Foot Pain
The foot is quite a complicated structure. It is layered a web of over 126 ligaments, nerves, and muscles between twenty-six bones and thirty-three joints. The foot obviously works to support your weight, but also absorbs shocks, acts as a lever in order to propel the leg forwards, and maintain your balance by adjusting your body when travelling over uneven terrain.
Our feet guide our lives, taking us everywhere we need to go. One common complaint of foot pain is arthritis, but there are of course more causes than that. Even back, hip, or knee damage can make you experience hip pain, but in those cases you will have to address the injured area rather than your foot. A sprained ankle is also a common reason for foot injury. Statistics show that 25,000 people on average sprain their ankle. This can be due to sports, heels, being overweight, and numerous other causes.
Types of Foot Pain
Foot pain general originates in one of three regions: the toes, hindfoot, or forefoot.
Toe problems often happen due to pressure from ill-fitting footwear. Pain in the forefoot originates from issues with either the metatarsal bones or sesamoid bones.
The hindfoot is at the "hind," or back of your foot. Pain that comes from the hindfoot often extends from the heel, all the way to the ball of the food by crossing the sole.
Treatment:
There are multiple treatment options for foot pain.
-An injured foot can immediately be helped by RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
-Orthonxyia is a new surgical technique used to prevent recurring ingrown toenails. It implants a very small betal brace onto the top of the nail.
-The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society recommends stretching and shoe inserts, along with some medications, to combat heel pain.
-Herbal foot pain remedies are coming out in sprays and ointments. They must be applied directly to the foot and then massaged into your skin to be effective
-Acupuncture has been proven to help numerous injuries, foot pain included. Acupuncture is especially helpful if you have arthritis and get side effects from traditional drugs.
Prevention
-Although foot pain is prevalent in many people's lives, it is not normal. Don't ignore it.
-Inspect your feet on a regular basis
-Wash and completely dry your feet
-Trim toenails in a straight line
-Wear proper fitting shoes
-Where activity-specific shoes
-Avoid being barefoot outside