Posts for tag: Flat Foot
Feet are just like anything else, as they are used and time passes, change is inevitable. The average person takes approximately 10,000 steps per day, which can add up to more than 3 million steps a year. Each of these steps can place a force on your feet equal to two or three times your body weight. It is easy to see that with time, this extensive repetitive use can lead to several changes related to growing older.
Normal aging is associated with gradual stretching of the ligaments that support your foot’s anatomical shape. It is normal to notice your feet becoming wider and longer. This is generally combined with a mild settling of the foot’s arch more often noticed as a flattening of the foot. Another normal change is thinning of the skin on the bottom of the heel. This is from a reduction of a fat pad as the body loses its ability to retain water. Again, normal aging is the corporate. An increase in the stiffness of joints and a loss of joint range of motion may occur. Think back to the facts of taking 10,000 steps where 2-3 times your body weight is placed on your feet, this workload on your joints will cause a natural amount of arthritis that can lead to stiffness.
Some common foot changes are abnormal or pathological. These conditions tend to occur in association with prolonged use of ill-fitting shoes and extreme stress placed on the foot. They are most commonly noticed when people are in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. These problems do not occur naturally and can be slowed or prevented with the use of proper shoes and inserts. A bunion is the most common problem and is a large bump on the inside of the big toe. Another condition is a hammer digit, which occurs when the toe becomes curled or constantly bent. Bunionette is a term used to describe a large bump found on the outside of the smallest toe in addition to the toe pointing toward the rest of the foot. Calluses or corns can occur on the toes or foot in areas of high pressure points. If you notice these changes, it is important to get your feet checked by a doctor. Podiatrists are specially trained to treat these conditions and reduce the associated discomfort or pain.
A common cause of pain between the toes while walking is a neuroma. Neuromas are caused by a small growth of nerve tissue and are otherwise known as a pinched nerve or nerve tumor. The nerve most commonly affected nerve is found between the third and fourth toes. A neuroma is a growth of nerve tissue causing a burning sensation, tingling and numbness, or swelling between the toes and in the ball of the foot. Those suffering from the condition often find relief by stopping their walk, taking off their shoe, and rubbing the affected area. Another common feeling during walking is that of a stone beneath the foot.
The exact cause of a neuroma is unclear but foot structure such as high-arched or flat foot can lead to the formation of a neuroma. This is because nerves run close to the bones of the foot and at times can touch. When the nerve rubs against the bone, it becomes irritated and inflamed. This causes the nerve to become painful while continuing to rub and grow. Trauma can also cause damage to the verve resulting in inflammation or swelling.
Treatment options vary with the severity of each neuroma. Wearing shoes with plenty of room for the toes to move, low heels, and laces or buckles that allow for width adjustment are great for preventing and managing a neuroma. Resting the foot and massaging the affected area can temporarily alleviate pain. Icing the area can help dull the pain and improve comfort. For undeveloped neuromas a pair of thick-soled shoes with a wide toe area is adequate treatment, and will allow the condition to diminish on its own. For more severe conditions, surgery may be needed. The wide range of neuroma treatment possibilities point to the importance to see a podiatrist at the first sign of pain or discomfort. Untreated neuromas tend to get worse and it is important to prevent the nerve from enlarging. The primary goal of podiatric treatment is to relieve pressure on the nerve. This can be done through padding, medication, or orthotics. Depending on the extent of damage, a podiatrist is trained to provide adequate therapy to prevent surgery.
By Dr. Scott Werter of Coastal Podiatry Associates, Myrtle Beach SC.