Foot Pain Information
Foot pain can prevent us from enjoying some of life's most fun activities. Luckily, quite a number of foot conditions can be treated with a good prognosis. The causes of foot pain can be as varied as the individual who is suffering from it, and the prognosis depends upon the cause and how advanced the case is. In many cases, the main cause is arthritis, particularly with older individuals. Arthritis can cause inflammation of cartilage in the feet and in the joints surrounding the feet. Approximately 40 million Americans suffer from arthritis.
The main sufferers are people over the age of 50. Arthritis is a significant contributor to foot pain since each foot has 33 joints which can become inflamed by the condition. Another condition which can contribute significantly to pain in the foot is achilles tendonitis. The achilles is a tendon running from the back of the leg into the heel. This type of pain can come on gradually, even without trauma. The pain can be shooting, burning, or even piercing. The best foot pain information tells us this condition should be treated promptly because the tendon could grow weak and rupture.
Foot Pain Symptoms
Foot pain symptoms can range from shooting pain to dull, throbbing pain. The type of pain can hold a clue as to what the underlying cause of the pain may be. One type involves arch pain, heel pain, and heel spurs. According to commonly accepted foot pain information, this type of pain is typically associated with a condition known as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a broad strip of tissue running along the bottom of the heel towards the front of the foot. If it is stretched traumatically, it can cause inflammation and discomfort. Foot pain information says the leading cause of plantar fasciitis is over-pronation or flat feet.
This type of pain is usually acute first thing upon waking and tends to diminish somewhat as the day progresses. If there is sometimes numbness involved, the condition may be peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve condition of the nerves that carry information to and from the spinal cord and brain to the body in general. It can lead to pain, an inability to control muscles, and loss of sensation. If the pain is located in a tender spot of the foot, this may be an indication of a sprain, particularly if accompanied by a loose joint. A toe or forefoot which has become rotated may indicate a foot fracture.
Foot Pain Treatment
The treatment side of foot pain information is extremely varied, depending upon the condition creating the foot pain. For example, if the underlying cause is plantar fasciitis, the key to effective treatment is ascertaining what is causing the plantar fascia to be overstretched. If it is caused by flat feet, a special type of shoe may be prescribed for the sufferer. This shoe would position the heel properly and reduce the flat foot condition, allowing the fascia to heal over time.
Other treatments include night splints, stretching exercises, and wearing special shoes that cushion the heel. Athletes suffering from the pain of Achille's tendonitis are given foot pain information advising them to have a stretching regimen to warm the muscles properly prior to exercise. They should limit their exercise somewhat and ice down immediately afterwards. A heel cradle or cup can be used to elevate the heel, reducing pressure and stress on the achilles. It can be made using light materials which are shock absorbent. Whatever the cause may be, there are options available for foot pain.
