What could be causing you foot pain?
As we walk through life, we hope to always keep our feet planted firmly and painlessly on the ground. However, since our feet carry us around and are constantly moving from one place to another, the expectation of never having foot problems isn’t a realistic one. Therefore, although foot pain isn’t always a major cause for concern, it’s essential to look at possible causes of foot pain.
Fractures and sprains
Our feet are wonderfully complex. We have 28 tiny bones in our feet that are connected to muscles and tendons. As a result, our feet undergo a lot of wear and tear. If you have injured your foot and are experiencing pain and difficulty walking, you should see your podiatrist. You might have a sprain, fracture, or even a break. Visiting your podiatrist soon after an injury occurs might help your recovery since you’ll receive proper treatment.
Achilles tendonitis
Our bodies’ largest tendon runs from the calf to the heel. These tendons are called our Achilles tendons, and they are the tendons in the body that are most frequently injured. Inflammation of these tendons is called Achilles tendonitis, and it can cause significant discomfort and pain. Inflammation mainly occurs due to overuse, as with sports, for example. You can help ease the inflammation with over-the-counter pain medication and resting the leg. It is also beneficial to ice the muscle and to do some gentle stretching daily.
Hammertoes
Our toes undergo a lot of stress. Stress on the toes can be due to shoes that don’t fit well, old injuries, or the muscles and tendons being unbalanced in the feet. As a result, over a substantial amount of time, these toes can become contractured. Toes that bend permanently because of this are called hammertoes. Hammertoes can be very painful, but there are some relief options available. People who suffer from hammertoes can choose special orthopedic shoes, and pain medications can help with the pain. In severe cases, a podiatrist might recommend surgery.
Heel spurs
A bony growth can form under the heel where the tissue connects to the bone. If the tissue that runs under the length of the foot is overused or stressed, inflammation can occur. Overuse of the tissue may be because of improper shoes, sports, or excess weight. When it becomes grossly inflamed, it might pull on the bone. This could result in the body adjusting by growing more bone.
Heel spurs can be extremely painful, but fortunately, there are treatment options available. People who experience the discomfort of heel spurs might benefit from gentle daily stretching and icing. It is also vital to get shoes that fit you correctly if you have a heel spur. In extreme cases, steroid injections or surgery will be recommended by a podiatrist.
Metatarsalgia
Inflammation right behind the toes on the ball of the foot can be excruciating. This inflammation is called metatarsalgia, and it is not unusual among people who jump and run a lot. It can also be caused due to shoes that don’t fit well. If you feel a sharp pain on the ball of your foot that resembles having a stone in your shoe, you might have metatarsalgia. Regular icing will help as well as proper shoes that fit perfectly.
Corns
Small, painful bumps can form on the top of the toes due to other toes or ill-fitting shoes. They are called corns, and they may cause significant discomfort. Corn pads are available to offer some relief. However, it is essential to note that it is never good to remove corns by yourself since this can lead to infections. A podiatrist can help with corn removal with a simple shaving procedure.
Bunions
Bunions are bumps that feel hard to the touch. They form on the bottom joint of the big toe. Reasons for bunions might include wearing shoes that fit too tightly or the natural shape of the foot. In addition, bunions can become inflamed, causing them to be tender and painful. Remedies to help with the discomfort of bunions include regular icing, proper fitting shoes, and daily gentle stretches. Surgery options are available, but the recovery time might belong, and unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the bunion won’t reappear over time.
Morton’s neuroma
The body might form extra nerve tissue if two bones rub together frequently and press on the nerves that run between them. The excess nerve tissue is called Morton’s neuroma, and it can be very annoying. People with Morton’s neuroma might experience numbness, swelling, tingling sensations, or pain. Good fitting shoes and the rest of the foot may help with the discomfort. In severe cases, a podiatrist might recommend cortisone injections or surgery.
Plantar fasciitis
The tissue that runs along the foot’s base that connects the heel to the toes’ base can become inflamed. It can cause a great deal of pain, especially in the heel. The main reason for the inflammation is overuse. It is less common among men. It is also common among people who have high arches or flat feet. Standing on hard surfaces or running without a proper warmup can also result in plantar fasciitis.
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, consult your podiatrist about a good stretch routine and good orthopedic shoes.
Diabetic foot pain
Diabetes has a severe impact on the body, including the feet. People who have diabetes are prone to develop damaged nerves, called neuropathy. Neuropathy can lead to weakness in the foot as well as tingling and stinging sensations. Foot ulcers are not uncommon amongst people with diabetes, and they mostly form on the bottom of the feet. Since neuropathy can lead to numbness of the foot, it may lead to injuries because the person might not feel cuts or bruises. Therefore people with diabetes need to check their feet daily for scarring. A regular check-up by a podiatrist is also recommended. If you are experiencing neuropathic pain, your podiatrist can give you advice about medications for pain relief.
Even though a foot injury isn’t often life-threatening, it is advised to take good care of your feet. Foot pain doesn’t have to mean that you’ll never be a few steps ahead again. You may also like to consider diabetic socks such as our own ShapedUp design diabetic comfort socks.
We hoped you found this small article informative but if you want to add anything else please do tell us in the comments below. Well Heeled is always looking to expand upon the information shared so we love to hear from you the reader!
