Foot Pain Overview
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| Foot Pain Overview |
Facts about foot pain
·
The foot is a complex
anatomical system that can be damaged by disease both inside and outside the
body.
·
The key structures that
determine the amount of ground force transferred into the body are the arches
of the foot.
·
When foot pain prevents you
from doing your typical activities, you should seek medical treatment.
·
Bone and joint bones,
ligaments, muscles/tendons, nerves, blood vessels, skin, and soft tissue
structures all make up the foot. Foot pain can be caused by illness of any of
these structures in the foot.
·
Medication, strengthening,
stretching, physical therapy, immobilization, and surgery may be used to treat
foot pain, depending on the etiology of the pain.
What is the foot's design?
The foot is a complex structure that includes 26 bones, 33
joints, numerous muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood arteries, nerves, and
lymphatics. Two crossing arches of the foot are formed by the bones. The
longitudinal arch goes along the length of the foot, whereas the transverse
arch runs across its width. The toes are on the far side of the foot, and the
ankle joint is generated by the interplay of the foot and lower leg. The bones
of the foot are held together primarily by their fit with one another,
producing joints enclosed by joint capsules and connected by ligaments. The
foot muscles, as well as a robust, The plantar fascia is a sinewy tissue that
provides secondary support to the foot and longitudinal arch. Internal muscles
originate in the foot and implant there, while external muscles originate in
the lower leg and attach to various parts of the foot's bones. The foot also
has fat cushions that aid in weight bearing and impact absorption. The foot's
various tendons work together to create a synchronized pull on a bone or joint
structure. This keeps the foot in the best possible position. Capsules,
subcutaneous fat, and other dense soft tissue structures cover the foot as
well. dermal, and epidermal layers. These soft tissue structures operate
together as a unit to protect the body from external threats like infection and
damage. Fluid can collect in the soft tissue, resulting in edema in the foot.
The foot is the cornerstone of lower extremity movement. It
is a complicated and intricate structure that allows us to walk and run by
providing efficient shock absorption and propulsion. Foot pain suggests that
something is amiss with the interaction of the foot's internal components or
with how the foot interacts with external forces. The major indicators
regarding what may be causing the pain are how and when it occurs, as well as
where it occurs. When the body is in pain, it responds by altering the way it
moves or functions in order to alleviate the pain. These compensatory or
biomechanical modifications may obstruct normal movement and lead to more
injury in the foot and/or other portions of the body.
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What are the reasons of foot pain?
Many diseases, deformities, biomechanical abnormalities,
inappropriate footwear, and injuries can cause foot discomfort.
·
Foot discomfort can be
caused by infectious illnesses, viruses, fungus, and bacteria. A virus causes
plantar warts on the bottom of the foot, which can cause irritation and pain.
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that causes inflammation and soreness in
the feet. An ingrown toenail is a common cause of foot pain. Ingrown toenails
are caused by the edges of the nail growing through or into the skin, causing
pain and infection. Patients with diabetes have a weakened immune system,
making them more susceptible to infection.
·
Foot pain can be caused by
a variety of systemic disorders, including diabetes, lupus, gout, and
rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause severe inflammation in the
joints of the foot, as well as changes in alignment that create deformities.
·
Foot pain is commonly
caused by deformities such as tarsal coalitions, calcaneal varus, calcaneal
valgus, bunions, claw toes, mallet toes, hammertoes, and bone spurs.
·
Muscle imbalances,
deformities, and foot pain are frequently caused by biomechanical anomalies
such as muscle and tendon tightness or laxity, flat feet, or high arched feet.
·
Trauma from an acute injury
or a series of repetitive injuries is another prevalent source of foot pain.
Achilles tendonitis or rupture is an example of such an injury. A tendon can
rupture as a result of a severe, unexpected injury, or it can become inflamed
(tendinitis) as a result of repeated irritation to the structure. Small
recurrent traumas or pressures can potentially cause injuries to the skin and
interior systems. Running on uneven terrain or surfaces that are too hard or
too soft can cause micro-trauma injuries, as can wearing shoes that have poor
force-absorption capabilities, are not activity-specific, or fit poorly.
