Related Foot Pain Articles: Causes of Pain in Foot
"Your Life and Your Feet" by Jeffrey Jacobs, C. Ped
At some time in your life you will have a foot
problem. Chances are you have already experienced the impact foot pain can
have on your quality of life. While we all know it is important to stay
active, what do we do if our feet hurt? Understanding our feet and knowing
how to treat and prevent foot problems is vital to our longevity and
overall health.
A quarter of all the bone in our body are in the feet, 52
of them. Our feet are required to be flexible and rigid at different
stages of walking and they must support a load of up to 4 times your body
weight. Our feet are among the most complex structures in human anatomy,
but as complicated as feet are, most foot problems are simple to classify,
over use syndrome.
Over use syndrome is a term used to
describe a foot injury that develops gradually as a result of a change in
intensity or type of activity. For a runner this may be increasing mileage
or speed. For many, it may be starting a new exercise program or weight
gain. In any case, if your feet hurt it will force you to reduce your
activity level and consequently diminish your overall health.
The best
treatment and prevention for foot related problems is a combination of
stretching, weight control and appropriate footwear. Weight is a
significant factor in foot problems and, unfortunately, the less you can
exercise due to foot pain the more difficult it is to control your weight.
Stretching also helps by toning the muscles and tendons in the back of
your legs that have attachments in the foot, this is especially important
for people who are suffering from plantar fasciitis or heel pain.
As you
might guess, wearing well-fitted, well-made and appropriate footwear can
help to reduce foot problems. Selecting the right shoe type is perhaps the
most important factor. Shoes made for walking and athletics are best. They
should provide support and control while allowing ample room in the
forefoot. High heels, although fashionable, are orthopedically unsound and
may account for the fact that nearly 85% of all forefoot surgeries are
performed on women. You should shop for shoes in stores that have trained
sales people who will measure your feet and assist you in selecting the
right size and model for your foot type.
For more persistent foot
problems, orthotics or custom made inserts can provide additional support
and/or cushioning. They are made to your personal foot shape and are
designed to address biomechanical deficiencies. If you do have persistent
foot pain, it is best to consult your physician or podiatrist for
treatment. Despite what many people think, it is not normal for your feet
to hurt. |
