Are Your Feet on the Naughty Foot Pain List?
Did You Know? Only a small percentage of the population is born with foot problems. It’s neglect, lack of awareness and ill-fitting shoes that create preventable problems.
The A, B, Cs of Foot Pain
Types of Pain:
- Arthritis and Joint Pain. In an article published by the Arthritis Foundation, author Emily Delzell agrees, “When your feet hurt, it’s hard to think about anything else, and everyday activities that involve standing or walking for more than a few minutes can become too daunting to attempt. Making good shoe choices can prevent problems, but for many of those who are already suffering, orthotics – shoe inserts designed to ease foot pain and correct structural issues – may provide much-needed relief.” Learn more…
- Agonizing Bunions. Bunions are enlargements of bone on the first toe joint. Some of the causes may be footwear, disease, genetics or overpronation (flat feet). Bunions are a progressive deformity. The area will often become painful and red. Controlling excess pronation can often take pressure off the first toe joint and help to relieve the pain, but it will not change the size of the enlargement. An orthotic can stop or slow down the progression of the deformity, but only surgery can remove the excess bone. Effective shoe lacing techniques can also help to relieve pressure. Learn more…
- Heel, Arch, Knee or Foot Pain. Often when a person experiences heel, arch, knee or foot pain it is associated with complications of poor foot function. A comprehensive examination and assessment by a licensed Chiropodist or Podiatrist will pinpoint the origin of your pain and what options will help alleviate it. Learn more…
- Heel Spurs. This is a painful condition caused by calcium deposits on the base of the heel putting pressure on other areas of the feet. High impact sports that strain the arch and throw off the natural balance of the foot, like squash and running are the most common causes. Even quick weight gain can be the culprit. Learn more…
- Ingrown Toenails. The edge of the toenail being driven into the toe by shoes (or boots) that are too tight can result in a painful ingrown toenail. The nail cuts into the side of the toe, creating a shooting pain as it puts pressure on the nerves. Learn more…
- Plantar fasciitis (Heel Pain). Commonly known as heel pain, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the dense band of tissue called the plantar fascia that extends from the bottom of the heel bone to the base of the toes (ball of the foot). Learn more…
- Sports Related. Common sports injuries include stress fractures, sprains, bursitis, metatarsalgia, heel spur syndrome, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, tendinitis, runner’s knee, and hamstring injuries. Other foot problems which can impact sports participation can be; ingrown toenails, bleeding under the nail, blisters and onychomycosis (fungal infection). Learn more…
- Workplace Athletes. A large number of people are exposed to injuries due to prolonged periods of standing and walking in the workplace.
The best treatment plan for any foot problem is prevention.
Take care of your feet, see your Chiropodist for routine footcare regularly and follow these simple recommendations:
- Bathe your feet daily and dry them thoroughly.
- Check your feet frequently for corns, calluses and cracks.
- Keep your feet warm.
- Trim your toenails straight across, slightly longer than the end of the toe.
- Proper fitting footwear considering both length and width.
At the first sign of a problem (pain or discomfort) see your Chiropodist. Don’t wait until the symptoms become severe.
