فارسی
Foot pain refers to any pain or discomfort in one or more parts of the foot, such as the toes, heels, arches, and soles. Foot pain can range from mild to severe, and it may last for a while or be a permanent problem.
The human foot must support the full body weight while walking on a very small surface, which requires great performance. In a single hour of demanding activity, our feet can take up to one million pounds of pressure. Additionally, they can hold 1.2 times our body weight when walking and 2-3 times that while running. Therefore, it is understandable that our feet are extremely prone to injury. As a result, it should come as no surprise that almost everyone experiences foot pain at some point.
What is the cause of foot pain?
Ligaments, muscles, and tendons connect our feet’s 26 bones and over 33 small joints, which comprise each footwork. These connections provide a structure that is capable of being both stable and flexible, as well as environment-adaptive. The structure of the foot changes with age, particularly the foot’s arch. Foot joints may also be impacted by arthritis.
There are various other causes of foot pain. Common and general causes are:
Lifestyle choices
Foot pain is frequently brought on by wearing improperly fitting shoes. Because they put a lot of pressure on the toes, wearing high heels can frequently result in foot pain.
Injuries sustained when participating in high-impact sports or activity, such as running or vigorous aerobics, can also result in foot pain.
Medical issues
Some common conditions that result in foot discomfort are
- plantar fasciitis
- tarsal tunnel syndrome
- metatarsalgia
- Morton’s neuroma
- Achilles tendonitis
- athlete’s foot
- osteoarthritis
- gout
- ingrown toenails
- corns and calluses
- bunion
- blisters
- hammer toe
- diabetic neuropathy
How to reduce foot pain at home?
There are various at-home therapy options available to you depending on the type of pain you’re experiencing and its source, including:
- taking rest
- applying ice to the affected area
- painkillers
- wearing the right shoes
- wearing arch support
- using orthotic insoles
- having an Epsom salt bath
- protecting the injury
But if your problems are serious or are affecting your quality of life, you should see a doctor or foot specialist.
When should I see a doctor for foot pain?
Many people who experience foot pain regularly are aware of the causes and know the best way to manage their pain. However, you should see a doctor as soon as possible in the following cases:
- You experience sudden, terrible pain
- Your pain is getting worse
- Your recent injury is the cause of your foot pain
- Following an injury, you cannot put any weight on your foot
- You feel foot pain because of a medical problem that affects blood flow
- You have an open wound in the area that hurts
- Your painful area may be discolored or show other symptoms of inflammation
- You also have a fever and foot pain
What happens during a foot examination by a doctor?
The doctor or specialist will examine your posture and gait while you are there. Equipment like foot pressure scanners and, more accurately, the gait analysis device performs this function. They will also check your feet, legs, and back. They will look for signs of swelling and any structural changes that could be causing the pain.
He’ll inquire about the specifics of your foot pain, including:
- when it began
- the affected areas of the feet
- how severe it is.
Your doctor will request an X-ray if it is necessary.
How do you treat foot pain?
Your disease’s cause will determine how it is treated. Some patients find considerable relief from a treatment as simple as inserting medical insoles into their shoes. Depending on the doctor’s opinion of the treatment strategy, patients can additionally require surgery or physical therapy.
How to stop chronic foot pain
To assist in stopping chronic foot pain, remember these recommendations:
- Choose shoes that are roomy, padded, and comfy.
- Stay away from heels and toe areas that are too tight.
- keep a healthy weight.
- Before indulging in a vigorous exercise routine, stretch your toes.
- Maintain proper foot hygiene.
- When you’re outside, you should always wear shoes to save your feet.
What is the connection between the foot and the heart?
The similarities between them could surprise you. Your general health can be affected by and indicated by the condition of your feet.
The distance from your heart could be one of the problems your feet are facing. Blood flow to your legs is reduced when something like artery disease negatively impacts heart pumping, which makes your feet hurt or swell. Serious health issues develop when the feet do not receive the required oxygen from correctly pumped blood.
Several diseases can cause foot pain and other symptoms like swelling, burning, tingling or shooting pain in the feet. You should never ignore foot pain or consider it to be a normal aspect of your life. The feet are seriously impacted by high blood pressure and blood problems.
Cardiovascular disease, circulatory problems, high blood pressure, and foot pain
Blood flow and circulation are both decreased by high blood pressure. It manifests itself by lowering the temperature of the feet, changing the color, and slowing the pulse. The body’s ability to heal scrapes, bruises, or cuts is reduced by the lower blood supply to the feet, which raises the risk of infection.
Foot ulcer
Anemia and other blood diseases are frequently indicated by foot ulcers or open sores that will not heal or keep returning. High blood pressure or inflammatory blood vessel disorders may be the cause of this.
Burning or swelling in the feet
Be sure to tell the specialist if you have any strange foot feelings. Visible swelling or burning may be a sign of circulation, kidney, or heart issues. Your blood circulation is not functioning properly if you have pain and burning in your feet.
Visit a podiatrist as soon as possible if this occurs to you. Keep in mind that your general health and your foot soreness are strongly correlated.
Diabetic nerve pain in your feet
You should talk with a specialist about diabetes. You may feel numbness in your feet as a result of this affecting the small arteries there. Numbness can also be brought on by poor blood flow and circulation. Consult your doctor if you have diabetes or high blood sugar. Additionally, you must inform him whether you are using insulin or any other diabetic medications. Nowadays, footwear, medicinal insoles, custom insoles, and special foot pads are available to preserve the health of diabetic feet.