Foot Pain and Problems
Foot facts:
The foot is one of the most complex parts of the body. It consists of 38
bones connected by numerous joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and is susceptible to
many stresses. Foot problems may cause pain, inflammation, or injury, therefore limiting
our movement and mobility.
What are the different types of foot problems?
Foot pain is often caused by improper foot function. Footwear can worsen and, in some
cases, produce foot problems. Properly fitting shoes, with good arch support can help
prevent irritation to the joints and skin. There are various types of foot problems
affecting the heels, toes, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and joints of the foot. The list
below describes a few of the most common.
What are heel spurs?
A heel spur is a bone growth on the heel bone, particularly on the underside
forepart of the heel bone where the bone connects to the plantar fascia. If the plantar
fascia, a long band of connecting tissue running from the heel to the ball of the foot, is
over-stretched, it can cause a bone growth or spur to develop. This connective tissue
holds the arch together and acts as a shock absorber during activity. The pain results
from the stress and inflammation of the plantar fascia pulling on the bone.
Sometimes, rest will relieve heel spurs. Other treatment options include:
- wearing footwear - to increase bone and joint support
- steroid injections - to help relieve inflammation
- surgery - may be considered with a prolonged condition
What is a corn?
Corns are yellowish callus growths that develop on top of the toes. Corns develop
because of abuse or stress. Often a corn develops where a toe rubs against a shoe or
another toe.
Corns can cause extreme discomfort and pain. Treatment may include:
- applying pads around the corn area
- wearing larger shoes to comfortably fit your foot without rubbing
- surgery
To avoid corn development, always purchase footwear that fits properly.
What is a bunion?
A bunion is a protrusion of bone or tissue around a joint. Bunions may occur at the base
of the great toe or at the base of the little toe, and often occur when the joint is
stressed over a period of time. Women are more frequently affected because they may wear
tight, pointed, and confining shoes. Bunions can also be a result of arthritis which often
affects the big toe joint.
Treatment of bunions may vary depending on the pain and deformity. Treatment may
include:
- wearing comfortable, well-fitting footwear (particularly shoes that conform to the shape
of the foot and do not cause pressure areas)
- surgery (for pain, not for cosmetic purposes)
- applying pads to the affected area
What is Morton's neuroma?
Morton's neuroma is a build-up of benign tissue in the nerves running between the
long bones of the foot. Morton's neuroma occurs when two bones rub together and squeeze
the nerve between them. Most often, neuromas develop between the bones leading to the
third and fourth toes. Morton's neuroma often causes swelling, tenderness, and pain. If
the pain becomes severe, it may cause tingling, numbness, and burning in the toes. It
usually occurs after standing or walking for a long period of time.
Treatment for this condition may involve rest and/or a change in footwear that does not
restrict the foot. If the problem persists, cortisone injections and/or surgery may be
considered.
What are hammertoes?
A hammertoe is a condition in which the toe buckles, causing the middle joint of the
affected toe to poke out. This condition is often aggravated by tight fitting shoes that
put pressure on the hammertoe. Often a corn develops at this site.
Treatment for hammertoes may involve any/all of the following:
- applying a toe pad specially positioned over the bony protrusion
- changing your footwear to accommodate the deformed toe
- surgical removal
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