According to STARTHealthCare, three out of four Americans experience foot problems in a lifetime despite the fact that only a small group of individuals are born with foot problems. STARTHealthCare also states that women are four times more likely to experience foot problems than men because of their choice in footwear.
Magnesium
Magnesium is the fourth most common mineral found in the human body, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health. About half the magnesium found in the body is located in the bones. A good dietary source of magnesium is dark leafy green vegetables, whole grains and legumes. This mineral contains many health benefits for the human body, including the feet.
Osteoporosis and Foot Pain
One cause of foot pain for older people is osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder where the bone deteriorates, causing the bones to be more easily broken. According to Health Central, an older person complaining of a nondescript foot pain may have osteoporosis. When osteoporosis is the cause of the foot pain, the pain is usually in both feet. The bones of the feet are demineralizing and becoming weaker. The person, however, is still required to support an entire human body with the weaker feet. This causes pain.
Magnesium and Osteoporosis
A magnesium deficiency can be a risk for developing osteoporosis. An increase in the mineral magnesium improves bone density. According to The Magnesium Website, a group of women were given magnesium therapy and at the end of the two-year study there was a significant increase in bone density for the women. If a person with osteoporosis increases the amount of magnesium consumed, the bone will become denser, leading to less foot pain.
Heel Spurs and Foot Pain
A heel spur is a callus that develops on the bone, inside the foot. Calcium deposits trigger the callus to develop. A heal spur instigates inflammation, which leads to pain. According to Arthritis Trust, a calcium and magnesium deficiency has been known to produce heel spurs.
Magnesium and Heel Spurs
Because magnesium is necessary for calcium absorption, heel spur pain can be treated with magnesium and calcium supplements. The proper amount of these supplements prevents calcium deposits from forming on the bone. The recommended amounts are 1,500mg of calcium and 750mg of magnesium.
Warning
As with any supplement, you do not want to take too much magnesium. An overabundance of magnesium can lead to diarrhea and abdominal cramping. It is possible with very large doses to develop magnesium toxicity.
