By Brenda Williams
Our feet probably suffer more abuse than any part of our body and receive the least care. Most people devote far more time and money than caring for their faces than looking after their feet. But sometimes the feet decide to revolt and remind us of their presence. The results can be both annoying and painful. Improperly fitted shoes are a common cause of foot problems. Other causes are a result of medical problems elsewhere in the body such as poor circulation, diabetes, or nerve damage. But most foot problems are at least helped if not cured by care in selecting a shoe that fits properly.
Most people's feet are arched between the heel and the toes. But some people have feet that are flat with no arch. This condition is called fallen arches. Most of us are born with flat feet and don't develop arches until we are between five and six years old. But some people never develop arches. Other people's feet flatten as they age due to stretched ligaments. While many people with fallen arches have no foot problems others have pain and a stiff feeling in their feet. They may also experience these symptoms in their legs and lower back. For those who do have pain, arch supports can be custom designed for shoes and wearing these often alleviates the pain. Exercising the ligaments and muscles of the foot can also help.
Another condition that causes foot pain is Morton Neuroma. The bones that comprise the central arch of your foot are called the metatarsal bones. If two of these happen to rub together, they irritate a nerve. A tumor develops on the compressed nerve. The result is intense pain, numbness, burning and cramping sensations in the foot. These symptoms all appear between the toes and in the ball of the foot. Conservative treatments include pads to relieve the pressure, wearing larger shoes, and corticosteroid injections. When these are ineffective, surgery is usually required. While the surgery is generally successful, the nerve tissue sometimes grows back and another neuroma is formed.
A foot ulcer is an open sore that appears on the foot. Common causes of foot ulcers are nerve damage, constant pressure on the area of the foot where the ulcer occurs, improperly fitted shoes, and poor circulation. Diabetics are more susceptible to foot ulcers because of their poor circulation. A person who develops a foot ulcer needs to see their doctor. Foot ulcer treatment generally does not involve surgery. But a neglected foot ulcer can become infected and that condition may result in gangrene.
When the fibrous tissue at the base of the heel and under the foot becomes inflamed the condition is known as plantar fasciltis. This frequently results in intense pain in the heel and the sole of the foot just in front of the heel. Flexing the sole upwards will worsen the pain.
The pain is most intense after periods of sleep and other inactivity. Conservative treatments include wearing a foam pad in the shoes, wearing a heel cup, or wearing a shoe cushion. When these treatments are ineffective, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to relieve pain and swelling. Stretching exercises are also recommended. If none of these treatments are effective, a doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections.
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