Foot pain can interfere with normal life, especially if it becomes unbearable. This pain has several causes, which may involve different parts of the foot (e.g. the Achilles tendon, the heel, or the toes).
Some causes of foot pain and how you can deal with them include:
- Calluses - Calluses are the body’s way of preventing blisters from building in places where extreme pressure is exerted (e.g. the ball of the foot or the heel). However, if left untreated, they can make walking painful.
What you can do - Soak your feet in warm water to soften the skin, then wear down the callus with a pumice stone and apply moisturizing lotion. With larger calluses, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist or dermatologist.
- Achilles tendonitis - The Achilles tendon at the back of the foot can become irritated and painful when overused. This condition is especially common among runners or people who wear high heels.
What you can do - Get plenty of rest to avoid aggravating the tendon. Put ice on the area, and consider physical therapy if the pain increases. If the pain lasts longer than a few days, see a doctor.
- Morton’s neuroma - This condition causes pain or numbness in the ball of the foot. It can be caused by high-impact sports like tennis. Repetitive pounding on the foot can damage the nerves that lead to the toes.
What you can do - Custom orthotics, arch supports, or foot pads can be inserted into your shoes to support the feet. In more extreme cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to relieve compression on the nerves.
- Plantar fasciitis - This condition is caused by inflammation in the plantar fascia tendon along the bottom of the foot. High-heeled shoes and high-impact sports can cause the tendon to become less elastic over time, resulting in pain or discomfort.
What you can do - Foot massages can stretch the muscles in the foot and help them move more freely. This method also improves circulation and the production of oxygenated blood.
- Bunions - Bunions can be caused by too-tight shoes, which puts pressure on the joint and causes inflammation. They are painful bumps at the base of the big toe which can cause it to move towards the second toe.
What you can do - Choose wide-toed shoes to give the toes more space. You can also insert orthotics and padding to provide more balance for the foot.
It’s important to choose comfortable shoes to avoid any future complications. While some of these problems can be treated on your own, consult a doctor if your foot pain lasts longer than a few days.
For treatment of foot pain and discomfort, Brampton Physiocare & Wellness Clinic is here to help. We offer a variety of services including physiotherapy and massage therapy, offering relief for patients of all ages. Call us at our location in Brampton, Ontario at (905) 497-1311.
