Foot pain may not seem like the end of the world, but it can make daily living difficult and uneasy. If you’re experiencing foot pain, you’re not alone. According to Health Prep, 3 out of every 4 Americans experience a common pain in their foot at some point in their life, thus 75% of Americans suffer from foot pain at one point or another. We depend on our feet to get around every single day, so it makes sense there would be discomfort at some time. It is important to know that aching feet should not go ignored and needs to be treated in the proper way.
Foot pain is a common complaint among many, and there are lots of potential causes. Some are not threatening and can be treated on your own, but some are severe and should be properly cared for along with possible care from a medical professional. Below we will explore some of the most common causes of foot aches and what you can do to find relief.
Ingrown toenails or blisters and calluses are a few very common types of foot pain. While they are not severe, it does mean that you should ignore taking the correct action. An ingrown toenail is a condition in which the edge of a toenail grows into the skin of the toe. This can cause pain, swelling, and infection. Ingrown toenails are most common in the big toe, but they can occur in any of the toes. Ingrown toenails are painful, but luckily they are easy to treat at home. A tip is to regularly soak your foot to ensure the prevention of infection.
Blisters on the feet are usually caused by friction or rubbing against the skin. This can occur when wearing shoes that do not fit properly, or when participating in activities that involve a lot of walking or standing. Blisters can also be caused by burns or other types of skin irritation. If you have a blister on your foot, it is important to leave it intact until it has healed. Do not pop the blister, as this can increase the risk of infection. Instead, cover the blister with a bandage to protect it and keep it clean. If the blister is large or painful, or if you are experiencing other symptoms such as fever or redness, it is important to see a healthcare provider for treatment.
Calluses of the feet are a similar pain that should not be ignored. They are areas of thickened skin that develop on the feet as a result of repeated friction or pressure. They are most commonly found on the soles of the feet or sides of the toes and can be very painful. Calluses are a natural response of the skin to protect itself from irritation, but if it becomes unbearable you should seek help from a healthcare professional.
Acute injuries of the foot are typically not too serious, but the pain should not be disregarded. They typically require some minor treatment but can be done at home. One common acute injury of the foot is a sprain. A foot sprain occurs when the ligaments in the foot are stretched or torn as a result of trauma or overuse. Foot sprains can be caused by falls, accidents, or activities that involve sudden changes in direction or impact on the foot.
Symptoms of a foot sprain may include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. The severity of a foot sprain can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the injury. Treatment for a foot sprain usually involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter pain medication can also be used to help manage the discomfort you are in. In severe cases, a healthcare provider may recommend physical therapy or other treatment options.
Plantar fasciitis is a much more severe common cause of aching feet than the ones mentioned above. Plantar fasciitis is an injury that affects the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. The plantar fascia helps to support the arch of the foot and plays a crucial role in walking and standing. Walking and standing are something we all do every day so this is a severe injury that should definitely not be ignored. Plantar fasciitis is often caused by overuse or strain on the plantar fascia. This can occur due to activities such as running, dancing, or standing for long periods of time. It can also be caused by foot conditions such as flat feet or high arches, or by wearing shoes that do not provide adequate support. Wearing shoes that are fitted to your feet on a daily is a great way to reduce pain in the feet. Consider getting custom-fitted shoes for lots of comfort and support.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis may include pain and stiffness in the heel or arch of the foot, particularly when you first get out of bed in the morning or after long periods of sitting or resting. The pain may gradually improve as you walk, but it may return after prolonged periods of activity or standing on your feet. Treatment for plantar fasciitis may include the RICE method again, ice, stretching exercises, physical therapy, and the use of arch supports or other types of orthotic inserts. Orthotic inserts are something you should look into getting with custom shoes for ultimate support. If you are experiencing foot pain and suspect you may have plantar fasciitis, it is important to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Osteoarthritis is a type of joint disease that occurs when the cartilage in the joints wears down over time. This can cause the bones to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the joint. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the joints in the feet. According to Foot Health Facts Osteoarthritis is considered a “wear-and-tear disease” since the cartilage in the joint is consistently wearing down over time. It can cause pain and stiffness in the toes, ankles, or other joints in the foot. It can also cause swelling and deformities in the affected joints.
There are some factors that may put you at greater risk for developing osteoarthritis. Some may include age, previous injuries, overweight or obesity, or genetics. Treatment for osteoarthritis of the foot may include medications to reduce pain and inflammation, physical therapy, and the use of assistive devices such as braces or orthotic inserts. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the affected joint in the foot. This disease should be acknowledged and treated properly.
Morton’s Neuroma is a condition that should be taken seriously. It is caused by the thickening of the tissue that surrounds the nerves in your toes. It occurs when the nerve that runs between the toes becomes irritated or compressed happening most commonly in between the third and fourth toe, but can happen in any of the toes. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the toes and the ball of the foot. It can inhibit you from comfortably walking for day-to-day activities along with standing for a period of time.
Medical professionals are not entirely sure what causes Morton’s Neuroma, but there are a few different theories on why it may occur. It is thought to be caused by wearing high heels or shoes that are not fitted properly and restrict the toes from having enough movement. It is also thought to be caused by already existing deformities of the foot. Rarely is surgery done to fix this issue. It is highly recommended to wear proper footwear along with custom insoles and reduce the amount of walking or physical activity being performed.
Do You Suffer From Aching Feet?
Our feet are used for many activities and we depend a lot on them. You are not alone if you are experiencing foot pain. Remember, these are just a few common causes and something else could be the cause of your foot problems. Be sure to use the RICE method when experiencing foot pain and look into purchasing proper footwear along with insoles to do as much treatment on your own as possible. Good shoes are an investment to help prevent some of that foot pain you are experiencing.
You may need to seek care from a medical professional for the proper care of your problems, but a foot soak and massage could help relax you and relieve some pain. Check out all the foot soaks and massages Wake Spa has to offer for the best option for your feet in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Asheville, North Carolina. There are tons of options to choose from to take you into a state of relaxation and comfort. Be sure to book your appointment today as seats are limited in the sanctuary.
