Foot pain is so common that most people consider it one of life’s little irritations. Almost everyone has experienced foot pain at some point, and most of us just brush it off and wait for the pain to go away on its own.
Sometimes, the pain lingers and evolves into a problem that affects a person’s mobility and by extension, their day-to-day activities. To keep this from happening to you, you need to learn about your feet and the reasons why they sometimes hurt.
Common causes of foot pain
When the feet hurt, it is probably because of the following common causes:
Heel pain
This type of pain happens when the ligament that connects the heel and the front toe becomes inflamed. The inflammation happens when the heel becomes strained because of activities like running and other sports. High heels can also strain the ligament and cause it to become inflamed.
To get rid of the pain, a person should rest the ligament by wearing comfortable shoes or taking a break from exercise for a short while. Soaking the foot in warm water can relieve the pain. If the person is still in pain after a few days, they should see a doctor.
A strained Achilles tendon
The Achilles tendon connects the heel bone and the calf muscles. When a person suddenly increases the intensity of their exercise, the tendon can easily get a stress injury, which results in foot pain. With proper at-home care, the tendon usually heals on its own.
Complications from diabetes
People who have diabetes are vulnerable to disorders of the feet. A diabetic is at greater risk of developing sores that take a long time to heal. They are also at risk of developing clogged arteries in the extremities, which leads to reduced blood circulation.
The end result is nerve damage and foot pain. Once a person notices these symptoms, they should see a doctor immediately, since the conditions can get a whole lot worse.
Arthritis and gout
The bones in the feet of a person with rheumatoid arthritis begin to shift as the disease progresses. The feet can also develop growths in the joints. Combined, the growths and the shifting bones cause immense pain.
Gout is also a type of arthritis that affects the big toe. It is painful to the touch and will render the foot unusable. To get pain relief for both types of arthritis, a person should seek medical treatment.
Sprains
A sprain is an injury that happens when a person rolls their ankle and stretches the ligaments, tendons and muscles around the ankle. A person should treat a sprain by resting the ankle and binding it with a bandage. To relieve the pain, the person should keep the ankle elevated and apply ice to the injury. The sprain should heal within a week or two.
Treat your feet well to avoid foot pain
To prevent injuries associated with exercise, stretch first and gradually increase the intensity of your workout. When it comes to shoes, choose comfort when making your purchase.
If you suffer from a chronic health condition, do not wait for the pain to become unbearable. See the doctor as soon as you notice that something is wrong.
Request an appointment here: https://thayne.pocatellopodiatry.com or call Ambulatory Foot & Ankle Clinic at (307) 243-4080 for an appointment in our Thayne office.
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