Foot is singular for feet (did you know?)
The feet are made of up 26 bones each, making them one of the most intricate areas of the body. According to the College of Podiatry, a person will walk an estimated 150,000 miles in their lifetime, roughly the equivalent of walking around the world six times.
The feet take a lot of daily abuse from walking, running, jumping, and climbing, so naturally, they are subject to many different types of problems.
01. Bunions
Bunions are abnormalities of the feet that cause a bump to develop on the large toe joint. This can cause the big toe to turn slightly inward. Doctors call bunions “hallux valgus.”
Women are more likely to have bunions due to increased pressures from narrow footwear.
Causes
Wearing tight or narrow shoes can cause bunions to develop. Tight shoes put pressure on the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP), which is where the bone of the foot meets the bone of the big toe.
Treatment
Conservative treatment measures will usually improve the symptoms of a bunion. A person should wear properly fitting shoes without high heels. They can also buy a bunion pad at a shoe store or drugstore that protects the bunion from extra pressure.
Applying ice for 10-minute increments with a cloth-covered ice pack can also reduce inflammation.
02. Ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the toenail starts to grow into the nail groove, which can cause significant pain and discomfort.
Causes
Wearing badly fitting shoes usually cause ingrown toenails. The pressure from shoes that are too narrow at the top or too tight can put extra pressure on the toes.
Other causes include toenails that are not trimmed properly, such as cutting the toenails too short or trauma to the feet due to activity including running. Having a family history of ingrown toenails can also increase a person’s risk.
Treatment
- Washing the feet with antibacterial soap and keeping them clean and dry.
- Cutting the toenails straight across after a bath when the nails are soft.
- Avoiding cutting the nails in a rounded pattern, as it can increase the risk of inward growth.
- Wearing shoes that fit well and do not have a pointy tip.
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03. Blisters
Blisters are a common occurrence, and most people will experience them at some point in their life.
They often appear after walking or running for long periods of time, especially if the feet have become sweaty or when wearing shoes that do not fit correctly.
Blisters are raised fluid-filled pockets and not generally a serious concern. It is best not to burst blisters, letting them heal on their own. Applying a bandage can provide relief.
04. Heel spur
A heel spur is an outgrowth of calcium that develops between the heel bone and the arch of the foot. For many individuals, there are no symptoms but, for others, it can be painful and cause inflammation.
Heel spurs are caused by long-term strain on muscles and ligaments. They can also be caused by arthritis, excess body weight, and by wearing badly fitted or worn out shoes.
Treatments can include a cold compress, injections of anti-inflammatory drugs, OTC pain medications, rest, and orthotic shoe inserts.
05. Stone bruise
Stone bruises are also called metatarsalgia. They can appear after high-impact exercises or because of wearing poor-fitting shoes; alternatively, they can be a sign of an underlying condition.
The area between the toes and the arch of the foot might feel numb with occasional sharp pains as if there is a stone in your shoe. Symptoms can worsen over time.
Treatments generally include rest, applying an ice pack, and getting better-fitted shoes. If the pain does not improve or gets worse, it is important to visit a doctor.
