1. Get to the Bottom of It
Foot pain is uncomfortable and in some cases disabling, so it's important to find the cause. Knowing something about the anatomy of your foot answers many questions. The foot has a total of 26 bones, 33 joints and 100 muscles and tendons. All of these parts work together to provide stability, balance and mobility for the entire body. With the tough job they do everyday, occasional intense foot pain isn't a surprise.
2. If the Shoe Doesn't Fit
Nine out of ten women in the US have foot pain associated with badly fitting shoes; badly fitting meaning just too small. The shoes that cause the toe to sit for long periods of time in an unnatural or cramped position cause bunions. Bunions are when the base of the big toe that connects to the rest of the foot becomes large and sticks out. This causes a bump that is sore to the touch and hurts when wearing shoes. Sever bunions often require surgery. Other foot problems resulting from tight shoes are: calluses, corns and hammertoes. Calluses happen when the skin on foot just beneath the toes stays crunched up. Corns are hard, dried skin that pushes against the inside of the shoe causing pain. When toe muscles can't relax into their natural position, the toe muscle becomes rigid causing hammertoes.
3. Put Your Foot Down
If you put your bare foot down and feel pain in the ball of the foot, it may be plantar warts. Plantar warts are fairly common, very painful and difficult to get rid of. Plantar warts are visible when there is an interruption in the pattern of lines on the ball of the foot. Plantar warts grow inward and cause pain when stepping down. Severe plantar warts usually require several trips to the podiatrist. Left untreated, they spread and are highly contagious to others sharing the same walking surface. If you suspect you have plantar warts, check your entire family and treat anyone with visible signs of the condition.
4. Heels Need Healing
A common source of foot pain is pain in the heel when connective tissue between the heel to the sole of the foot gets inflamed. This happens without injury in most cases. Heel pain hurts the most in the morning when the blood flow to the foot increases. Heel pain makes walking and even standing difficult. Relieve heel pain by doing simple stretching exercises, using a cold compress and taking prescribed or over the counter anti-inflammatory medication. Physical therapy and chiropractic treatment are other options for severe heel pain.
5. A Treat for Feet
The best way to treat or prevent foot pain is by taking care of your feet. Feet get a lot of abuse from badly fitting shoes, bad hygiene and improper nail trimming. Take time to care for your feet and avoid many common, pain causing conditions. Make high heeled, narrow toed shoes the exception. Soak your feet and trim toe nails regularly.
