Understanding Common Foot Problems
Our feet carry us everywhere throughout the day, so it's no surprise they can develop some issues. From annoying to painful, foot problems range from mild to severe. By understanding some of the most common foot problems, you can be better equipped to manage them.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the skin surrounding it. This often happens when toenails are cut too short, but other factors like shoe pressure can also cause it. Ingrown toenails cause redness, swelling, infection, and pain in the affected toe.
To treat an ingrown toenail, properly trim the nail straight across to allow the skin to heal. Soak the feet, apply antibiotic ointment, and bandage the toe. Severe cases may require a minor procedure to permanently correct the nail border.
Athletes Foot
Despite its name, you dont have to be an athlete to develop this common fungal infection. Athletes foot leads to scaling, flaking, redness, and itching of the feet due to overgrowth of fungus.
Practice good foot hygiene to both treat and prevent athletes foot. Keep feet clean and dry, wear breathable shoes and socks, and apply over-the-counter antifungal creams. For more stubborn infections, prescription oral medications may be needed.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis refers to inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue running along the bottom of the foot. This causes stabbing heel pain with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of inactivity.
To manage plantar fasciitis, stretch and massage the arch of the foot before standing. Wear shoes with good arch support and cushioning. Icing and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can provide relief as well.
Common Foot Deformities
Certain structural foot problems can make walking normally difficult and painful. Understanding common foot deformities allows you to better manage them.
Bunions
A bunion refers to an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe, causing the big toe to angle inward. This forces the smaller toes outward, leading to discomfort and difficulty finding proper footwear.
Use padding and bunion splints to relieve pressure points from bunions. Wider shoes with a soft sole allow more room for bunions. If conservative treatments fail, bunion surgery can realign the big toe.
Hammertoes
Normally, toes lie flat and straight, but hammertoes cause an abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe. This bending leads to irritation, corns, and calluses as toes are forced into shoes.
Use toe spacers and splints to realign bent toes, along with shoe inserts and pads. Hammertoe surgery may be an option for lasting relief if conservative treatments are unsuccessful.
Flat Feet
Also called fallen arches, flat feet cause the entire sole of the foot to touch the ground. This lack of arch support stresses the feet, ankles, and knees, leading to pain.
Wear supportive shoes with arch inserts and avoid going barefoot. Calf stretches keep muscles loose. Severe flat feet may benefit from prescription orthotics or even surgery in some cases.
Foot Problems from Injury
Sudden injuries can also cause a variety of foot problems. Understanding common foot injuries helps optimize treatment.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains involve stretched and torn ligaments resulting from sudden twisting motions. This leads to instability, bruising, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle and foot.
The RICE method can treat ankle sprains - rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications also help. Physical therapy often improves outcomes as well.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures occur from repetitive overuse of the foot, causing tiny cracks or fissures in the bones. Runners and dancers are at high risk, but stress fractures can happen to anyone increasing their activity level too quickly.
The only treatment for stress fractures is extended rest from the offending activity along with immobilization. Use crutches or a boot to avoid bearing weight until significant healing occurs, usually 4-8 weeks.
Plantar Fasciitis
Repetitive pressure and strain on the long ligament running along the bottom of the foot causes microscopic tears and inflammation. Plantar fasciitis commonly affects runners, dancers, aerobic instructors, and those who are overweight.
Stretching the plantar fascia tissue treats and relieves symptoms. Rest, ice packs, orthotics, night splints, physical therapy, and cortisone injections can also help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
When cared for properly, most foot problems can be managed relatively easily. However, chronic or worsening foot pain warrants medical attention. Working with your doctor ensures proper diagnosis and treatment to keep you moving comfortably.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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