Anatomy of the foot
The foot is one of the most complex parts of the human body, made up of 26 bones connected by various joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, due to its complexity, it can be at risk from many stresses which may lead to pain, inflammation, or injury. These issues can have serious implications on movement and mobility if not managed correctly through medical intervention or lifestyle changes such as exercise regimes or orthotics. Therefore, individuals need to monitor their feet closely to prevent any long-term damage caused by these conditions.
What are the different types of foot problems?
Foot pain is often caused by incorrect foot function, and wearing shoes that don’t fit well can make the problem worse. To prevent irritation to the foot joints and skin, it’s important to wear shoes that fit correctly and provide good support. Many types of foot problems affect different parts of the feet such as heels, toes, nerves, tendons ligaments, or joints. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis as symptoms may be similar to other health conditions or problems.
- Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are bony outgrowths that form on the heel bone, most commonly at the attachment point of the plantar fascia. This connective tissue runs from the heel to the ball of the foot and helps maintain arch integrity while providing shock absorption during physical activities. Overstretching or irritation due to ill-fitting shoes or excessive weight can cause inflammation in this tissue, resulting in pain and eventually leading to an increase in bone production as a response, thus forming a heel spur. Treatment methods may include:
- Rest
- Cold packs
- Anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen
- Correct stretching before the activity
- Correct footwear or shoe inserts
- Achilles stretching
- Corticosteroid shots (injections)
- Surgery (for more severe, prolonged conditions)
- Corn
Corns are another common issue caused by friction between toes and footwear. These yellowish callus growths can be painful if left untreated for too long. Treatment may include:
- Trimming the corn by shaving the layers of dead skin
- Applying pads around the corn area
- Wearing larger shoes to comfortably fit your foot without rubbing
- Surgery
To prevent corn, always buy shoes that fit correctly.
- Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments in the ankle, which are tough bands of elastic tissue that connect bones together. This type of injury can occur when the ankle rolls, turns, or twists beyond its normal range of motion due to awkward foot placement on irregular surfaces, weak muscles, or loose ligaments. Wearing shoes with spiked heels can also increase your risk of an ankle sprain. Symptoms may vary depending on how severely the ligament is stretched or torn but usually include swelling, pain, and bruising around and near the affected area. Treatment will depend on the severity of the sprain, but may include:
- Resting the ankle
- Wrapping the ankle with an elastic bandage or tape
- Using an ice pack application (to reduce inflammation)
- Keeping the ankle raised
- Taking over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen to help reduce pain and inflammation
- Returning slowly to walking and exercise
- Using a walking boot (for moderate sprains)
- Having surgery (rarely for severe sprains)
- Getting physical therapy
For any surgical problem or orthopedic problem contact Dr. Rahul Grover, Glyra Orthopaedics, and here.