Foot pain is more common than you may think. Foot pain can develop anywhere in your foot –from the toes, ball, arch, sole, heel and ankle. Here are some common causes of foot pain and how to treat them.
Blisters or Corns
Corns and blisters are a common cause of foot pain.
Causes: Corns are caused by repeated pressure or friction on an area of skin. The pressure causes the skin to die and form a hard protective surface known as a corn. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can rub against your foot repeatedly causing blisters or corns.
Treatment: Areas that have been affected by a blister should be covered with a band-aid, and should heal on its own. Corns should be trimmed by your doctor.
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are often associated with plantar faciitis –a painful inflammation of the connective tissues that run along the bottom of your foot.
Causes: Heel spurs occur when calcium deposits a buildup on the underside of the heel bone. The process occurs over the period of a few months. Heel spurs are often caused by straining, over stretching or repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone.
Treatment: Treatment for heel spurs can vary by using various stretching exercises, special shoes, inserts or physical therapy. There may also be the need for surgery, but at least 90 percent of all patients recover without the help of surgery. You can also prevent heel spurs by wearing proper shoes with shock absorbent soles and warming up properly before exercise or activity.
Bunions
Bunions are the bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe. Bunions can often be painful, and cause great discomfort.
Causes: Bunions are caused from uneven weight on your joints and tendons. They can also be caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes.
Treatment: There are a number of home treatments that can reduce the discomfort bunions cause, but to completely eliminate bunions surgery must be performed.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are a common condition that involves toenails to grow into the side of your nailbed. Ingrown toenails are painful and if not taken care of –can lead to infection.
Causes: Ingrown toenails can be caused by wearing too tight of shoes that crowd your toenails together, not cutting your toenails correctly, or injuring your toenail or nailbed.
Treatment: If home treatments are unsuccessful in treating your ingrown toenails –you might need to seek medical attention. Your doctor may recommend having one of three treatments done: Lifting of the nail, partial removal of the nail, or complete removal of the nail.
Tags: Foot Care, Prevention, Toenail