·
Forefoot pain might be
caused by wearing shoes that are overly tight or have high heels. Shoes that
are overly tight on the top of the foot might cause pain and bruises. Running
or cycling in inappropriate, non-sport-specific shoes might cause foot pain.
Blisters, bruises, and athlete's foot can all be caused by ill-fitting shoes in
the short term. Bunions, corns, calluses, nerve and joint discomfort, and toe
misalignment are all long-term repercussions of ill-fitting shoes. Morton's
neuroma, which is produced by the thickening of tissue around a nerve between
the toes, can cause numbness and pain in the toes. It can also be increased by
ill-fitting shoes, as can hammertoes, mallet toes, and bunions.
Ligament sprains, muscular strains, bruising, and fractures are common injuries that occur unexpectedly (acutely). A single or a combination of forces on the foot can result in sprains, strains, bruising, and fractures. When ligaments that hold the bones together are overstretched and their fibers rupture or stretch too far, a sprain of the foot or ankle develops. Chronic foot pain can be caused by ligament looseness in the joints of the foot. Deformity and joint instability Stress fractures, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and acute and chronic osteoarthritis can all result from repeated overstretching of the same foot structure. Stress fractures most usually affect the metatarsal bones, or long bones of the foot, although they can also affect the tarsal or rear foot bones. March fractures are so named because they are frequently produced by non-distinct and modest stress from excessive walking (marching) rather than a huge traumatic incident.
· Overstretching,
overuse, or overloading the muscles and fascia of the foot can cause strain.
Achilles tendonitis is an ailment of the tendon that connects the back of the
heel to the foot. Plantar fasciitis (the most prevalent cause of heel pain) is
caused by micro-trauma to the plantar fascia, a huge ligament. Tendon pain and
swelling caused by improper strain are known as tendinitis, which can lead to
tendons tears.
·
A single
hit or twist to the foot can cause injury to the bones and joints, as well as
repetitive trauma that can culminate in a stress fracture. A blunt-force
injury, such as someone stepping on your foot, can result in a bruise
(contusion) as well as damage to the foot's muscles and ligaments. Direct
strikes to the foot can result in bruising, skin tearing, and even bone
shattering. Metatarsalgia is caused by the irritation of the joints in the ball
of the foot on a regular basis. A
"stone bruise" is a word used to describe a localized pain and
tenderness in the ball of the foot. The tendon and capsule under the joint at
the base of the big toe are strained in "turf toe," a common athletic
ailment. Toenail trauma can result in blood collecting under the nail and the
temporary or permanent loss of a toenail. Excess bone growth, also known as
spurs or exostoses, can arise from repeated damage to the bones, muscles, and
ligaments.
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Complications,
persistent long-term discomfort, incapacity, and arthritis of the affected foot
can all result from delaying treatment of various types of foot pain.
What additional symptoms and indicators could
be associated with foot pain?
The presence of pain and point sensitivity in a
single region are immediate symptoms that something is wrong. Swelling, redness
(erythema), bruising (ecchymosis), numbness/tingling, and shooting sensations
are all possible symptoms of an injury. The beginning of pain, whether it
occurs suddenly or gradually, is a crucial indicator of the problem's source.
The following inquiries are also crucial.
·
Is it
influenced by the fact that you're carrying a lot of weight?
·
Does it
affect the way you walk?
Ligaments connect the bones of the foot to one
another. When the ligaments that hold the bones together are overstretched and
the fibers tear, a sprain ensues. A sprain can be detected by point discomfort
and joint looseness. When walking or exercising, a ligament damage is
frequently accompanied by a feeling of instability.
A single blow or twist to the arch can cause
injury to the bones of the foot, as well as repetitive trauma that can result
in a stress fracture. At the site of a fracture, there may be a distinct bulge
or gap. Dislocation of the affected joints might occur as a result of the
fracture. In such cases, not only are the joint alignments altered, but the
bone is also broken. Post-traumatic arthritis is commonly caused by fractures
and dislocations. This is attributed to further joint cartilage damage.
