3 Types of Persistent Foot Pain That Deserve a Podiatrist’s Attention

At Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center, our dedicated team of podiatrists—Dr. Kyle Durfey, DPM, D.ABFAS, FACFAS, DABPM; Dr. Brian Hiapo, DPM, AACFAS, DABPM; and Dr. Dzeneta Pajazetovic, DPM—helps patients find lasting relief from chronic discomfort. We serve communities across Arizona in convenient offices in Laveen and Chandler.

Persistent foot pain is a debilitating condition that restricts your mobility and drastically alters your daily life activities. When pain lingers for weeks, it's often a sign of an underlying issue that requires professional medical attention rather than simple rest.

Why chronic foot pain shouldn't be ignored

Ignoring ongoing discomfort can lead to worsening joint damage, altered walking patterns, and secondary injuries in your knees or hips. Seeking an early evaluation allows us to identify the root cause of your pain, so we can create a personalized treatment plan.

3 types of persistent foot pain that need expert care

The three types of persistent foot pain that deserve a podiatrist's attention are burning nerve pain, sharp heel pain, and deep midfoot aching. Each of these conditions points to a specific underlying issue that we can diagnose and treat.

Burning or tingling nerve pain: This sensation often points to neuropathy, nerve damage that can cause numbness or sharp pain. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP, 2024), diabetic peripheral neuropathy develops in up to 50% of patients with diabetes, making early detection vital to prevent serious complications like ulcers.
Sharp, stabbing heel pain: Many people experience intense heel pain with their first steps in the morning, which is a classic sign of plantar fasciitis. A common misconception is that heel spurs cause this discomfort. However, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS, 2024) notes that most people with bone spurs have no pain, and the spurs themselves are not the source of plantar fasciitis symptoms.
Deep, aching midfoot pain: Persistent pain in the middle of your foot can make every step difficult, even without obvious swelling. Research published in the MDPI Journal of Clinical Medicine (2026) indicates that chronic midfoot pain without clear signs of osteoarthritis is frequently linked to bone marrow lesions that cluster around the cuneiform-metatarsal joints.

How we help you find relief

At our state-of-the-art facilities, we use advanced diagnostic tools like digital X-rays and ultrasound to pinpoint the exact source of your discomfort. Whether you need custom orthotics to realign your stride, targeted physical therapy, or advanced wound care, we tailor our approach to your unique needs.

You don't have to live with daily discomfort or limit your favorite activities. If you're struggling with ongoing foot or ankle pain, contact our team today to schedule an appointment at our Laveen or Chandler office.