Our feet often struggle from abuse each day. No matter how comfortable your shoes might be, the truth is that you’re constantly exerting a great deal of pressure on your feet whenever you’re walking, standing, or climbing a set of stairs. Many of us spend far more time on our feet than we do off them, and sometimes, you might even consider foot pain to be just another common part of your day-to-day life.
While we all experience some foot pain from time to time, it’s important to be aware of the 7 warning signs and symptoms of severe foot problems, so you can get help as quickly as possible for serious conditions.
1. Redness Around the Toe
Gout is a form of arthritis prompted according to a growth of uric acid in the joints around your toes. One of the first places that gout can occur is in the big toe. Usually, you’ll be able to recognize a gout attack when the toe becomes hot, swollen, and red. It will be painful to touch even when this is done gently, and you will need to seek help from a doctor as quickly as possible.
2. Inflammation
Inflammation is one of the most common in our list of 7 warning signs and symptoms of severe foot problems, but it’s dangerous because it can sometimes indicate the presence of plantar fasciitis, or bone spurs. In plantar fasciitis, the tissue connecting the heel to the ball of the foot becomes inflamed, which makes it difficult for the affected person to move as normal.
3. In-turned Toes
If your big toe has a strange bump on the side that’s causing it to turn inwards towards the rest of the toes on your foot, then this is a sign that you could be suffering from a bunion. Bunions can be very painful, and make it difficult to find shoes that fit your feet. You may need surgery to correct the problem.
4. Ankle Pain
While ankle pain can happen for a vast range of different reasons, one of the most worrying conditions is tendonitis. If you suffer from tendonitis, then you may find that it’s impossible to walk on the foot with the affected ankle.
5. Warts
Warts can be a sign of plantar warts, which are viral infections that often develop into growths on the soles of the feet. These infections are frequently spread through public showers and pools. Often, they’re painful, and can require laser therapy, freezing, or burning treatment to remove.
6. Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail may not seem like a severe problem for people who are looking for the 7 warning signs and symptoms of severe foot problems. However, they can be very painful and serious. You may need to undergo surgery to remove the part of the nail from your foot either temporarily, or permanently.
7. Flat Foot
Finally, if your foot seems to be completely flat against the ground when bearing weight, this is a sign that you’re suffering from flat foot. This issue can be inherited, caused by injuries, or by a condition known as tibial tendon dysfunction.
