Keeping Healthy: Common Feet Pains & At-Home Care Tips

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Keeping healthy is a priority for any individual. Not only should you eat right and exercise, but taking care of your feet can also play an important role in maintaining your health.

In this article titled “Keeping Healthy: Common Feet Pains & At-Home Care Tips”, we will discuss some of the most common foot pains and how to provide at-home care for each. From arch pain to heel spurs, we will cover various forms of discomfort that can arise in the foot area.

Plantar Fasciitis | Avita Health System

Common Types of Foot Pain

Foot pain is a common problem experienced by many people. It can range from mild, intermittent discomfort to severe, chronic pain that interferes with everyday activities. Understanding the types of foot pains and their causes can help lead to an effective treatment plan.

There are three main categories of foot pain:

Structural - Structural foot pains are usually caused by deformities or problems with the bones or joints such as bunions, hammertoes and heel spurs.

Structural foot pain is often caused by an underlying medical issue, such as flat feet or arthritis, that affects the structure of the feet and causes severe discomfort. Knowing what causes structural foot pain can help people understand their condition better and take action to find relief.

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, is one of the leading causes of structural foot pain. This condition occurs when the arch on the inside of your foot flattens out due to a lack of support in your ligaments. This flattening can cause plantar fasciitis, which is a type of heel pain caused by inflammation in the tissues at the bottom of your feet.

Soft-tissue related - Soft-tissue related foot pain is a common issue that affects many people, both young and old. It occurs when tendons, ligaments or muscles become inflamed due to overuse or trauma such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Constant discomfort in the feet can be caused by various soft-tissue issues, such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or tendinitis. All of these conditions can lead to significant pain and inflammation of the feet.

The most common cause for soft-tissue related foot pain is overuse or repetitive activity. People who are physically active or on their feet for long periods of time often experience this type of discomfort due to repeated movements that put strain on the tissues in the foot region. Additionally, poor footwear choice may also lead to irritation and inflammation in the affected area.

Neurological - Foot pain is a common complaint, but when the discomfort is related to a neurological condition, it can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Neurological related foot pain can have many causes, ranging from nerve damage to autoimmune diseases. This type of foot pain can range from mild to debilitating, making it important for those affected to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

Common causes of neurological related foot pain include chronic nerve damage caused by conditions such as diabetes or peripheral neuropathy. Additionally, certain autoimmune diseases like lupus or multiple sclerosis can also cause inflammation in the feet that lead to painful symptoms. Other potential causes may include injuries sustained due to an accident or trauma and certain medications used for treating other conditions such as high cholesterol or depression. In rare cases, tumors may form on the nerves of the feet and cause severe discomfort.

Symptoms to Look Out For

Foot pain is a common problem that can affect anyone at any age. Knowing the symptoms of foot pain can help you identify it early and get the treatment you need to keep your feet healthy. Here are some of the most common symptoms of foot pain to look out for:

The first symptom is an ache or discomfort in your foot, which may increase after standing, exercising or wearing high heeled shoes.
Other signs include redness, swelling and numbness in one or both feet.
If you experience shooting pains up your calf, this could also be a sign of a deeper problem such as nerve damage.
Pain when walking around barefoot on hard surfaces could be an indication of plantar fasciitis - inflammation in the ligaments that connect your heel bone to your toes.
Persistent aching or throbbing in any part of the foot, redness or warmth on the skin over an affected area, difficulty walking due to discomfort or pain, and intense burning sensations in the feet.
Stiffness during movements such as walking, running or bending may also be associated with foot pain.
In some cases, visible deformities such as bunions may become apparent.

At Home Care Tips

At home care tips can be an effective way to alleviate foot pain. Foot pain can be caused by a variety of ailments, including plantar fasciitis, tendonitis and other injuries. Fortunately, there are several easy steps that anyone can take at home to reduce their discomfort and get back on their feet again.

Stretching is one of the best tools for managing foot pain at home. Take a few minutes each day to stretch your calf muscles, arches and toes in order to increase flexibility and reduce tension in the area.
Additionally, icing the painful joint or muscle can help decrease inflammation while promoting healing. Be sure to wrap ice in a towel before applying it directly onto the skin.
Also consider applying a topical cream or gel for additional relief.
For more severe cases, it’s best to consult with your doctor about proper stretching techniques which may need to be supplemented by physical therapy sessions for optimal results.
Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen may also provide relief from mild discomfort for some individuals.

Footwear Selection

Choosing the right shoes and wearing them correctly is an important factor in alleviating foot pain. Shoes that are too big or too small, or ones that don’t provide adequate arch support can put excessive strain on your feet, leading to discomfort and injury. However, selecting the right pair of shoes can help reduce a variety of foot issues, including plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes and Achilles tendonitis.

The key to choosing shoes that will alleviate foot pain is finding the correct fit specifically designed for your individual needs. Consider the shape of your feet; if you have a high arch or wide feet you may need to look for specific features in order to find a pair that fits comfortably without causing any strain.

Here are some footwear from WMShoe that you can wear to help avoid foot pain: