Suffering from foot pain from time to time is common to all people, which is why it is not given enough attention and importance. Podiatry experts assure that various factors can cause it, such as body weight, each person’s lifestyle, and the type of physical activity they do.
Because the feet are the foundation of the skeletal system and help maintain the body’s balance, it is important to pay attention to the pain signals they send. It is advisable to have a pedicure once a month, to relax and moisturize the skin. Below are the main causes of foot pain:
Heel spur
Podiatrist Oscar Echeverría says that heel spurs are characterized by calcification of the heel ligament. They cause discomfort mainly when the foot is supported on the ground or when one spends a long time standing.
“The foot is made up of more than 20 bones, one of them being the calcaneus. This is the first point of support when we walk and is where the greatest impact from the ground is received, hence the pain caused by needle-shaped deformities that appear in the heel,” says the professional.
Although there is no specific cause of heel spurs, there are factors that can cause them to appear:
- By inheritance.
- Due to excessive trauma and impact on the foot, for example, athletes such as basketball players or runners.
- From spending too much time on your feet and not getting enough rest.
The average age when a heel spur appears is 40 years old in athletes and 60 years old in older people. During childhood, it is unlikely to suffer from this problem since the bones are growing and have not yet worn out.
To relieve the pain, the doctor recommends resting for three days. Elevate your feet for at least 15 minutes to allow circulation to return to normal. You can use insoles that are sold in pharmacies. You can also seek professional help to have the insole made to measure. Change your shoes for more comfortable ones. If the pain continues, it is best to consult a specialist.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is related to heel spurs, as the pain also begins in the heel. The discomfort is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, i.e. the fibrous tissue that surrounds the intrinsic muscles of the foot, which runs from the calcaneus bone to the toes.
The main characteristic of this problem, according to the doctor, is that the pain occurs in the morning during the first few months, especially when getting up and taking the first steps. Later, it manifests itself throughout the day, which affects the person’s physical activity more. In an athlete, the pain usually occurs when the muscle cools down, after doing the activity.
Among the main causes are:
- Overweight
- Exercising without warming up or being in proper physical condition.
- Tight or uncomfortable shoes.
According to Isabel Palacios, a licensed chiropractor, and pharmacist at the Palacios clinic, treatment for plantar fasciitis consists of taking anti-inflammatory medications, which can be found in pharmacies, but it is preferable to have a prescription. Use comfortable shoes that reduce discomfort, and insoles, and practice hot and cold therapy.
“This therapy consists of applying ice to the affected area for five minutes and then placing a cloth with hot water. The temperature of both should be moderate, meaning it should not burn us with cold or hot water. Ideally, it should be done 2 to 3 times a day, for 10 to 15 minutes,” says Palacios.
Flatfoot
This condition occurs when the foot does not have enough curve in the internal longitudinal arch, which causes pain in the knees and ankles and makes the person’s walking not normal, but pathological. “The knees can go inwards, the person can lose balance when walking and fall. It also causes wear and tear on the joints because the feet, being the base of the bone system and having this problem, has repercussions on the musculoskeletal structures of the body,” says podiatrist Gustavo Iturriaga.
When flat feet are identified in childhood, around the age of 10, the treatment consists of using orthopedic insoles and shoes. From the age of 12, it is advisable to only opt for orthopedic insoles, since footwear will not be effective because the bones are already well formed and cannot be modified.
Templates must be made to order because this way it will be guaranteed that they fulfill the functions that each person needs.
Bunions
A bunion is a bony protuberance that forms at the joint at the base of the big toe. “The first toe deviates from the midline of the body, creating a protuberance that is sometimes painful. It can also deform the other toes, due to the strength of the first toe. In this case, it can create overlapping toes or claw toes,” says Iturriaga.
Bunions are mainly caused by:
- Wear tight shoes.
- Standing for long periods.
- By inheritance.
If you have a bunion, change your shoes, use insoles during the day and correctors at night. Apply ice and anti-inflammatory gel twice a day. Also, when you get home after work, put your feet elevated for 15 minutes to reactivate circulation, says Palacios.
According to Dr. Iturriaga, the best thing to do when the discomfort begins is to go to a specialist for an evaluation and to determine the treatment. If it is detected in time, the need for surgery can be avoided.
Mycosis
Mycosis is known as athlete’s foot and is caused by fungi. The areas most affected are between the toes and under the nails. The population most prone to suffer from it are diabetics, people with circulatory problems, athletes, and those who wear poorly ventilated shoes.
This disease does not cause pain, however, it does have an impact on the appearance of other diseases such as ingrown toenails, nail deformation, and skin problems that do cause discomfort. The main symptoms are redness, peeling, itching, and often cracks.
There are topical, oral, and laser treatments. “Laser treatments are the most modern and innovative because they have no harmful effects and stimulate cell regeneration. In addition, they kill the microorganism that causes the disease,” says the doctor.
High uric acid
Commonly known as “gout,” it is a type of inflammatory arthritis in which excess uric acid in the blood is deposited as crystals in the joints. Due to gravity, the joint most affected is the big toe, which is why the pain is generated in that area of the foot.
The treatment is carried out by an internist, who recommends a better diet, avoiding red meat, and alcoholic beverages, among others. In addition, podiatrists recommend treatments with anti-inflammatories, insoles for relief, and soft footwear that prevents rubbing on the toe.
Advanced age
Iturriaga says that the skin on the soles of the feet is the thickest in the body. However, with age, all the layers of skin become thinner, which causes foot pain in older adults.
Since there is no way to avoid it, unloading insoles can be made with soft materials. In addition, wear soft and comfortable shoes. The doctor says that a prior evaluation should be done to analyze your body weight, your walking dynamics, where you wear your shoes, as well as the axes and position of your ankles.