The Comprehensive Resources on Foot Pain, Foot Pain Treatment and Foot Care

Foot Problems

FOOT PROBLEMS

 

Foot problems are one of the most common sources of pain that we as humans experience.  Most of us are on our feet the majority of time during the day, and as the old saying goes, “when our feet hurt, we hurt all over”.

 

Foot problems can range from a simple blister on our toe to painful, disabling deformities such as bunions.  Pain levels can range from the inability to wear shoes for a day or so to total disability. Fortunately, modern Podiatric care can offer treatment plans, either conservative or surgical, that will render those suffering from foot problems relief.

 

The most commonly treated foot problems are ingrown toenails, heel pain, warts, corns, calluses, flat feet, and bunions.  Ankle sprains and strains are also frequently seen in the Podiatrists’ office.  It is not uncommon that immediate relief can be offered a patient in one or two treatments by their Podiatrist.  However, long term relief of these problems may require longer treatment plans or surgical correction.  Surgery is usually performed either as an out-patient at a hospital or surgical center, or, for minor procedures, in the Podiatrists’ office.  Depending on what procedure is performed, recovery times can range from one day to a few weeks.

 

One of the most common, painful complaints is ingrown toenails.  These are caused when the nail breaks off under the skin due to trauma, improper trimming, or a nail deformity.  This usually results in infection.  Treatment requires removal of the offending nail portion.  If the deformity or injury is severe enough, removal of the corresponding portion of nail root is also required.  Reoccurrence is likely if this procedure is not performed.  Warts, another common foot problem, are caused by a virus, and if the virus is not eliminated from the tissue, the problem continues.  Heel pain, caused by spurs or plantar fasciitis usually respond favorably to conservative care with exercise, anti-inflammatory drugs, and custom shoe inserts called orthotics.  Flat foot problems   also respond well to orthotic therapy.  Corns, calluses, and bunions, if not responsive to conservative care, respond well to surgical intervention.

 

Foot problems, although being one of the most common reasons for chronic pain and disability, can sometimes respond to conservative methods with some success.  Many times, foot problems respond temporarily to “drug-store remedies”. These treatments are not for everyone, however.  Patients suffering from circulatory disease, diabetes, lack of nerve sensation, poor vision and infections should not attempt to treat common foot problems by themselves.  In these cases, the advice of a Podiatrist is recommended.  When conservative therapy fails, surgery is usually the treatment of choice.

FOOT CARE

Discussions regarding proper foot care can be widely diversified.  The feet are our “organs for propulsion”, and just like our brain functions to keep our body organized and functioning and the heart keeps our blood circulating, our feet keep us moving.  If they are neglected, just as any organ of our body, they can fail.  Unfortunately, our feet are the most widely neglected part of our body.

Proper care of our feet is important for us to be able to stand, walk, run, work and enjoy our leisure time.  Make sure to wear sensible shoes that fit well and fit the activity you are participating in.  Wearing flip-flops to the beach is fine; not for all day shopping at the local mall.

Every-day care:

Our feet are always in contact with a surface and require protection from contaminants located on these surfaces such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and chemicals (to name a few).  We protect our feet and body with shoes and good hygiene. Proper bathing of you feet with soap and water on a daily basis, with careful drying, especially between the toes, is necessary.  Pathogens love to grow in dark, moist areas, and what is better that damp feet inside of a dark shoe?  Application of a cornstarch- based bath powder after bathing would be beneficial.  Inspect your feet – top, bottom, and in-between the toes on a daily basis.  Take action if redness, itching, blisters, cuts, rashes or bruises are noticed.  Wear shoes or sandals routinely.

SHOES and Hosiery

It is common sense to wear shoes that fit, or else they will be uncomfortable and could cause irritation and pain.  But it is also important to wear proper fitting hose.  Socks that are too tight can cause constriction resulting in swelling.  Hose made with some synthetic products in hot climates can cause excess perspiration, resulting in dampness.  “Support” hose should be recommended by a medical professional and fit professionally, or could cause circulation problems.

When in doubt, have your shoes fit by a professional.  Be sure your shoes are wide enough around the “ball” of your foot (where your toes connect to the rest of your foot) so as to not be constrictive and that when standing you have ½ inch of toe space from your longest toe to the end of the shoe.  Make sure the tops of your toes are not rubbing on the shoe, and when trying shoes on be sure you are wearing the type of socks you will be wearing with the shoe you are going to purchase.  Walk around the store to make sure they are comfortable.  Finally, make sure that the soles of your shoes will match the activity you are wearing them for; shoes with a hard sole with no traction control would not be good if you were working on damp, slippery surfaces.

