Foot Pain
About 75% of people in the United States have foot pain at some time in their lives. Most foot pain is caused by shoes that do not fit properly or that force the feet into unnatural shapes (such as pointed-toe, high-heeled shoes). Foot pain generally starts in one of three places: the toes, the forefoot, or the hindfoot. Nearly all causes of foot pain can be grouped under one of the following:
. Ill-fitting shoes
. Certain medical conditions
. High-impact excerise
Treatment -
. The acronum RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and evaluation — the four basic elements of immediate treatment for an injured foot.
. Orthonyxia, a newer surgical technique that implants a small metal brace into the top of the nail, may be as effective as traditional surgical techniques for preventing ingrown toenails from recurring.
. The American Orthopaedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) suggests shoe inserts, medications, and stretching as a first line of therapy for heel pain.
Prevention -
The American Podiatric Medical Association offers the following tips for preventing foot pain.
. Don’t ignore foot pain - it’s not normal
. Inspect feet regularly
. Wash feet regularly, especially between the toes and dry them completely
. Trim toenails straight across, but not too short
. Wear the right shoe for specific activities (such as running shoes for running)
. Don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day
. Avoid walking barefoot, which increases the risk for injury and infection
. It is critical that people with diabetes see a podiatric physician at least once a year for a checkup.