated joints, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues. It plays a critical role in weight distribution, balance, and propulsion during walking and running. The forefoot absorbs pressure during push-off and helps stabilize the body during gait.
A progressive deformity of the big toe joint that can lead to pain, inflammation, crowding of the toes, and difficulty with footwear. Click Bunion to explore advanced bunion treatment options at New Orleans Podiatry.
A structural toe deformity resulting in joint contracture, painful pressure points, corns, and shoe irritation. Click Hammertoes to explore advanced treatment options at New Orleans Podiatry.
A compression-related enlargement of nerve tissue between the toes that produces burning, numbness, or sharp forefoot pain, often worsened by tight footwear. Click Morton’s Neuroma to explore advanced treatment options at New Orleans Podiatry.
Degeneration or thinning of the protective fat pad beneath the forefoot, resulting in pressure-related pain and reduced shock absorption during walking. Click Fat Pad Atrophy to explore advanced treatment options at New Orleans Podiatry.
Stress-related or acute breaks in the metatarsal bones that result in swelling, point tenderness, and pain during weight-bearing. Click Fractures to explore advanced treatment options at New Orleans Podiatry.
Heel pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek podiatric care and can significantly impact daily activity. It may develop gradually from overuse or appear suddenly after increased activity, affecting the bottom, back, or sides of the heel. Because several conditions can produce similar symptoms, accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure effective treatment and lasting relief.
Inflammation of the plantar fascia causing sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Click on Plantar Fasciitis to learn more about diagnosis and treatment options at New Orleans Podiatry.
Bony growths on the underside of the heel that may contribute to chronic irritation and heel pain, often associated with plantar fasciitis. Click Heel Spurs to explore treatment options at New Orleans Podiatry
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon causing pain and stiffness at the back of the heel or ankle, often worsened by activity. Click Achilles Tendinitis to learn more about advanced treatment options at New Orleans Podiatry.
Pain in the arch or midfoot may result from joint degeneration, tendon strain, or nerve compression. Because multiple structures support this region, accurate diagnosis is essential for effective and lasting relief.
Degenerative changes within the foot joints that cause stiffness, swelling, reduced mobility, and chronic discomfort. Click Arthritis to learn more about diagnosis and treatment options at New Orleans Podiatry.
Inflammation of the tendons supporting the arch, often caused by overuse, repetitive strain, or biomechanical imbalance. Click Tendinitis to explore advanced treatment options at New Orleans Podiatry.
Compression of the tibial nerve along the inner ankle that produces burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain in the foot. Click Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome to learn more about treatment options at New Orleans Podiatry
Ankle injuries and chronic instability can lead to recurrent sprains, weakness, and long-term joint damage if not properly treated. Early evaluation and stabilization are key to preventing ongoing dysfunction and protecting the joint.
A ligament injury caused by twisting or rolling the ankle, resulting in pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Click Ankle Sprain to learn more about diagnosis and treatment options at New Orleans Podiatry.
Persistent ankle weakness or repeated sprains due to ligament laxity or incomplete healing after previous injury. Click Ankle Instability to explore advanced treatment options at New Orleans Podiatry.
Some forms of foot pain and irritation originate in the skin or nail structures. Proper evaluation helps distinguish minor surface concerns from conditions that require medical treatment.
A painful condition in which the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing redness, swelling, and possible infection. Click Ingrown Toenails to learn more about treatment options at New Orleans Podiatry.
A fungal infection that leads to nail thickening, discoloration, brittleness, and discomfort over time. Click Toenail Fungus to explore advanced treatment options at New Orleans Podiatry.
Viral skin growths on the sole of the foot that can become painful when walking or standing. Click Plantar Warts to learn more about treatment options at New Orleans Podiatry.
A splinter, glass fragment, sea urchin spine, or other embedded object that can cause pain, swelling, and risk of infection. Prompt evaluation ensures complete removal and reduces complications. Click Foreign Body to learn more about treatment options at New Orleans Podiatry.
Thickened areas of skin caused by repeated friction and pressure, often resulting in localized pain.
While trimming may provide temporary relief, lasting improvement requires identifying and correcting the underlying structural cause — and in many cases, surgical correction may be necessary. Corns are also frequently self-misdiagnosed and may actually represent plantar warts, callused lesions, or porokeratosis, making proper evaluation essential. Click Corns to learn more about diagnosis and treatment options at New Orleans Podiatry.
While many cases improve with conservative care, persistent pain, deformity, instability, or failure of prior treatments may require advanced intervention.
Dr. Lang provides surgical evaluation for:
We use imaging and diagnostic testing to guide precise treatment recommendations.
Persistent or worsening foot pain rarely resolves on its own. Early evaluation helps prevent chronic damage, structural changes, and prolonged recovery. Identifying the precise source of pain is the first step toward lasting relief.
Call our office, text our team, or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Edward Lang, DPM.
Call Us: (504) 897-3627
Text Us: (504) 897-3627
Mon-Thurs: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri: 7:00 AM - 12 PM (phones on until 5 PM, texting is provided after hours until 9pm)
