Foot pain or dysfunction (limping, favoring one foot or the other, inability to put weight on the heel and/or the toes). Foot pain can be due to ill-fitting, inappropriate footwear that cramps your feet; injuries that keep you from walking well--or at all; sprains which stretch or tear ligaments (which connect bones); and stress fractures of bones in the foot, which can result from accidents or overuse while engaging in sports or exercise. Just as foot disorders may originate elsewhere in the body, problems experienced in the feet can cause difficulties in other parts of the body.
Your feet are extremely complex structures composed of bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and skin. They are also subject to injuries and problems caused by normal wear and tear over years of supporting the weight of your body and making it possible for you to stand, walk, run, and jump.
Foot pain and dysfunction caused by illness or injury can force you to modify your gait (the way you walk) and create significant stresses on the joints of your legs, hips, and lower spine. Your feet are the foundation for your entire body. When they suffer from pain, misalignments, and malformations, your whole body is placed in jeopardy.
Even without pain, foot dysfunction can cause your whole body to overcompensate, which can lead to back pain and even headache, not to mention the emotional stress of discomfort and limitations on movement that can spread from the feet upward.
Symptoms of Foot Pain
It is important to seek a healthcare provider if you have any of these following symptoms:
- Pain in the foot.
- Swelling or inflammation in the foot.
- Bruising in the foot.
- Tenderness in the foot.
- Numbness in the foot.
- Burning sensation in the foot.
Causes of Foot Pain
Some causes of foot pain include, but are not limited to:
- Wearing inappropriate footwear.
- Spraining ankle.
- Straining ankle muscles.
- Muscle tear.
- Torn ligament.
- Torn tendon.
- Fractures.
Treatment of Foot Pain
Foot pain can get progressively worse if untreated, it is important to treat it via:
- Physiotherapy.
- Massage therapy.
- Chiropractic rehabilitation.
- Acupuncture.
- Medication (consult a doctor).
- Surgery (consult a doctor).
- Immobilization.
- Rest.
Preventing Foot Pain
Some preventative measures include:
- Avoid overexerting your feet.
- Ensure proper warmup and cooldown.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- If you feel pain, take a break.
- Maintain or improve strength of ankles.
- Maintain or improve range of motion of ankles
- Maintain or improve stability of ankles.
- Ensure avid sleep.
If you suffer from foot pain and want a natural approach to health, we can help. Our Mississauga clinics have an approach to better health.