Muscles and tendons allow the foot to move in a
variety of ways. When a muscle or group of muscles is stretched to the point of
ripping muscle fibers, it is called a strain. Overstretching, overuse,
overloading, bruising, or even laceration can strain the muscles and tendons of
the foot. Muscle difficulties manifest itself as weakness in joint contraction,
trouble stabilizing body parts, and pain when working against resistance.
Symptoms and indicators of a strain include swelling, soreness, loss of
function, and discolouration over and around the injury.
The most prevalent cause of bruises
(contusions) is a direct impact injury to the body. A bruise on the foot can
result from a number of things, including being trodden on or stomping on a
rock. Blows to the foot that cause pain, redness, swelling, or changes in your
walking pattern could signal more serious damage, such as a fractured bone.
Plantar fascia strains commonly cause pain and soreness on the bottom of the foot, between
the heel and the base of the toes.
Stretching the arch can either enhance or alleviate plantar fascia pain.
Pain will lessen as the soft tissues of the foot "warm up" in moderate cases of plantar fasciitis;
however, pain may rise as the use of the foot increases.
When the arch is pressured in more severe cases of plantar fasciitis, discomfort may increase. Plantar fasciitis patients frequently experience pain in the
morning until the plantar fascia heats up. Plantar fasciitis, as well as other
related issues, can cause nighttime foot pain. In trying to prevent pain,
plantar fasciitis can cause a change in the weight-bearing surface, which can
lead to compensating pain in other parts of the heel.
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| A doctor examines the foot injury of a patient |
The initial sign of a blister is usually a rubbing
or burning feeling on the skin of the foot. A skin infection or athlete's foot
is indicated by itching and burning sensations between the toes or around the
foot. An ingrown toenail is characterized by pain and redness at the edge of
the toe.
When should a person seek medical help for their foot pain?
If your pain begins to interfere with your
everyday activities or you are unable to conduct your preferred activities
without pain, you should seek medical help. If the area appears distorted, you
lose function, or your sensation changes, you should seek medical attention.
a significant amount of swelling with pain, a persistent
change in skin or toenail color, the affected area becoming warmer than the
surrounding areas, becoming excruciatingly delicate to the touch, or causing
you to move differently If the injury does not improve after a few days of
rest, ice, and a brief pain killer, the damage is unlikely to heal on its own.
It is not advisable to "push through" pain because this can aggravate
the damage.
How do doctors determine the cause of foot pain?
In order to arrange treatment, a proper
evaluation and diagnosis of foot discomfort is required. Comparing the wounded
and unaffected sides is a decent general rule of thumb. Injury can manifest as
a distinct lump or gap felt at that location, as well as a "crunchy"
sensation induced by inflammation. The types, origins, and severity of the pain
(a sharp aching versus a subtle ache) are also good markers of the injury's significance.
Comparing functional capacity to the unaffected side can also reveal the
injury's type and severity.
There are four different levels of pain:
·
Throughout
the activity
·
Before
and after, with no negative impact on performance
·
Affecting
performance before, during, and after sports activity
·
Pain so
intense that it makes it hard to execute
To figure out how the condition started, the doctor will ask you a series of questions. Telling the doctor about how and when the pain began, how it affects you, when it bothers you, and what you may or may not have done to make the pain better or worse can be beneficial. A comprehensive physical exam may be performed if necessary to rule out any additional injurie
·
The
medical expert will check the feet physically and optically at rest, as well as
with weight- and non-weight-bearing movement.
· The foot and arch will be handled, manipulated, and examined for noticeable abnormalities, swelling, painful places, or differences in the foot and arch's bones.
·
The
function of your foot muscles will be examined by the medical practitioner.
These tests may require you to stand, walk, or even run while holding or moving
your foot and ankle against resistance.
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| How do doctors determine the cause of foot pain |
· Any evidence of bruising, a break in the skin, or infection will be examined.
· The nerves in the foot will be examined to ensure that no damage has happened.
· An X-ray, MRI, or bone scan of the foot and arch may be used to see whether there are any bone or soft tissue abnormalities.
·
To rule
out systemic disorders such rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes, a blood
test may be conducted.
The best treatments are those that target the source of the pain.
