When Pain Becomes a Problem
Pain — we have all experienced it at some point in our lives. That unpleasant sensation of a sunburn, headache, or a stubbed toe on the bedpost. Pain, whether acute or chronic, varies from person to person. Early identification and treatment of the underlying cause of pain is important to reduce the prolonged, debilitating effects of pain.
Pain Relievers
There are many different modalities for managing and treating pain. Often times, over the counter pain medications such as Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve, and are readily accessible and therefore become the treatment of choice for pain relief. While these medications are generally safe, if taken as directed and at the recommended dose, they also carry risks. This includes side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding, drug interactions, or accidental overdosing that can turn fatal. As a precaution, it is important to carefully read the label prior to taking the medication or to consult your healthcare provider prior to taking the medication.
Risk of Over Medicating
Opioids, such as Percocet or Vicodin, are a powerful class of drug that may be prescribed by your doctor to treat pain, if indicated. Opioids are notorious for causing drug dependency, addiction, respiratory depression, or death if used inappropriately. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States is in the midst of an opioid overdose epidemic as these drugs have killed a record high of more than 42,000 people in 2016. The best ways to prevent opioid overdose deaths are to improve opioid prescribing, reduce exposure to opioids, prevent misuse, and treat opioid use disorder.
Whether you have been in pain for a few days or for several months, it is important to seek medical professional help. Your podiatrist can play an important role in diagnosing and treating your foot and ankle pain. Schedule a visit with one of our many foot and ankle specialists today.
The information on this site is provided for your assistance only; this site does not provide podiatric advice. You should never diagnose or treat yourself for a podiatric condition based on the information provided herein, and the information is not provided for that purpose. Likewise, you should never determine that treatment is unnecessary based on this information. The information contained herein is not a substitute for podiatric care provided by a licensed podiatric professional. The information provided herein is not podiatric, medical or professional advice. This site does not create a doctor-patient relationship.
Dr. Michelle Le and Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, LLC expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, related to any products offered for sale on this web site. Dr. Michelle Le and Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, LLC further expressly disclaims any product warranties of effectiveness or fitness for any particular purpose or use. You are solely responsible for your use of, or reliance on, any products offered for sale herein, and any consequences arising out of such use or reliance. In no event will Dr. Michelle Le and Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, LLC be liable for any damages resulting from use of or reliance on any such products, whether based on warranty, contract, tort or any other legal theory.
This website, and the information contained herein, is provided to you as a service for use at your sole risk.
[mashshare]