Your feet are quite miraculous!
Each foot is a complex mechanical structure comprising of 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 tendons, muscles and ligaments.
Feet have a vital role in our mobility and capability to enjoy (or at least endure!) many aspects of life. We use our feet daily and take them for granted until they hurt.
But when foot pain strikes? It can be really debilitating and draining, as it impedes productivity and prevents us from doing the things we love.
If your feet are causing you grief, a trip to the podiatrist may sort the issue out for you before it causes bigger problems. If left to worsen, some of these conditions may cause pain further up your legs, through ankles, knees, hips and even lower back. Nobody wants that!
What are the Most Common Podiatry Problems?
Here are 10 of the most common foot problems our podiatrists help to diagnose and treat:
1. Heel Pain
Heel pain is the most frequent reason for a trip to the podiatrist. Causes include over-exertion, poorly fitting shoes, and conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bursitis, and Achilles tendinitis.
2. Achilles Tendinitis
The Achilles tendon facilitates your foot being able to move up and down. Achilles tendinitis is a painful strain injury from overuse and is often seen in those who love sports which involve a lot of running.
3. Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia runs along the bottom of the foot and forms the arch. This tissue can become painful if it’s over-stretched or strained and small tears develop.
3. Blisters
When an area of your foot constantly experiences friction, fluid rushes in just under the skin, causing swelling and pain.
4. Corns
Corns develop due to constant rubbing and friction, for example, from poorly fitting shoes. A hard lump forms, surrounded by inflamed skin, which can be very painful.
5. Bunions
A bunion is a painful bony bump that forms at the big toe joint when it pushes inwards toward the second toe. Once again, shoes that don’t fit properly are usually the culprit!
6. Ingrown Toenails
These occur when the edges of the nail curve and grow into surrounding skin. This causes swelling and inflammation and may even lead to infection.
7. Gnarly or thick toenails
Thick and gnarly toenails are mostly caused by fungal infections but may also be from trauma, ageing, or psoriasis. It’s recommended that fungal infections be treated as soon as possible.
9. Neuromas
A neuroma may feel like a pebble stuck under the ball of your foot. It is a form of fibrous scar tissue which develops around a nerve in response to trauma or pressure – for example, surgery, bunions, or shoes that are too tight. In some cases they can be quite painful.
10. Flat foot
Flat foot refers to the lack of arch in your foot when standing. This is generally a genetic condition and contrary to popular opinion, flat foot only requires treatment if it causes pain or discomfort.
While some of these conditions may seem minor at first, if left untreated they may lead to further issues such as not being able to exercise, weight-gain, feeling unhappy or overwhelmed, and possibly other medical problems.
If you are suffering from any of these common podiatry problems – or any other issues with your feet, ankles or lower limbs – book a visit to your local podiatrist.
Healthy feet are happy feet … look after them so they serve you well!