·
You can
treat yourself with rest, ice, compression, and elevation when you first
experience discomfort or soreness in the area (RICE).
o To relieve discomfort and agony,
over-the-counter drugs can be used.
·
By
limiting further stress to the damaged location, rest will allow the tissues to
repair.
o If you have trouble putting weight on your
foot, crutches should be utilized.
o Commercially available ankle and foot supports
can provide rest, comfort, and support to the affected area when used properly.
·
Ice
should only be applied for a maximum of 15 minutes. The ice can be wrapped in a
towel or placed in a plastic bag. Because commercial ice packs are frequently
too cold, they are not advised. If you're experiencing a lot of pain, you
should stop ice right away.
o Alternatively, the injured limb might be soaked
in cool water containing Epsom salt.
·
Compression
and elevation will assist to keep the damaged tissues from swelling. Swelling
that is too severe might stretch the nerve fibers in the affected location,
causing greater discomfort. As a result, reducing swelling often provides some
pain relief.
·
Over-the-counter
drugs that can help with the pain and swelling of foot pain are divided into
two categories.
o Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can aid with pain
relief, while nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such aspirin,
ibuprofen (Motrin), or naproxen (Naprosyn) can help with pain relief and
inflammation reduction.
o When using these anti-inflammatory drugs, use
caution because the dosage should not exceed the indicated directions.
Individuals who have a history of acid reflux, stomach ulcers, or kidney
difficulties should seek medical advice before using them.
·
Rolling a
frozen water bottle on the ground with the bottom of the foot is a common home
cure for plantar fasciitis alleviation.
o Stretching activities are well-known for their
health benefits.
o It's also a good idea to wear proper footwear
with a supportive insert and avoid going barefoot.
o An injection of corticosteroids may be
beneficial.
·
Chafing
is the cause of blisters. Padding or friction reducers should be applied to
these "hot places" right away. If the spots develop into blisters and
remain unbroken, the doctor can drain them by puncturing them from the side
with a clean needle. Once drained, the skin will act as a natural bandage and
should not be clipped away. If the skin over the blister is broken, peel back
the loose skin and treat the area as an open wound.
o Before returning to activity, blisters should
be covered and padded; in some cases, a Band-Aid will suffice.
o Donut pads, gel pads, or commercially available
blister pads may be more appropriate if the blister is larger.
o A generous application of petroleum jelly or
anti-chafing topical cream to the affected area can help prevent blistering in
the future
o Shoe sizing, as well as sock construction and
material, should all be considered.
o Combinations of synthetic cotton can have a
wicking effect, which helps to keep moisture and friction at bay.
o Contact-related allergies can also result in
blisters. In such circumstances, identifying the causative agent and avoiding
future interaction with the agent is critical. To treat the pain and itching
caused by these allergic blisters, topical or oral medicines may be required.
What are the medicinal options for treating
foot pain?
After determining the severity and origin of
foot pain, a plan of corrective and rehabilitative treatments can be
implemented.
·
To
alleviate pain and promote healing, qualified medical staff may employ
electrical medical devices such as ultrasound, various forms of electrical
stimulation, LED light therapy (laser), and/or manual therapies.
·
Immobilization
in a cast or boot can provide appropriate rest. Muscle weakening and joint
stiffness can result from prolonged immobility. Various types of physical
therapy are used to treat this.
·
Modification
of activities may be suggested to maintain fitness levels.
o Replace activities that worsen pain and
soreness with those that are less painful. Running exposes the body to repeated
high-impact contact with the earth. Bicycling, as well as the use of elliptical
trainers, step machines, swimming, and ski machines, reduces impact and helps
you to maintain and develop fitness.
·
Prophylactic
corrective measures
o Replacement of current shoe insoles or purchase
of new shoes
o To eliminate compression and friction issues,
proper footwear fitting, including lacing and sock combinations, is required.
o Heel pads or cushions, arch supports, and
various wedges are added to the shoes to help keep the foot in a proper
position and reduce impact at the site of pain or injury.
o The elastic qualities of the soles of athletic
shoes deteriorate with use and aging. Replace your shoes every six months or
200 kilometers, according to a good rule of thumb. Replacement insoles can help
the foot absorb more energy and provide more support.
o The biomechanics of the foot can also be
improved with corrective and over-the-counter orthotics.
