Your feet are complex in their anatomical structure and sensitive to health problems that occur in the body. They can tell you a lot about hidden health concerns, and are, in a sense, the window to what’s going on with your body.

Often neglected, you may tend to ignore the signs of pain you experience in your feet. However, major changes in your foot comfort can be an indication that there is a much larger health issue at hand.

Here are some of the potential problems that are associated with sore feet:

1. Foot Cramping

Foot CrampFoot cramping may indicate various health issues. Smaller issues include dehydration and lack of nutrition in the body; whilst bigger issues include nerve and circulation problems.

To relieve foot cramps, try taking more potassium, magnesium and calcium to get more nutrients, or take a foot bath and stretch the toes toward your nose.

If the cramping persists, see your doctor or podiatrist to ensure you’re not suffering from nerve damage or circulation problems.

2. Foot Pain and Stiffness

Foot Pain

For older people, episodes of foot pain and stiffness may be a sign of osteoarthritis. The condition can cause wear and tear in the tissues, as well as in the joints of the heel and big toe. Another less common diagnosis is rheumatoid arthritis, also indicated through the presence of foot pain.

The pain in your feet occurs from your immune system attacking its joints, causing inflammation in the joint tissues. Foot pain and stiffness may not be the only symptoms of this condition.

For osteoarthritis, footwear and orthotics can help reduce any strain on joints.

3. A Pain in the Heel

Heel Pain

If you experience a sharp pain in the bottom of your heel when you stand up from a sitting position, you may have Plantar fasciitis. This is caused by the strain of the ligament that supports the arch of your foot, usually due to frequently wearing jandals, wearing shoes that are too tight or shoes that no longer have support.

To prevent this from occurring, make sure to wear supportive shoes, a good pair of orthotics and do some stretching before and after workouts.

4. Enlarged, Painful Big Toe

Toe Pain

A painful big toe is a sign that you may have gout – a type of arthritis specifically affecting the joint of the big toe.

It occurs from eating too much steak, wine, foods high in purine, fish and some kinds of alcohol.

An attack of gout occurs with an increased level of uric acid (usually excreted through urine).

Gout is extremely painful and will likely require inflammatory drugs. For long term prevention, a low-purine diet is usually suggested by general practitioners.

5. Burning Pain
Burning Pain

Extreme burning pain on the ball of the foot and base of the toes may indicate Morton’s neuroma. As fibrous tissue develops around the nerves in the foot, they become compressed and irritated, causing a persistent burning pain. The third and fourth toes are usually affected first.

See a podiatrist for options to relieve pressure from the area. Consider a good pair of orthotics before contemplating surgery or steroid injections.

6. Constant Cold Feet

The most common cause of constantly cold feet is hypothyroidism – a condition caused by an underactive thyroid. This is especially common in people over the age of 40.

If hypothyroidism is not managed, you may experience hair loss, exhaustion, weight gain without reason and depression.

This condition can be diagnosed by getting a blood test from your doctor. If diagnosed, daily medication may be prescribed to prevent major health problems.

  1. A Sore That Won’t Heal

    Sore won't healIf you have a sore on your foot that won’t heal, also known as an abscess, you may have diabetes. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, the uncontrolled glucose levels in your blood can cause nerve damage that affect your feet.

    As the nerve damage will prevent you from feeling the sore, you may not care for it properly. If the sore gets infected, there are cases where amputation has been necessary.

    If you experience a sore on your foot that won’t heal and never hurts, see you doctor for check-up. In addition, regular foot check-ups with a podiatrist can also help prevent sores on your feet.

Feetness Podiatry is New Clinic from the U.K now based within Healthzone with over 25 years experience and many testimonials from patients

Get in Touch:

021 644 958

[email protected]

www.feetnesspodiatry.co.nz

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