Foot pain can be quite troublesome, or even downright debilitating depending on the level of pain you are experiencing. Not only can cause discomfort, but it can also affect your daily routine and even negatively impact your job. So, it is smart to take the necessary steps, pun intended, to avoid this condition from hindering your daily activities.
However, foot pain is not a particularly simple physical condition as a wide variety of factors can cause it. As you know, treatment of any ailment begins with its proper diagnosis. Knowledge is indeed power, and to help you prevent and lower the risk of experiencing this condition, we have compiled a list of causes connected to foot pain.
Common Causes Attributed to Foot Pain
We will be going through all the possible causes of foot pain down below. It is still best to consult and follow the advice of a medical professional, but understanding the probable root cause is always a step in the right direction in any subject matter.
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Specific Medical Conditions, Pre-Existing and Otherwise
One of the most common medical condition that affects the lower extremities is arthritis. Arthritis can affect any of the 33 joints that make up your foot, and any of those that are affected can significantly reduce mobility and cause pain and discomfort.
Another medical condition that is closely connected to foot pain is diabetes. Diabetes can cause nerve damage to one’s lower extremities. Diabetes can also cause foot sores, foot ulcers, and can block the arteries in the legs and feet, which can cause acute pain.
Weight is also a factor to consider. People who are obese will place tremendous pressure on their feet, which can damage the muscles over time. Pregnancy also has an identical effect on the integrity of your feet due to the quick increase in weight.
Below are the specific conditions that are often the cause of foot pain:
- Plantar Fasciitis
To go into further detail, people who experience discomfort and pain in their feet most likely have plantar fasciitis. This condition results from damage or inflammation on the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the thick tissue that is located underneath your feet and connects your toes to your heel bone. This condition can be caused by overdoing high impact exercises like running and jogging.
Treatment of this condition revolves around physical therapy exercises focused on balance, stretching, and strengthening, as well as taking medications to combat the inflammation. Individuals who suffer from this condition are also recommended to get specially designed insoles that help relieve plantar fasciitis pain.
- Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
This tendon connects the bottom of your foot to your inner lower leg. This is a crucial part of your legs that assists in movement. Any inflammation in the posterior tibial tendon will cause discomfort and pain when walking.
As for treatment, physical therapy exercises that promote flexibility and balance will be recommended by your physical therapist. You might also need to take anti-inflammation medication, as well.
- Metatarsalgia
This condition affects the metatarsal bones that are located on the ball of the foot. This condition develops when continuous physical impacts and strenuous activities are absorbed by the feet. The damage accumulates which can cause the metatarsal bones to become swollen. This will cause pain on the foot, as well as difficulty in walking.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
This condition is caused when the nerve that travels through your lower extremities is compressed by either bone or tissue inflammation. This one is quite similar to the carpal tunnel syndrome with its symptoms which include acute burning sensation felt throughout the affected foot.
- Turf Toe
The turf toe is caused when you sprain or tear the ligaments of your big toe. As you would expect, this injury is most common in sports such as soccer wherein the feet take the most amount of punishment. Symptoms connected to turf toe include cramps and pain when walking or running.
Treatment of turf toe revolves around managing the inflammation via medicines and gradually exercising the toe to ensure it returns to its natural flexibility and mobility.
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Living an Unhealthy Lifestyle
Another factor to consider when it comes to foot pain is your current lifestyle. Do you perform high impact exercises like running and jogging? Try not to overdo it as it can lead to injuries and damage to your lower extremities.
You should also refrain from wearing high-heeled shoes, especially if you don’t feel comfortable wearing one at all. High-heels can place tremendous pressure on the toes that may result in an injury sooner than later.
Foot Pain Prevention Tips
Fortunately, several easy steps can help to prevent this condition from negatively impacting your day to day activities. Remember the tips below to help reduce the risk of experiencing foot pain:
- Wear comfortable footwear.
- Maintain your ideal body mass index (BMI).
- Make sure to warm up before exercising or performing a physical task.
- Refrain from regularly wearing high-heeled shoes.
- Practice proper foot hygiene every day.
Home Remedies on How to Alleviate Foot Pain
There are several ways you can help reduce the soreness or pain you are experiencing from foot pain. These first-aid home remedies are usually enough to get through the discomfort in most cases. Try this foot pain remedies out:
- Buy an over-the-counter pain reliever medicine.
- Place a cold compress over the affected area of your feet.
- Wear foot pads to prevent the affected area from getting irritated when walking.
- Take a rest. Remember to elevate your feet when lying down, as well.
In most cases, you can get complete relief from foot pain by applying the above remedies. Of course, this depends on the cause of your foot pain.
Final Thoughts
Keep in mind that if you do experience foot pain for a considerable period, don’t think twice to consult with your doctor. If home remedies are not working and the pain is not subsiding after a week or two, we highly advise you go to your doctor as soon as possible.