·
Flexibility
and muscle strengthening
o Exercises may be prescribed to improve the
strength and stability of the afflicted area, as well as to address muscular
imbalances.
o Flexibility exercises will help you maintain or
improve the length of your muscles. Flexibility aids in the development of a
stronger muscle that is less prone to injury.
·
Controlling
inflammation or disease-related symptoms with the right medicine
·
Surgery
may be required in some circumstances.
·
Evaluation
of biomechanical properties
o When you have an injury, your body will make
various modifications in movement. A podiatrist can assess these changes and
assist you in making the necessary adjustments. Long-term, uncorrected
biomechanical abnormalities can lead to subsequent, painful, and
difficult-to-correct mechanical changes, as well as a bad prognosis and
possibly a slow or incomplete recovery from symptoms.
o Custom functional orthotics can be used to
improve function and avoid injury in those who have improper compensating foot
mechanics.
·
Continue
to see your doctor until you feel better.
What kind of follow-up care is required once foot pain has been alleviated?
There may be more tests, scans, or X-rays
required. Once the pain has subsided and muscular strength and flexibility have
been restored, a plan for a phased return to play should be put in place.
Temporary bracing and specialized orthotic devices may be required to gradually
return to pre-injury levels of activity.
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| Is it possible to keep your feet from hurting |
Is it possible to keep your feet from hurting?
Before beginning an exercise plan, the
following factors should be addressed to avoid injuries and pain. Are you in
decent physical condition? A general physical examination by a physician will
aid in determining your cardiovascular function, the risk of disease, and any
other general medical issues you may be experiencing. Gout, diabetes, some
kinds of arthritis, and neuropathies should all be treated before commencing
activities.
Physicians with backgrounds in sports medicine,
physical medicine, podiatry, or orthopedics may also be able to assist you in
selecting an appropriate activity. After you've decided on a sport or activity
to participate in, appropriate preparation will help you avoid the aches and
pains that come with it. In every activity, appropriate technique will help you
accomplish it properly and safely while avoiding damage. Good coaching can aid
in the development of good biomechanics, which can help you avoid foot pain.
Foot pain can also be avoided by wearing shoes
and socks that are suited for your activities. Blisters, ingrown toenails,
corns, calluses, bunions, stress fractures, metatarsalgia, Morton's neuroma,
mallet toes, and plantar fasciitis can all be avoided with the right shoes and
good foot hygiene. Poor biomechanics can be exacerbated by poorly fitting
footwear, whereas properly fitted footwear can help to mitigate the effects of
faulty biomechanics.
Once the pain has subsided and muscular
strength and flexibility have been restored, a plan for a phased return to play
should be put in place. The same elements that regulate returning to
involvement and preventing foot pain also govern preparation for participation.
Doing too much of a certain activity too quickly can result in foot pain.
Ignoring pain might lead to more serious issues with your feet. At different
periods of the year, different types of foot discomfort might be seen.
Blisters, shin splints, Charley horse (muscle spasms/cramps), and arch injuries
are all common at the start of a sports season.
Workloads are linked to stress-induced foot
problems. Acute shin splints and tendonitis, as well as increased muscle
soreness, are very common if the body is not prepared for the increased
workload that is typical early in the season and with "weekend
warriors." A fast increase in workload might cause a stress fracture.
Following effective treatment of foot pain, an
ideal fitness program begins with a physical examination by a physician,
followed by a progressive, consistent workout regimen. A running program that
begins with a good warm-up, such as walking for five to ten minutes, and then
alternates sets of jogging and walking is an excellent example of this type of
program. A typical program would include 20 sets of two minutes of running
followed by one minute of walking, with the jogging time gradually increasing
until you can run continuously for 40 minutes. Foot pain can be reduced by
using good surfaces and correct equipment during your workout.
Core strengthening, muscle strengthening, and
stretching appropriate to the training program or sport should all be included
in a solid exercise regimen.
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source : medicinenet
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