Your feet are responsible for many different functions. These flexible, complex structures are comprised of several different components including tendons, muscles, joints, bones and tissue. All of these important pieces work together to help us perform many different physical activities and navigate through life.
7 Common Medical Conditions That Cause Foot Pain
Foot health is extremely important for continuing an active and healthy lifestyle. It is easy to take your feet for granted until you experience some type of foot injury. Here are seven types of foot injuries that require special attention and treatment. While there are many different kinds of foot injuries, these tend to be some of the most common.
- Gout: This complex form of arthritis brings about sudden severe attacks of pain and tenderness to the joint at the base of the big toe. If you begin to notice redness, swelling and heat around this area, it could be gout. This condition is mostly caused by a buildup of uric crystals in your blood. You should seek medical attention if you are experiencing this type of pain in order to get an accurate diagnosis, and if necessary, get treatment.
- Bunions: While this disorder may be caused by wearing tight shoes or through genetics, this bony bump can become a larger issue. Bunions begin to form after prolonged periods of pressure between the big toe and second toe. This condition tends to bring about toe pain and swelling. If this problem persists, it may potentially cause other foot and toe injuries.
- Morton’s Neuroma: People often complain about the feeling of standing on a pebble when experiencing Morton’s neuroma. This nerve condition causes a buildup of tissues and nerves around your toes and ball of your foot. The pain may leave your toes stinging or going numb without proper treatment. It can become painful to walk if left untreated.
- Plantar Fasciitis: This condition is mostly described as intense heel pain. The thick band of tissue, called the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed and produces stabbing pains in your heel and midfoot. The pain associated with plantar fasciitis tends to be more severe in the morning and after sitting for a prolonged period. This can be treated through stretching, wearing proper footwear and other medical remedies.
- Hammertoe/ Mallet Toe: While the name might sound frightening, this simple foot injury or deformity is often caused by wearing improper footwear. After wearing shoes with a narrow toe box or high heels, pressure builds up to create an unnatural bend in your toes. Treatment for this condition typically requires a change in footwear and some new stretches.
- Achilles Tendinitis: This tends to be an overuse injury caused by continuous movement or activities that engage the calf muscles and heel bone. Runners are most commonly plagued with this injury. The pain associated with achilles tendinitis runs from the back of your calf down into your ankle and foot. While tenderness and stiffness may occur, the best treatment options include stretching and choosing a new shoe.
- Bursitis: This common foot injury is a condition that can occur all over the body. Bursitis is caused by continuous overuse in and around joints. These fluid filled sacs tend to become inflamed after performing repetitive motions and have been known to cause severe pain around the big toe. Treatment requires rest and a shift to different types of physical activities to avoid prolonged repetitive pressure on your feet.
By now, you should have a better understanding of your own foot health, as well as some of the most types of foot injuries. While your feet are responsible for many activities, it is important to allow them some rest. Overuse and improper footwear are often major factors in maintaining proper foot health.
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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