subject: 4 Common Foot Problems And Potential Treatments For Them [print this page] The Podiatry Institute has identified more than 60 foot problems that cause foot pain. Foot pain affects all activities of daily living. Constant pain decreases a person's overall quality of life. Here are three common causes of foot pain.
Bunions
Simply put, a bunion is an enlarged big toe joint. The area around the bunion may be red and the skin may be irritated. It is caused by the bones in the toe being positioned unevenly. The fluid that surrounds the joint may become inflamed and this causes pain and swelling.
Pain is usually felt at the joint itself or under the big toe. The pain may cause sufferers to shift their weight off the bunion while walking causing pain to the ball of the foot.
The primary cause of bunions is genetic, meaning bunions are passed down from generation to generation. Even though bunions are not specifically caused by wearing improper shoes, improperly fitting shoes may exacerbate the pain. The first step in alleviating bunion pain is to wear comfortable shoes. Shoes that have a wide toe space are the best.
Some over-the-counter shoe inserts may be helpful. Also available are toe separators that fit between the big toe and the next toe to keep the big toe in a straight position. There also are bunion cushions that fit across the bunion itself as the foot is inserted into the shoe to protect the bunion from the pressure of the shoe.
If comfortable shoes or shoe inserts don't help and the foot pain becomes unbearable, surgery may be considered. Different surgical approaches depend on personal factors such as the severity of the pain, general health, activity and age.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral Neuropathy is a major cause of foot pain. The most common cause of this neuropathy is diabetes. There are other causes, such as autoimmune disorders and side effects of some drugs, that are also responsible for this painful condition.
The symptoms begin with numbness and tingling in the feet. Some people report a sense of deep pain. The condition can be serious since minor injuries to the feet may go unnoticed. A person can step on a sharp object or step into a bathtub filled with very hot water and not experience any pain. People with this condition should check their feet every day for any sign of irritation or injury.
All diabetics, but especially those who suffer from peripheral neuropathy, need to keep their blood sugar in control. This influences the pain level of the neuropathy. There are also certain medications that have been found to alleviate the pain of this condition.
The neuropathy sufferer should always wear comfortable shoes. Going barefoot is not recommended due to the possibility of unknowingly injuring the feet. Comfortable properly-fitted shoes are important so that the shoes do not increase harm to the feet and the feet stay protected.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is also referred to as a "Heel Spur." It is caused by inflammation due to a tear in the plantar fascia. The fascia is a fibrous band which runs down the bottom of the foot from the heel to the ball. The foot pain can be intense, even when at rest. The pain increases upon standing or walking. Walking barefoot causes even more pain.
The primary causes of plantar fasciitis are wearing improper shoes and stress caused from walking or running on hard surfaces during sports. People with flat feet or high arches are more susceptible.
Putting ice on the painful area along with massage will help ease the pain. The most effective treatment is wearing comfortable shoes with adequate arch supports. There are shoe inserts that can be purchased over-the-counter that may help.
Cracked Heels
Many people suffer from this painful condition. There are a number of causes for this. Skin-related diseases such as psoriasis can cause this problem. Diabetes is another cause because the diabetic's production of skin oils is decreased. Also kidney disease, thyroid disease and vitamin deficiencies all can cause this condition as they cause dry skin in general. Aging exacerbates the condition because the skin dries and loses its elasticity.
Standing for a long time in shoes that do not fit properly puts pressure on the heels and can cause a breakdown of the skin. This condition is treated with routine use of moisturizers to the damaged skin. Wearing comfortable shoes that provide adequate uncomfortable foot support so that there is not undue pressure on the heel is also important.
