The Foot and Associated Problems of Pain and Discomfort

Overview


•About 75% of people in the United States have foot pain at some time in their lives.

•Most foot pain is caused by shoes that do not fit properly or that force the feet into unnatural shapes (such as pointed-toe, high-heeled shoes).

•Foot pain generally starts in one of three places: the toes, the forefoot, or the hindfoot.

•Nearly all causes of foot pain can be grouped under one of the following:

•Ill-fitting shoes

•Certain medical conditions

•High-impact exercise

Treatment

•The acronym RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation -- the four basic elements of immediate treatment for an injured foot.

•Orthonyxia, a newer surgical technique that implants a small metal brace into the top of the nail, may be as effective as traditional surgical techniques for preventing ingrown toenails from recurring.

•The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) suggests shoe inserts, medications, and stretching as a first line of therapy for heel pain.

Prevention

The American Podiatric Medical Association offers the following tips for preventing foot pain:

•Don't ignore foot pain -- it's not normal.

•Inspect feet regularly.

•Wash feet regularly, especially between the toes, and dry them completely.

•Trim toenails straight across, but not too short.

•Make sure shoes fit properly.

•Wear the right shoe for specific activities (such as running shoes for running).

•Don't wear the same pair of shoes every day.

•Avoid walking barefoot, which increases the risk for injury and infection.

•It is critical that people with diabetes see a podiatric physician at least once a year for a checkup.

In future postings I will offer a discussion of specific foot ailments.



Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Fallen Arches

Many people are plagued with a foot condition known as fallen arches (also known as flat feet). This condition is relatively simple to identify and treat, yet some people with this condition assume it as an permanent sign of age or heredity.


Description

A fallen arch (pes planus) occurs when the arch or instep of either foot gives way and touches the ground.

Symptoms

Signs of fallen arches include swelling and pain along the inside of your ankle, a flat development to your feet, unevenness in the wear of your shoes, foot pain and the frequent tilting of your heel away from the body's midline.

Causes

The loss of arch support can be caused by a number of circumstancess. They include obesity, continuous stresses on your feet (including high heels), injury to either your foot, ankle or both, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, damaged muscles, diabetes or simply wearing shoes that do not provide adequate arch support.

Complications

Fallen arches can add to or worsen other foot problems. These include pain in the ligaments on the bottom of your foot (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendinitis, bunions and/or calluses, stress fractures to your lower leg and shin splints. Additionally, you could find it awkward or be unable to walk or run normally.

Treatment

Your doctor can examine your feet, observing them from all sides and have you stand up on your toes to determine the mechanics of your feet. Subsequently, to see the bones and structure of your feet, he may order an X-ray or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of them. He can then suggest treatment or therapy according to the results.


If your arch failure is because of obesity, it would be advisable to start a weight-loss program since weight can cause continued collapse and eventual injury to the feet. Pick up or carry only moderately weighted objects and just for short distances.

Custom arch supports can be bought at quality shoe stores, especially those that employ certified pedorthists (sales specialists certified in the study of foot structure, especially of customers who have foot problems). These can be used in many shoes you wear.
 Custom Arch Supports Custom Insoles; Made at Home by ArchCrafters

Considerations

If you have diabetes, consult with your doctor as to the type of therapy and shoes that will relieve your pain. If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, ask your doctor to include fallen-arch therapy in your overall therapy.
Posted by LarryG at 10:40 PM
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