Having foot pain is incredibly common. This isn't surprising when you come to realize that the feet have a very important role because they carry the full weight of our body while we stand or walk. The more you use your feet, the more likely you are to develop problems with them as well. That said, complete inactivity can also be highly problematic. So what are foot problems? Essentially, that question has a lot of possible answers because there are so many common causes.
Foot Problems Causes:
There are many possible reasons as to why someone could have a problem that causes foot pain. Nevertheless, some of the most common causes are:
Gout
Sprain and strain
Bunions
Calluses, corns, blisters
Plantar fasciitis
Ingrown toenails
Metatarsalgia
Morton's neuroma
Achilles tendon injuries
Arthritis
Embedded objects
Edema
Bone fractures
Diabetic foot problems
As you can see, there are a lot of potential causes of foot problems, and the signs, symptoms, and treatments can vary greatly. A common sign and symptom of foot problems is pain and discomfort. Often, movement becomes limited and it is very difficult to walk properly. Other common signs and symptoms to look out for are:
Swelling
Redness
Tenderness to the touch
Itching
Bruising
Infections
Leaking fluids
In terms of treatment, the list is almost as endless. In fact, treatment will greatly depend on the cause of the foot problem. For instance, for someone who has diabetic foot problems, the treatment could be something as easy as monitoring dietary intake, or as complex and drastic as a foot amputation.
Besides answering the question on 'what are foot problems', you also need to understand what the consequences of the answer to that question are. For instance, if you have some mild discomfort after a sprain, you probably do not need any treatment at all, other than rest and some ice packs. However, if you have a complex fracture whereby the bone has pierced through the skin, you will need immediate medical attention.
Because the foot is such an important body part, you should not ignore foot problems. In most cases, simple at home treatment, rest, and over the counter painkillers are all that is needed. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry, and you should seek medical attention if you are unsure about what is causing the pain.
If the pain is caused by an embedded object, for instance, you may feel that you can treat it yourself by simply removing it, providing the object is reasonably small. In reality, however, the object, such as a thorn, nail, or small piece of glass, could have been contaminated with bacteria and/or viruses, which could lead to an infection. In the worst case, this could lead to sepsis, which is potentially lethal.
You must learn, in other words, to never take your feet for granted. When they start to hurt, they are trying to tell you something. Pain is actually designed to do just that – tell you that something is wrong.