Common Foot Problems That Might Be Causing Pain (And What You Can Do About It.)
Do your feet constantly ache, or do you sometimes experience sharp pain? Here are some of the most common foot problems you might be faced with and some tips to help you start feeling better as quickly as possible.
The moment you throw your legs over the bed in the morning and stand up to start your day, what do you feel? For many people, the first thing they notice is excruciating pain in their feet. It might be a dull, throbbing pain. Or, it’s a sharp, shrill pain. All types of pain show that something is going on in your foot or feet.
You’ve been putting up with a limp for too long. There are things you can do to ease and end your foot pain. Keep reading for the main types of foot problems and the ways you can fix them. Start by ensuring all your shoes fit. You shouldn’t feel any restriction or pain in your feet. Check this list of the best shoes for bunions according to podiatrists. Then, seek medical guidance as you may need surgery.
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Foot Problems #1: Heel Pain
Your heels take the brunt of your weight when you walk. Our anatomy forces the heel to hit the ground first. This can cause a slew of pain-inducing issues.
Plantar Fasciitis
This condition causes the most pain when you get out of bed in the morning. Basically, when you put pressure on your feet after relaxing for hours, it tends to flare up. It’s excruciating if you’re overweight and thus put extra pressure on the feet.
Plantar fasciitis is the irritation of the heel tissues. It’s caused by abnormal walking patterns, like being flat-footed or having a high arch. Excessive use of your foot muscles through certain exercises can also cause it.
You need to take extra care of your feet. Consider trying foot alignment socks from My Happy Feet. Elevate your feet when you rest, and practice foot stretches daily. Also, make sure the shoes you wear have enough support.
Heel Spurs
You’ll know you have heel spurs if you feel pain when you standing or walking around. The slightest pressure on your feet at any time of day can be a sign. Heel spurs are small growths on your heel that affect the dispersion of weight.
Depending on where they are on your heel, you may not even know you have them. But, if you feel pain, it’s likely because they’re on the bottom of your heel. You may need to have a custom heel pad created for your shoes. These will compensate for the unevenness of your heel. It might also be beneficial to try physical therapy or see a foot specialist.
Foot Problems #2: Pain in the Ball of the Foot
The ball of your foot is the padded area between your arch and the base of your toes. It’s responsible for absorbing the pressure as you walk forward.
Metatarsalgia
Our feet can become inflamed for a variety of reasons. If the inflammation is in the ball of your feet, it’s likely due to shoes that don’t fit. Walking or running in shoes that are too tight can compress and restrict your foot tissues.
For physical exercise shoes, go to a specialist shoe store. They will assess your weight dispersion when you walk and measure your feet. Then, you’ll find a pair of shoes that are a perfect fit.
Sesamoiditis
The tendons surrounding your big toe can become inflamed or injured. This type of inflammation is sesamoiditis. Like tendonitis, it sometimes requires medical assistance to treat.
To ease the pain, ice your feet. You can also tape your big toe to your other toes to immobilize it. Ideally, this will allow the inflammation to heal on its own. Another common treatment for sesamoiditis is steroid injections in the tendons. If you’re hesitant to receive injections, consider seeing a naturopathic doctor first.
Foot Problems #3: Toe Pain
Despite our toes being small limbs, they are capable of feeling extreme pain. The causes of this pain can be more complicated than pain in your heel or ball of the foot.
Gout
This severe type of arthritis can happen out of nowhere. You wake up one morning with excruciating pain in your big toe with no explanation. Medication is usually needed to treat gout.
Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal drugs or colchicine. You can support the healing process by avoiding foods that make gout worse, like red meats and seafood.
Bunions
As you age, it’s common to develop growths along the sides of your feet. These growths are bunions and are usually found near the big toe. Although genetics can determine if you get bunions, wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause them too. Shoes that are designed to prevent putting pressure on the foot’s bunion are now made available.
If you are looking for a pair, Lilly Harvey’s review on ShoeAdviser.com/work-safety/
Then, seek medical guidance as you may need surgery.
Ingrown Toenails
When the skin on the sides of your toenail grows over the nail, it becomes ingrown. This is an excruciating condition, especially if it gets infected. Try soaking your foot in warm water until the skin becomes soft.
Do this many times a day and try to slide a gauze piece between the skin and the nail if you can. You will need to see a doctor if the pain is unbearable and at-home treatments don’t work.
Foot Problems #4: All-over Foot Pain
If you suffer from pain throughout your entire foot, there could be something serious going on. It’s recommended you see a doctor and have them assess your symptoms.
All-over foot pain is sometimes caused by nerve damage, tendinitis, or a fracture. In the meantime, before you see your doctor, ice your foot. Let it rest and keep it elevated. Avoid walking on it and doing strenuous activities.
Ready to Heal Your Foot Pain?
You don’t have to limp around or endure the pain any longer. There are lots of at-home methods to treat your foot problems, for instance, foot alignment socks. You can also see a doctor if the pain is unbearable and you can’t fix it from home.
It’s important to pay attention to what your body tells you through the pain. Pain is a sign that something isn’t right and needs your attention. You can prevent pain by living a healthy lifestyle. For more information on body pain, health, and fitness, check out our blog.
