My Feet Are Killing Me!

1/17/2008 - “My Feet are Killing Me”

Along with “Hello”, “Goodbye”, and “I didn’t do it” This is one of the most common phrases in the English language. In fact, sore feet can keep you from concentrating on your work, can cause you to be grumpy, and have a physical impact on your knees, hips or even your lower back. Although most of us are born with trouble free feet, a lifetime of walking, wearing improper shoes, aging, heredity, and neglect combine to cause some of the hundreds of common foot ailments. Interestingly, women have about four times as many foot problems as men.
With 26 bones, 30 joints, more than a hundred ligaments, 31 tendons, and 18 muscles, the human foot is a mechanical masterpiece. They were designed for a lifetime of standing and walking, and with a minimum of proper care, we can often forget about them and just keep moving.
Just think, the average person walks up to several miles a day…that translates into 115, 000 miles in a lifetime, more than four times around the earth. In fact during each day, you’ll probably take 8 to 10 thousand steps a day on mostly hard unyielding surfaces. As you land on each foot with 1 ½ to 2 ½ times your body weight, that adds up to a tremendous amount of pressure each day.
Foot ailments are among the most common of our health problems…Studies show that 75% of us experience some type of foot problem during our lifetime. Nowhere near that amount has sought treatment, apparently because many people erroneously believe that it is normal for their feet to hurt. It is not! You do not have to live with the pain! A few of the more common problems are discussed below.
Corns and Calluses are thick areas of skin found on or around the toes or on the bottom of the feet. They form in response to friction or pressure which is the result of foot deformities or ill fitting shoes. Reducing friction and pressure by using emollients or modifying shoe selection is often effective in reducing the pain from these conditions. It is typically not advisable to use acid preparations or razor blades to self treat. If lubricating or getting into larger shoes does not relieve pain, it is best to seek the advice of a professional.
Fungus Toenails are the thick, often painful, discolored, crumbly nails that seem to plague us more as we get older. The reason for this common finding is that fungus likes warmth, darkness, and moisture…the exact environment found in shoes and socks. Trimming them yourself is often difficult and often best left to the professional. Over the counter antifungals are sometimes minimally effective against toenail fungus, but often only in conjunction with aggressive trimming. Keeping feet and toes clean and free from perspiration can be helpful in prevention and treatment in mild cases. If you are unsuccessful at treating this problem yourself, your Podiatrist can discuss with you all your options.
Heel and Arch Pain can often be traced to faulty foot mechanics such as flat feet which places too much stress on the ligaments supporting the arch. It can also be caused by improper fitting shoes, arthritis, and many other conditions. Arch supports, changes in shoe gear and stretching exercises are often helpful in self treating this malady. If you are unable to give your self comfort with this or any other chronic foot or ankle pain, you need to see your Podiatrist.
Deformities, such as Bunions and Hammertoes affect millions and often result in unnecessary pain, overall balance, and general well being. Both of these are often acquired conditions, as the result of hereditary, arthritis, injuries, or ill fitting shoes. Getting shoe pressure off of the boney prominence by wearing softer shoes with plenty of toe room is often helpful to relieve the pain. Topical pain-relieving liniments may play in important role as well. Sometimes you will need the help of your Podiatrist to counsel you on all the measures at your disposal to give yourself comfort. In severe cases surgery might be required as the last resort if all else fails to keep you walking pain-free.
Remember that self treatment for any health condition can sometimes turn a minor issue into a major one. If in doubt about any foot or ankle problems that persist beyond your ability to get relief, seek the help of your Podiatrist.

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