The average person will take 6,000 to 10,000 steps per day, putting thousands of pounds of pressure on his or her feet every hour. When an imbalance causes the proper movement pattern of the foot to be disrupted, it can result in a number of conditions. This includes some of these common foot problem outlined below.
Foot Pain
Given how much we rely on our feet for movement, work and exercise, foot pain is no surprise. Foot problems come in many forms with many causes and treatments. At Foot Solutions, we are committed to finding solutions to your foot problems and foot pain.
Plantar Fasciitis
A common cause of heel pain, Plantar Fasciitis can come on quickly and with no warning. This particular foot problem is caused by several things, including:
- Overuse – Plantar Fasciitis can also be brought on by extreme sports like marathons.
- Age – Plantar Fasciitis is more common in the over 40’s.#
- Pregnancy – The pressure on the feet can cause Plantar Fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of a ligament that runs from your heel to toes at the base of your foot. Common symptoms of this foot problem include a pain that is worse in the morning and eases when you walk.
Heel spurs
Heel spurs often occur alongside Plantar Fasciitis and are discovered at the same time. They are caused by calcium deposits that create a bony point on the underside of your heel. The pain from a heel spur is sharp and stabbing.
Causes of heel spurs include:
- An abnormal gait
- Ill-fitting shoes
- Age
- Flat feet
Heel pain from heel spurs might mainly be experienced when you run or exercise. The extra pressure on the heel causes the heel spur to become irritated
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Bunions
Bunions occur on the side of the big toe and can range from mild to severe. Bunions can be genetic but also can be related to other foot problems. Arthritis and flat feet are common foot problems that accompany bunions. Other causes of bunions include:
- Narrow shoes
- An injury to the foot
- Standing for extended periods often
Bunion symptoms include a painful bump on the inner side of your foot, just below the big toe. Redness and swelling around the same area can occur along with decreasing movement of the big toe.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles Tendon connects the heel of your foot to the calf muscle on the back of your leg. Achilles Tendonitis happens when the Achilles is overused. Common causes of Achilles Tendonitis foot problems include:
- A pain that runs from your heel and up the back of your lower leg
- A heel pain that occurs after running
- Bone spurs
- Swelling of the heel and Achilles area
Anyone can get Achilles Tendonitis but it is a foot problem most often experienced by runners. That said, anyone who exercises on uneven ground or lands awkwardly can experience this type of pain.
Calluses
Foot calluses are areas of skin that have become hard. They are sometimes painful but can occur with no pain. Calluses are caused by friction or irritation that rubs the skin of the foot. This can happen because shoes don’t fit properly or because inner soles have become worn and rub the skin. Regularly wearing shoes without socks can also lead to this foot problem.
Hammer Toes
One of the most painful foot problems we see is Hammer Toes. The main sign of Hammer Toes is a bent second or third toe. The problem toe will rise in the middle (at the joint) and point down at the tip. Severe cases that have been left untreated can overlap the neighbouring toes. Causes of Hammer Toes include:
- Regularly wearing high heels
- A bad foot or toe injury
- A high foot arch
- Arthritis
Having other foot problems like bunions and calluses can increase the likelihood of Hammer toes.
Morton’s Neuroma
Do you ever feel like there is something stuck in your shoe near the ball of your foot? If you do, it could be a symptom of Morton’s Neuroma. Morton’s Neuroma has no physical signs (even though it feels like a lump) and is related to the tissue around the nerves. Causes of Morton’s Neuroma include:
- High heels
- Tight shoes
- Regularly compressed feet
- Regular increases of pressure on the feet
It’s important to note that, if left untreated, Morton’s Neuroma can become an ongoing foot problem. Permanent nerve damage caused by Morton’s Neuroma can leave you experiencing tingling and numbness indefinitely.
Foot Arch Pain
The arch of your foot is between your heel and toes and rises in a concave shape on the inner foot side. How high the arch is varies from person to person. Arch pain can differ in severity, from a dull ache to a sharp pointed pain. The type of pain can be a clue to the foot problem irritating your foot arch. Common causes of arch pain include:
- Injury whilst walking or running
- A strained muscle
- A strained ligament
Even people with flat feet can experience arch pain and related foot problems. Any arch type can experience pain as a result of ageing or physical stress too.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a problem that can affect any joints in the body, not only a foot problem. There are different types of Arthritis that occur at different ages for different reasons. When Arthritis occurs in the feet, the causes can include:
- Fractures or dislocations
- Foot stress
- Wear and tear
- Autoimmune health issues
Signs of Arthritis in your feet include swelling that is tender to touch. Increased trouble with the movement of the foot and in general. Stiffness, especially around the joints in your feet or ankle.
Any foot problem left untreated for a prolonged time can lead to further, more painful problems.
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Understanding Your Foot Problems
At Foot Solutions, we are passionate about caring for feet. We understand the pressure your feet are under and how foot problems can hinder work, life and play.
When you visit one of our stores, you will be met by one of our foot assessment experts (pedorthists) who will take great care of you. Your free Foot Solutions assessment includes a bespoke nine step process. We have designed this process to get a full understanding of the foot problems you are experiencing. This allows us to plan how we can best help.
The first two steps involve talking about your general health, lifestyle and footwear. We then take full measurements of your feet from toe to heel, width and arch. Next comes a pressure map which shows us each person’s pressure points.
How we walk can help or cause foot problems, so gait is something we assess too along with foot flexibility. Balance can be an indication of health and strength and is step seven of your assessment. Finally, the very cool 3D contour scan of the sole of your foot.
These steps help us get a clear picture of your needs, foot health and possible solutions. The final step will be a recommendation from our pedorthist of a solution to your foot problem. This could be arch supports, good fitting shoes, or comfort socks.
The aim of our service at Foot Solutions is to help you feel better again. We love to hear about how our customers are once again able to do the things they once enjoyed.
Book A Free Appointment with Foot Solutions
Book an appointment online now for a time that suits you at one of our eight stores. Your free foot assessment will be completed by one of our trained and friendly pedorthists.
