Foot pain is part of life, but that fact often encourages people to tolerate rather than treat it. Not all foot pain is normal. Likewise, most lends itself to foot pain treatment. You need to know these five instances when you should stop tolerating pain and ask for medical help.

Prolonged Pain

People experience sore feet after a long day of standing at work or hiking. However, the pain should subside within hours once you stop the associated activities. Any foot pain that lasts days is a sign that you should seek treatment. Even if you think the injury is minor and will go away, ask a professional to check the foot.

Swelling

Swelling is your body's response to injury. Even if the swelling is more uncomfortable than painful, it's not a good thing. If the swelling doesn't go down within a day after applying hot-cold therapy and OTC medication, then you'll want to see a doctor. This is especially true if the swelling is instantly noticeable by looking at the foot. If you see bruising around the swollen area, ask for foot pain treatment immediately.

Numbness or Tingling

Some foot pain develops through nerve impingement or repetitive stress. Accumulated foot pain is as bad as instant injury. If the sensation doesn't go away within days and stays away, you should request care.

Bear in mind that foot pain frequently corresponds to other medical problems. Poor hydration or circulation can cut off blood vessels in the feet, for example. These are problems often associated with diabetes, but they can accompany other conditions. In extreme cases, ignoring foot pain, numbness, or tingling could lead to amputation.

Chronic Conditions

Most chronic conditions that affect the feet are treatable. If you have a history of arthritis, bunions, or plantar fasciitis, a professional can usually recommend solutions to mitigate the pain. Depending on the condition and its extent, the solutions may include massages, orthotic footwear, warm bathing of the feet, or medication. Loop your general practitioner or family doctor into the conversation to ensure everybody is as fully informed as possible.

Infections

Your feet take a beating. However, they should be tough enough to avoid infections during normal activities. If you've developed a foot infection, you should seek treatment immediately. There could be an associated condition like diabetes or an autoimmune disorder that limits healing. Even if there isn't another problem, poor healing is never good.

If you are suffering from foot pain, contact a medical professional today.