3 Common Foot Problems

Posted on: 22 October 2020

According to recent statistics, about 75 percent of the American population will experience problems with their feet. One of the reasons that foot problems are so common is because this part of the body is so complicated. Each foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, 19 muscles, and over 100 ligaments. Because of the number of parts the foot has, there is an increased risk of something going wrong. The feet bear a person's weight and are used for walking and standing, which also makes them prone to problems. Here are three common foot problems.

1. Plantar Fasciitis

It is estimated that one in ten people will have plantar fasciitis at one time or another. This foot condition is characterized by pain in the heel. This pain is usually the worst in the morning when the first steps of the day are taken. Prolonged standing can also cause heel pain to worsen.

For people with plantar fasciitis, a podiatrist might recommend certain strengthening and stretching exercises for the foot. Other treatment options include wearing custom orthotics or shoes with well-cushioned midsoles. Applying an ice pack and ensuring the feet get plenty of rest is also beneficial. For extreme cases of plantar fasciitis, surgery may be necessary.

2. Bunions

Bunions are painful bumps that form on the side of the big toe. People of any age can get bunions. However, they are more common in those over the age of 65. About 36 percent of people who are 65 and older get bunions. Besides causing pain, bunions can also cause swelling of the big toe, along with calluses and difficulty moving the big toe.

People with bunions have a difficult time finding comfortable shoes. To reduce pain when wearing shoes, podiatrists might recommend using a non-medicated bunion pad, which will reduce friction between the big toe and the shoe. Orthotics and shoe inserts can also help reduce pain. In some cases, bunions need to be surgically removed.

3. Peripheral Neuropathy

Nerve damage in the feet is called peripheral neuropathy. Diabetes is one of the most common causes of this foot condition. Up to 70 percent of Americans with diabetes have nerve damage of some kind.

Symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy include:

  • Inability to feel temperature changes
  • Increased sensitivity to touch
  • Joint pain in the foot
  • Ulcers
  • Infections

If peripheral neuropathy is not treated, it could result in amputation of the foot. The best way for diabetics to treat peripheral neuropathy is to control blood sugar levels. Podiatrists might also recommend topical creams or prescription patches. Contact a clinic, such as Advanced Foot Clinic, for more information. 

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could your feet be causing your problems?

Before my last pregnancy I never had any problems with my feet. Since the last pregnancy, however, I have not been able to wear the type of shoes that I loved and I could not go out for long walks like I used to. After my primary doctor told me that he could not explain the discomfort, I decided to visit a podiatrist to get some help. It was not until my first appointment that I realized how many problems feet can cause. My website is filled with examples of foot problems and what pains you may be experiencing due to problems with your feet.