Foot Pain
Many different types of pain are associated with the foot After all, the feet are the human body's primary shock absorbers for its upright stance and respectively their 26 bones and 33 joints, not to mention 126 assorted muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves are subject to many different stresses, strains and other types of trauma. Common types of foot injuries include sprains associated with overstretching the ligaments that hold the bones together, tendonitis affecting the Achilles tendon that attaches at the back of the heel or the tendon under the base of the big toe, and fractures to one of the many bones. Other types of foot injury are associated with wearing ill-fitting shoes, particularly bunions and corns as well as contusions to the balls and tops of the feet. Chronic systemic diseases, bacteria and fungi may also affect the foot. Diabetes, Hansen's disease, and gout are common diseases that commonly manifest in the foot while athlete's foot is a fungal infection.
The way foot pain is managed will depend upon the underlying cause of the pain. Sprains, for example, are best managed by elevating the foot, treating the affected area with ice packs to decrease the swelling and staying off the foot while athlete's foot is managed with a topical anti-fungal cream.
Not all foot pain requires medical intervention. When should you schedule an appointment to see your doctor? When the pain in your foot is interfering with your ability to carry out the ordinary functions of your life, or when there is a prolonged decrease in function, a change in color or the foot shows marked signs of deformity. Your primary health care provider may use x-rays or other imaging studies to diagnose the injury and prescribe prophylactic measures such as arch supports or orthopedic shoes as part of the treatment regimen. Other effective treatments will include physical therapy exercises or medications like antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. In extreme cases involving bone fractures, surgery may even be indicated.
Useful home remedies for alleviating foot pain include herbal remedies incorporated into sprays, ointments and herbs that are topically applied and massaged into the skin. Many patients have also found relief through alternative therapies like acupuncture and acupressure.
Prevention is the best way to avoid foot pain. Many common types of foot injury such as shin splints are associated with repetitive movements while others such as blisters are associated with ill-fitting shoes or socks. Make sure all footwear fits properly and try to vary your movements.