Foot Pain Information And Prevention

Bunions can develop from an abnormality in foot function (e.g. over-pronation) or by wearing improper fitting footwear. Tight, narrow dress shoes with a constrictive toe box can lead to the formation of a bunion. The best way to alleviate the pain associated with bunions is to wear properly fitting shoes. Orthotics are also recommended for this condition to provide extra comfort, support and protection. is about Discover How to Eliminate Plantar Fasciitis and Foot Pain In As Little As 72 Hours and Cure It Completely Within 30 Days GUARANTEED! Shoes with a thin sole can create more pressure on the ball of the foot when walking than do thicker-soled shoes. Bunions may be caused by foot mechanics that result in too much pressure on the big toe joint. Over time, the constant pressure forces the big toe out of alignment, gradually bending it toward the other toes. An inherited foot type (such as flatfoot), an abnormal foot motion (excessive pronation), and tight-fitting shoes may all contribute to the pressure. Although calluses and corns often are not painful, they can cause pain when you are walking or wearing shoes, and they may make it hard for your feet to fit in your shoes. Any type of pressure applied to the callus or corn, such as squeezing it, can also cause pain. A bunion is a common foot deformity that presents as a bump on the inside of your great toe joint. Especially in warmer climates, such as Houston, where people tend to wear open shoes year-round, people with bunions become concerned about the appearance. When they put on a closed shoe, the pressure on the bunion can cause a sharp, stabbing pain. Years of use has proven that most foot complaints will respond favourably to treatment with orthotics. These devices are found to be very effective for treating heel pain , heel spurs, Plantar Fasciitis, pain from bunions , callous and corns, Achilles Tendonitis, Ball of Foot Pain and Morton's Neuroma. What is the mainstream treatment for bunions? First off, they often tell you to wear different shoes, ones with a low heel and a wide area for the toes. That alone could do the trick. Sometimes special pads can be placed on the bunion or between the big and second toes, and wearing a toe spacer at night can start to influence the alignment of the toes. If that does not work, there are only a mere 100 different surgical approaches to treat bunions. One of my long time students has had both toes operated on, and says it made a huge difference for her, eliminating the pain. Corns are small areas of hard, thickened skin, formed when the skin of the feet are under pressure. They are prone to developing on the tops and sides of the toes, because this is where shoes tend to squeeze the most. Corns are sometimes caused by hammertoes, which is a bent toe that rubs against the skin. They can be treated at home, with the use of over-the-counter medicine and regular exfoliating. However, some stubborn corns may require the care of a podiatrist for removal. Brain, spinal cord, or nerve injury (especially in the case of claw toe). Examples include stroke , cerebral palsy , and degenerative disc disease The use of padding, taping, footwear changes, and removal of callouses or steroid injections may all be used to help relieve symptoms. Padding can help to reduce abnormal pressures caused by the deformity. Taping techniques or the use of a splint can be used to reduce the a flexible deformity. Changing the patient's footwear can also help to reduce discomfort. These shoe changes can include a wider or higher toe box to better accommodate the toes. Removal of built-up callouses often associated with hammer toes can help minimize discomfort. Occasionally, steroid injections may be used to temporarily reduce the pain and swelling within the toe joints. A foot with a bunion can become so deformed that over-lapping will occur between the first and second toe. The bunion can also develop bursitis, which is inflammation of the bursa. The bursa is a tiny fluid-filled sac that works as a sliding surface between tissues of the body. The major bursa is located near large joints such as the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. This can become infected and cause a lot of pain. Calluses on the hands can be treated by wearing gloves during activities that cause friction, such as gardening and weight lifting. It is important to identify the cause of the friction or pressure. Perhaps a pair of new shoes or maybe the combination of socks and shoes is causing the problem. According to podiatrists at epodiatry.com, removing the source of the friction is the most important treatment. Even if the corn is removed from other treatments, it will return if the source is not identified. Padding Those with foot deformities, such as hammer toes or bunions, are more prone to excessive pressure and friction from shoes. If one of these is an underlying cause, it is important to address this issue with a medical doctor. Other Considerations