Common foot problems

Corns, calluses, blisters, rashes (athlete’s foot), warts, ingrown toenails, heel pain, bunions and hammertoes are some of the common foot problems.  Injuries can result in strains, sprains, or fractures.  Many can be treated effectively with conservative methods, and others need professional (sometimes surgical) care.

CORNS AND CALLUSES

Corns and calluses, if never present before, often follow blistering of an area of the skin of the foot or toes, secondary to irritation from shoes, hose, or abnormal activity.  Corns are associated with the toes, whereas calluses are associated with the side or bottom of the foot.  Over a period of time the blistered area can harden into a thickening of the skin over an area that was irritated, and becomes painful   If the irritation is removed, the corn or callus, and pain, should gradually disappear.  If the corn or callus is a chronic condition, it is usually associated by a contraction or deformity of the toe (hammertoe, or a problem with a prominent metatarsal bone. Professional examination and treatment is recommended in these chronic conditions.

RASHES, ATHLETE’S FOOT, WARTS

Rashes and athlete’s foot can be caused by an irritant such as a fungus, chemical, or an allergen (poison ivy or insect bite).   Warts are caused by a virus.  There are many non-prescription remedies available for these skin conditions, but if no results are seen with a 7-10 days professional assistance is recommended

INGROWN TOENAILS

Ingrown toenails are conditions whereby the edge of the toenail pinches the skin alongside, causing pain and many times infection.  Sometimes these are caused by improper nail trimming or a tight shoe, but oftentimes there is an actual nail curvature that causes the nail to grow improperly.  Chronic infected, ingrown toenails can easily be treated by your medical professional.

HEEL PAIN

Heel pain is usually associated by plantar fasciitis (an inflammation of the plantar fascia or arch ligament) where it attaches to the bottom of the heel bone.  Heel pain can also be associated with a heel spur, or an enlargement of the attachment point of the heel bone to the plantar fascia.  Sometimes pads help the problem, but oftentimes professional help is needed, and if a chronic problem, orthotics with physical therapy, stretching and icing is necessary.  Some situations may need surgical intervention.

BUNIONS

Bunions are dislocation or deviation of the great toe (hallux) at the big toe joint (first metatarsal joint).  The medical term for a bunion is “hallux valgus”.  This is not a temporary condition; it is a progressive problem that gets worse with time. Bunions can be irritated by improper footgear and result in temporary pain, but usually it is a chronic problem resulting in constant pain (with or without shoes) requiring appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.

SPRAINS AND STRAINS

Injuries to the foot and ankle are common, and fortunately our body is able to heal minor injuries quickly.  However, if there is considerable swelling, eccymosis (black and blue), and pain either at rest or when bearing weight, should NOT be dismissed as a simple strain or sprain.  Professional examination and treatment with X-rays and possible a MRI is necessary to rule out a significant injury.  Without proper treatment, an injury passed off as a simple strain or sprain may result in a lifelong problem.

The “common-sense” approach to foot care should result in the prevention of many common foot ailments.  Unfortunately, injuries and our environment can cause problems that even the best preventative methods cannot avoid.  Contact your local Podiatrist or medical professional whenever there is a foot related issue that persists for any length of time.

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Ingrown Toenails

Author – Gary F Ochwat DPM

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Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition in which the nail is curved downward and the side of the toenail grows into the flesh of the toe.  This irritates the skin creating pain and redness and sometimes leads to infection.

Common causes of ingrown toenails include hereditary, trauma improper trimming and tight fitting shoes.  Toenail fungus may also cause the nail to become ingrown.

Prevent ingrown toenails by trimming your toenails properly.  Cut the nails straight across and do not cut them too short.  Avoid wearing tight fitting shoes.  It is a myth that cutting a “V” in the nail allows the nail to grow straight.  This is simply not true.  The toenail will continue to grow curved downward.

Self care treatment includes soaking the toe in warm water for 15-20 minutes and apply a topical antibiotic ointment twice a day.  When an infection is present, seek professional care from a Podiatrist.  This is especially true for those at risk because of diabetes or vascular disease.  Often a minor procedure  is performed to permanently remove the ingrown side of the toenail.  This is a common, painless treatment procedure performed under local anesthesia in the Podiatrist’s office.

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