The foot, comprising 26 bones and several joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, is one of the most complex parts of the body. They are flexible structures divided into the following parts:The forefoot comprises the phalanges or the five toes, and the five longer bones (metatarsals).The midfoot that forms the arch of the foot is a pyramid-like structure consisting of the cuboid bone, three cuneiform bones, and the navicular bone.
The hind foot consists of the heel and the ankle. The leg bones (tibia and fibula) are supported by the talus bone forming the ankle. The heel bone (calcaneus) is the largest bone of the foot.
The bones mentioned, along with muscles, tendons, and ligaments, run along the surface of the feet. Connecting the heel to the calf muscles is the Achilles tendon, which is essential for running, jumping, and standing on the toes.
The foot is a vital organ. The primary reasons behind foot pain include excessive running, over-exercise, and wearing shoes for a long time. Individuals who put extra pressure on the foot might often feel foot pain. Arthritis is another major reason behind excruciating foot pain.
Foot pain can turn into a severe issue if neglected. When you have even the slightest foot pain, consult a medical professional beforehand to avoid further deterioration.
Food pain affects the quality of your daily life. You may experience difficulty in simply walking. Chronic foot pain might lead to a loss of balance, increase the risk of falling, and make it difficult to put on shoes.
Ankle pain
Ankle pain is often caused by intense exercise or wearing tight shoes. Ankle pain can be acute and can be a result of a sprained ankle, Achilles tendonitis, Bursitis, and Broken ankle.
Heel pain
Heel pain too has a common cause of too much exercise and wearing very tight shoes. Heel pain can result from various medical scenarios, including Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, Bursitis, Heel fracture or broken Achilles tendon.
Toe pain
Toe pain can be of different types. Pain in the toe can be due to several factors, including ingrown toenails, bunions, Raynaud’s or chilblains, broken toes, and gout.
Pain in the top of the foot
This pain can be caused by heavy exercising involving running, kicking, or jumping. Or, it may also happen when you wear very tight shoes.
It can also develop due to sprain or strain, Tendonitis, Osteoarthritis, and Gout.
Pain in the bottom of the foot
Pain in the bottom of the foot is often caused by exercises like running or wearing shoes that are too tight. It may also be caused by conditions such as Morton’s neuroma.
Pain in the bottom of the foot is a common result of a sprained foot, Morton’s neuroma, Plantar fasciitis, and Flat feet (fallen arches).
Pain in the ball of the foot
Exercises like running or wearing tight shoes can cause this type of pain. Some people have a foot shape that is responsible for putting excess pressure on the ball of the foot. Conditions like arthritis, hard or cracked skin, or a verruca can also be responsible for pain in the ball of the foot.
This pain is also caused by a sprain, Morton’s neuroma, Bursitis, arthritis, and bunions.
Foot pain may occur due to poor lifestyle choices or some common medical issues.
Wearing shoes with high heels or being too tight remains the top reason behind foot pain. This is because they put excessive pressure on your toes. Foot pain can also get developed if you play high-contact sports that involve running or kicking, like football.
Some common medical issues can also cause foot pain in some individuals.
Arthritis, for example, can be a major reason behind foot pain. There are 33 joints in the foot altogether, and arthritis can affect any of them.
Diabetes mellitus can also cause complications and several disorders of the feet. People with diabetes are prone to develop nerve damage in the feet, clogged or hardened arteries in the legs and feet, and foot ulcers or sores.
● Are Overweight or obese
● Are Pregnant
● Have a foot injury, such as a sprain, fracture, etc.
● Choose comfortable, roomy, and well-cushioned shoes
● Do not wear shoes with high heels or those that put pressure on the toes
● Maintain a healthy body weight
● Do some stretching, particularly of your toes, before a session of heavy workout.
● Always wear comfortable footwear when outside
● Practice good foot hygiene
Although foot pain is common, it is not a part of everyday life. You should seek medical help if one or two weeks of home treatment do not yield the desired result.
For some people, inserting a simple piece of shoe insert can help ease foot pain. For others, some simple yet effective treatments include:
● Cold pack: Put an ice pack over the area for about 20 minutes every 2-3 hours. You should see an improvement in your pain condition soon.
● Wear shoes with plenty of room. This is to ensure that no part of your foot is under pressure.
● Use soft gel insoles to support your feet.
● If you are overweight, try and lose some to get into proper shape.
● Go for regular foot, ankle, heel, and toe stretches.
● Rest your foot as much as possible. But do not simply lie down on your bed. Maintain a healthy balance between rest and work.
● Go for physiotherapy and other therapeutic treatments from certified and professional physiotherapists like those at Start Rehabilitation to get a simple and effective solution to your foot pain problem. They will prepare a custom exercise chart for your particular case and guide you to recovery.