Many different conditions can lead to sore feet. By knowing the exact condition you are suffering from and how to treat it, you can rid yourself from any discomfort you are experiencing. Each condition below contains a description of the causes for that particular affliction as well as tips on how to heal and avoid it.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis causes shooting pain and inflammation in the Achilles tendon. While athletes have a higher risk of developing this condition, everyone is susceptible to Achilles tendonitis if their movements place a strain on the Achilles tendon.
Arch Pain and Strain
Arch pain can be a symptom of a number of different conditions. Only after finding the source can you know exactly how to fix the problem.
Bunions and Bunionettes
Bunions are a common problem that you can have with your feet. However, they can become serious if they are not treated properly.
Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses may seem like they can be fixed easily, but self-treatment may lead to infection or severe complications. Learn how to safely treat corns and calluses, and when you should contact your doctor for treatment.
Hammertoe / Mallet Toe
Hammertoe is a deformity of the toe in which the end of the toe is bent downwards. Similar to hammertoe, mallet toe only affects the upper joint of the toe. Special care needs to be taken if you have this condition.
Heel Fissures
While heel fissures may begin as a simple problem, they can worsen if they are not treated properly. By knowing what to do, you can avoid serious medical problems.
Heel Pain
There are two different categories of heel pain. They are separated by their causes, but both result in pain when weight is put on the heel of the foot.
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs arise after too much pressure is absorbed by the heel over time, and calcium deposits build up on the underside of the heel bone. Heel spurs can cause intermittent or chronic pain and are frequently associated with plantar fasciitis.
Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail is a very painful condition that must be treated immediately, so an infection does not spread through the toe and into the bone, causing more serious medical problems.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is a common condition that can affect the bones, joints and surrounding tissue of the ball of the foot, usually under the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsal area, causing pain and inflammation.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s Neuroma is a common foot problem affecting nerve tissue in the ball of the foot usually occurring between the 3rd and 4th toes.
Morton’s Toe
Morton’s Toe is a very common forefoot disorder in which a person has a second toe that is longer than the big toe. Pressure on this toe can eventually cause problems.
Overlapping Toes
When the toes overlap, this can lead to other foot conditions such as bunions, corns, calluses and metatarsalgia.
Overpronation / Hyperflexibility
Overpronation/hyperflexibility, also known as flat feet, is when the entire undersurface of the foot touches the floor while walking. This can cause discomfort, additional foot problems, and even back problems.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common foot complaint. With plantar fasciitis, the bottom of the foot usually hurts near the inside of the foot where the heel and the arch meet.
Post-Tibial Tendonitis / Dysfunction
When the posterior tibial tendon becomes inflammed or torn, the tendon can no longer hold up the arch and the foot flattens when walking. This condition can lead to heel pain, arch pain, plantar fasciitis, and/or heel spurs.
Pregnancy and Your Feet
During pregnancy, the body undergoes many changes that can be hard on the feet. Precautions need to be taken, so these problems can be avoided.
Shin Splints
Shin Splints are a common form of leg pain that occurs when excessive force is placed on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach your muscles to the bone. Sudden changes in physical activity can bring on shin pain and inflammation.
Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is an infection that can affect anyone, although it is more common in the elderly. Toenail fungus is hard to treat, so the prevention is important.
Although professional treatment is often necessary for these conditions, additional relief can be gained through the use of a custom-fitted ezWalker® orthotic. By wearing properly fitted footwear and a custom performance orthotic to enhance your foot’s function, you may decrease your healing time while delivering more comfort, regardless of whether you have one of these conditions or not. Remember…when your feet feel good, you feel good!
