The foot is an intricate structure and its integrity is important for a person to walk, stand, and perform other mobile activities effectively. Pain felt in the foot can be a discomfort for any individual. Pain in the foot can affect walking, standing, or even to perform simple tasks of daily living. Depending on the cause and which structures are damaged, foot pain can be relieved effectively.
Causes And Diagnosis Of Foot Pain
- The foot is composed of bones, cartilages, muscles, and also fat pads.
- All of these structures work together to make the feet function.
- Pain in the foot can mean damage or injury to any one of these structures.
- In order to make the correct diagnosis, the doctor must know when and how the foot pain occurred as this acts as primary clues.
- After a thorough medical interview and physical assessment, the doctor may order radiologic tests such as x-rays to further help in achieving a correct diagnosis.
- Knowing the cause behind foot pain can also help the doctor achieve the right diagnosis.
- Some of the more common causes of foot pain include:
- Acute or repeated trauma to the foot
- Poor biochemical alignment of the foot
- Wearing of improper shoes
- Foot injuries
- Strained muscles and tendons
- Diseases, virus, bacteria, and fungi can be a source of foot pain
- Presence of plantar warts
- Ingrown toenails
Symptoms Of Foot Pain
When a person experiences foot pain, the following symptoms are usually present.
- Foot pain
- Point tenderness
- Looseness of a joint
- Avoidance of bearing weight on the affected foot
- Changes in walking gait
- Fractures
- Swelling
- Discoloration
- Loss of function of the foot or a particular muscle or tendon
- Pain that occurs at specific times (either during daytime or night time)
- Redness
- A distinguishable lump on the foot
- Crunchy feeling on the affected spot
- Type and onset of pain:
- During an activity
- Before and after an activity without affecting performance
- Before and after and during an activity with effects on performance
- Severe pain that any activity is made impossible
Natural Foot Pain Treatments
There are many methods to help alleviate foot pain which can include chemical drugs, surgery, therapy, and even natural treatments.
- Rest the feet regularly – regularly take the weight off the feet by elevating the feet at a 45 degree angle for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Foot soak – two tablespoons of Epsom salts in warm water can serve as a relaxing foot bath. This should be done for 15 minutes.
- Hot and cold compress – alternate hot and cold compress on affected feet or hot and cold foot baths.
- Foot massage – massaging the foot helps ease away the tension that can lead to foot pain.
- Ice compress – after a long day, place a washcloth filled with ice over the feet. This helps decrease swelling and helps to relieve the feet.
- Foot exercises – regular and correct foot exercises help keep the feet healthy.
- Trim toenails correctly to avoid ingrown toenails.
- Wear proper-fitting shoes.
- Wear the appropriate shoes for different activities.
- Replace shoes that are already worn because this can no longer protect the feet.