3 Different Types of Problems Caused by Foot Pain

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Along with being one of the most important parts of the body, the foot is also one of the most complex. Made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 tendons, ligaments and muscles, the foot is susceptible to various health issues.


Whether you’re feeling discomfort in your toes, heels, arches or soles, the cause of foot pain falls into two categories: poor lifestyle choices and medical conditions. Examples of medical conditions include arthritis, obesity and diabetes. People with diabetes are more likely to have nerve damage and clogged arteries in the legs and feet.


When it comes to lifestyle choices, one of the biggest (and most obvious) reasons you’re experiencing foot pain is because of improper footwear. Several examples include wearing high heels to and from the office every day, low-cushioned shoes while running long distance, and low-traction footwear during hiking. There’s a reason why certain shoes are designed for certain forms of exercise!


Here are the top three health problems caused by foot pain:

 

1.     Excessive pressure on your joints

 

Foot pain can cause you to compensate and put more force on joints in your toes and ankles.

 

2.     Limping

 

A limp which can throw off the alignment of your knees and hips.

 

3.     Plantar fasciitis, bunions and more

 

Foot pain can be the result of more serious health conditions. These include plantar fasciitis, bunions, achilles tendinitis, Morton’s neuroma, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and the list goes on.

 

5 Signs You Should See a Doctor

The symptoms of foot pain may appear like another medical condition, which is why it’s important to consult with your physician:

1. The pain is severe and came out of nowhere.

2. You’re unable to place weight on your foot.

3. The problem area is inflamed.

4. The problem area has an open wound.

5. You have a medical condition that blocks blood flow.

 

While treatment will vary depending on the type of foot pain, it will likely include one or a combination of the following:

·       Rest

·       Stretching exercises

·       Applying an ice pack to the area

·       Anti-inflammatory medications

 

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Preventing Foot Pain

As with all health issues, prevention is the best medicine. Here are the top tips recommended by doctors:

  • Wearing shoes that are comfortable with good arch support and cushioning

  • Focus less on being fashionable and more on being practical. Of course, heels make your legs look amazing (I don’t deny it ladies!), but there are some other practical and much less painful options out there

  • Warm up before exercising and cool down after exercising.

  • Pace yourself during workouts. This means if you’re running gradually lengthen the distance and if you’re lifting weights, slowly add more over time.

  • Take a load off (literally). Try dropping a few extra pounds to place less weight on your joints. If you’re at a job that requires a lot of standing, make sure you’re taking enough sitting breaks

  • Replace your running or walking shoes on a regular basis. While nothing beats the comfort of an old pair of shoes, there comes a time to let them go. All shoes have a lifespan when it comes to proper protection and support.

 

Be honest with yourself: Are you currently contributing to your foot pain? If so, it’s up to you to take the steps to make positive, lasting change.

Chris DiVecchio