No matter what you do, you are bound to at one point in your life suffer from foot pain. It could come in the form of aches or even something more serious. Our feet support the entire body all day, every day. So is it really that far of a stretch to consider that eventually we all feel pain in the feet? First let’s go over the different types of foot pain that we may experience.
Quick Navigation
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis most often happens when the Achilles tendon gets injured from being overused. It’s usually runners who are the most common group of people that suffer from Achilles tendonitis. If you abruptly increase the speed, intensity, or length of your run, then you could develop an Achilles injury.
Ultimately there are two types: Non-insertional, which means the mid section of your Achilles tendon will get thick and swollen due to the breakdown and tiny tears in the tendon. Secondly, there is Insertional, which affects the area where the tendon attaches itself to the bone of your heel, causing the lower portion of the Achilles tendon to get damaged as opposed to the mid section.
Toe Pain
Toe pain
is what is associated with your toes, pretty straight forward. Often it starts here and then radiates toward your foot. The causes of toe pain could be stubbing your toe on an object. It could also be caused by your shoes being too small for you. If you try to squeeze into those heels just to be a little more fashionable, you could be your own worst enemy.
So what can you do about toe pain? Well for starters, if your shoes do not fit properly, don’t buy them. Next, start watching where you are going so that you don’t run into things with your toes.
Once you address those issues then you can treat the pain. You can use RICE or Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. If there is swelling, you could also try Ibuprofen to help reduce the aches and swelling. Recovering from a foot injury or health complication will take time, it’s best to try to be patient, rest and relax as much as possible, and ask your significant other or good friend to be gentle with you for a few weeks!
Heel Pain
Heel pain is what begins at the back bottom part of the foot. It can be a stabbing sensation that can make walking difficult due to the majority of our weight being balanced there. Causes of heel pain could be obesity, stress fractures, and even tumors. Plantar Fasciitis can also be a major cause of heel pain.
So how can you combat heel pain? Well the number one most preferred method is resting of the afflicted foot. Using shoe inserts can also offer comfort to those suffering. Ensuring that you have the correct size of shoe is a must when it comes to preventing foot pain. Also making sure you have the right type of shoe for the right job. For example, I would not recommend bartending while wearing hiking boots, even if they are waterproof and meant for long periods of usage. Likewise, nor would I recommend stilettos as adequate shoes for standing whether in an office or not. Simply put, you are basically asking for foot problems if you are not wearing the proper shoe.
Arch Pain
Arch pain usually begins in the middle of foot at the apex of the arched area. It begins with a soreness that gradually progresses into an almost pressure sort of feeling. The pressure feels like something is being pressed into the arch of your foot. This makes running almost impossible, and walking very painful indeed.
The root of arch pain is ultimately down to poor support, which is why it’s recommend going into one of the stores that offer computer imaging and have them scan your feet. This will then display an image that can detect the type of arch that you have, whether it be low, medium, and or high arches. The best way you can treat arch pain is rest and ice, but can be treated or reduced by buying shoes for high arches or alternatively by placing arch support insoles into your existing footwear.
Bunions
Bunions are bumps that are composed of bones that form at the joints of those who suffer from this medical condition. Usually occurring as your big toe is forced over against another toe, thus forcing the joint of the big toe to become deformed.
Causes of bunions range from poor support to wearing shoes that are too small for you. Additionally, as we age our bones become brittle and when the bones of our feet become brittle they are more likely to become misshapen.
The first and most important thing that you can do when it comes to treating bunions is to buy some shoes that fit properly. The best shoes for bunions are ones with a wide toe box; these are commonly marketed or designed with a roomy area in the toe box frontage so that bunions and bunionettes have plenty of space to avoid friction and pain whilst walking. There are some other types which are adequate too, such as rocker bottom soles and stretchable shoes, which serve bunion feet in different ways.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a very common type of pain that affects the heel. We are more prone to experience it as we get older. Especially affecting the middle aged class. It can at times cause pain in one foot or even in both feet. This a major problem for people who serve in the military due to the boots that they wear and possibly the amount of marching.
So what are your options? Well first get rid of those old shoes you have had since you were a freshman in college. I know it’s great that you still fit into them but in fact they are probably well worn out and beyond their capability to provide adequate support. Buy some chiropodist designed plantar fasciitis shoes that are going to support your arches, pad your heels, and improve your gait. Rest and Ice can be also be helpful in treating this condition. A ray of sunlight for those that may be suffering; if you treat with rest, ice, and improve the support, you could be among the 95% of people who recover from this condition within a year.
Flat Foot
The flat foot condition occurs when the arches of the person’s foot has collapsed. The entire foot then comes in contact with the ground and there is no relief or proper support. Often it can occur during childhood but sometimes can be the result of an injury.
So now we know what it is, how do we treat it? Well the easiest and quickest way to treat this condition is to get proper arch supports, whether its with insoles or with shoes that provide better or higher arches. Stretching can also offer relief by extending the Achilles Tendon out.
While so many of these conditions are treatable, making sure you have the proper footwear can prevent many of them. There are numerous brands which have mastered the art of making some of the best shoes for flat feet. So next time, before you buy, make sure you are buying the right shoes for the activity which offer the right support and comfort.