Feet are some of the most resilient parts of our body. They can handle a lot of abuse but remain strong enough to support the entire body weight. Unfortunately, they are also the most neglected parts of the body. Most people ignore things like persistent soreness, random spikes of pain, and other such issues. Here’s a look at some of the most common foot injuries that you might not know much about:
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Plantar Fasciitis
Have you ever experienced a sharp, spiking pain that seems to originate from within the foot? It usually occurs in the heel and is most prominent in the mornings. Most people ignore this pain because it fades away gradually throughout the day. The pain is caused by plantar fasciitis and happens because you have tight or tense hamstrings and calves.
People who place a lot of pressure on their hamstrings or calves are vulnerable to this injury. For example, if your job requires standing at a desk in high-heels for several hours at a time, you might experience plantar fasciitis regularly. The best way to treat this problem is to stretch and relax the muscles until they are more flexible. A relaxing massage can also help.
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Bunions
A bunion is a lump that grows on the base of your big toe. The skin on this bump can become sore, tender and red. People who wear tight shoes regularly are more vulnerable to bunions. The condition is also common among people with a genetic predisposition to arthritis.
You need to switch to more comfortable shoes if you develop bunions. You will experience more pain if the soles brush harshly against the inflammation. If the injury becomes too irritated, apply some ice to calm the inflammation, and stay off your feet for some time. Doctors won’t recommend surgery unless the pain is severe enough to affect your ability to function.
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Stress Fracture
Stress fractures are quite common, and they can be very painful. Despite this, people tend to ignore them and continue with their regular activities. Ignoring stress fractures can lead to problems in the future. The injury is most common among runners, especially if they don’t use proper running techniques, and they land incorrectly. This places a lot of stress on the foot, ankles, and legs; leading to small fractures.
The fractures heal naturally, and most people don’t even notice the injury after a while. However, it is a good idea to be a little careful after sustaining a stress fracture. Wear a medical boot to provide more protection to the injured site and avoid placing too much pressure on it. This allows your foot to heal properly and reduces the possibility of a fracture happening again.
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Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are the most common type of foot injury. They happen when a person’s foot rolls outward, and the ankle rolls inward, which strains all surrounding ligaments. If the injury is severe, you’ll experience intense pain and swelling in the area. Don’t try to walk an ankle sprain off because that will worsen your injury. Ankle injuries happen when people lose their balance and land on their feet awkwardly. It is also common in people with a tendency to wear high-heeled shoes.
The best way to treat this condition is to RICE. Rest your ankle immediately after the injury, ice it for around 20 minutes every few hours, wrap it with compression tape to reduce swelling, and keep the injured foot elevated.
Other common ankle injuries include Achilles tendinitis, heel spurs, and turf toe. Don’t ignore any pain from your feet and ankles, regardless of how mild it is. Proper treatment and care can keep your feet healthy.
As always, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention prior to self-diagnosing. Dr. Stacie Grossfeld with Orthopaedic Specialists is experienced in diagnosing and treating many different kinds of foot injuries. Getting an expert opinion will have back on your feet in no time.
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