Every step you take involves a remarkably intricate network of bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. That complexity — combined with all the weight they carry — accounts for why feet can be so prone to problems, including bone fractures, arthritis and plantar fasciitis.

Potential Foot Problems

If left untreated, foot problems can worsen. Eventually, the pain can interfere with your ability to do even the most basic things, such as walking up stairs or down the street. If pain alters the way you walk, it can radiate to your knees, hips and back. These problems can multiply, limiting your activity and affecting your quality of life.

Several things can contribute to foot pain or numbness. Sports and physical activity can cause your feet to hurt or become numb. Going too far, too fast, or not warming up properly before exercise can increase your chances of painful or numbing injuries.

Excess weight puts extra stress on your feet. Poorly fitting shoes and other footwear are also common causes of foot problems.

Health disorders can also affect the feet. Lack of feeling in your feet could be a sign of a serious illness, such as diabetes, or a nerve disorder. See your doctor if you have unusual numbness in your feet or foot pain that is severe, comes on suddenly, or doesn’t improve with simple treatments such as rest or over-the-counter pain medications.

“Foot pain, even minor pain, can be nagging and effect every aspect of life, since you use your feet to walk!” says Dr. Alexandra Matthews, Sports Medicine Specialist with the Orthopedic Performance Institute. “There are some very conservative measures, like arch supports, correct toe spacing, correct show wear, to keep feet happy as and healthy, as well as more aggressive treatments that we use when appropriate.”

Keeping Your Feet Healthy

There are several ways to keep your feet healthy: Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Wash your feet regularly (especially between your toes), wear clean socks, and try to rotate your shoes to give them time to air out.

The more you exercise your feet, the better the blood flow to them, which is essential for overall foot health. Walking is a great way to exercise your feet.

You can also try these foot exercises:

Sit down and rotate your ankles in one direction, then the other. In bare feet, sit in a chair and curl your toes, then spread them out. This helps stretch and strengthen your feet and maintain balance.

If you’re feeling any of the foot symptoms described here, an appointment with your doctor or an orthopedic specialist may be needed. The Orthopedic Performance Institute is here to help. We’re dedicated to helping you stay on your feet for life.

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SYMPTOMS

When you put too much pressure on the plantar fascia, you can damage or tear it, resulting in pain at the heel or even all over the bottom of the foot. Various people have described the pain as dull or sharp — even a burning ache.

Plantar fasciitis can also result in loss of flexibility, especially first thing in the morning or after long periods of inactivity. This can make it difficult to walk. Sometimes the pain isn’t felt during a particular activity, but it arises just after stopping.

CAUSES

Being overweight puts more pressure on your plantar fascia ligaments. In fact, women who are in the last stage of pregnancy may experience temporary plantar fasciitis due to the recent weight gain. Rigorous physical activity, such as long-distance running, can be a culprit as well. Jobs that require you to be on your feet a great deal of the time can also inflame the ligaments. Flat feet and high arches can cause plantar fasciitis. Even wearing the wrong shoes can cause the disorder.

Plantar fasciitis can increase over time. Ignoring the symptoms or fighting through the pain can alter the way you walk, spreading the discomfort to your hips, knees and back.

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will examine your feet to identify the exact location of the pain and make sure it’s not a different problem. The doctor may also perform some foot-flexing. They’ll also check your reflexes, muscle tone, senses and coordination to rule out any other problems. An x-ray or scan may also be ordered to assure that the pain isn’t being caused by a bone fracture.

TREATMENT

At home, stay off your feet and apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes three or four times a day. Curtailing strenuous activity is also a must, as well as stretching exercises and arch supports in your shoes. Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) may also offer some relief.

Reducing the inflammation is important, but medical treatment may also be required. Your doctor may either inject a corticosteroid into the damaged area or apply a topical ointment, depending on the severity. Physical therapy may also be prescribed. Braces or supports may also be prescribed. Surgery is usually a last resort.

RESULTS

Most people don’t need surgery to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis. Dr. Alexandra Matthews, fellowship-trained Sports Medicine Specialist with the Orthopedic Performance Institute, says “There are different treatments for plantar fasciitis such as therapy options, supportive footwear and inserts, or medicines to help you feel better so don’t suffer in silence. We can help improve this condition.”

At Orthopedic Performance Institute, our physicians are experts in diagnosing and treating all types of orthopedic conditions. Our mission is to alleviate your pain and get you back on your feet as quickly as possible. Don’t ignore your foot pain — make an appointment with us today.

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