FOOT HEALTH

Each human foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, tendons, muscles, ligaments and countless nerves and blood vessels that link up all the way to the heart, spine, and brain. The human foot is better adapted to walk barefoot on soft natural surfaces such as sand and grass. However, most of the time, we walk on hard surfaces such as pavements. This can cause numerous problems to the foot. You may have pain in Heel, Ball-of-Foot, Ankle, and Knee & lower-back due to it, said, late Dr. Paul W. Brand, Chief of the Rehabilitation Branch of the U.S. Public Health Service Hospital in Carville, LA. http://www.unshod.org/pfbc/pfmedresearch.htm

Common foot problems & recommended solutions

Plantar Fasciitis

Definition: Inflammation of fibrous tissue along the bottom of the foot from beginning of heel bone to metatarsal

Causes: Occurs due to collapse of tissues in midfoot area, over pronation (flat feet), high arch feet, sudden increase in physical activity, excessive weight gain, flip-flops 

Symptoms: Heel pain, heel spurs, arch pain first thing in the morning or after a period of prolonged rest 

Solution: Shoe fitted with arch support, proper cushioning and shock absorption, stretching & applying ice

Heel Pain Syndrome

Definition: Extreme heel discomfort, underneath the heel or just behind it, where the tendon attaches to the heel bone causing plantar fasciitis 

Causes: Over use of shoe with poor cushioning, excessive pressure on heel due to wrong standing posture

Solution: Heel cups or cradles, orthotics with arch support & cushioning to avoid shock absorption, footwear with elevated heels

Metatarsalgia (Ball-of-Foot Pain)

Definition: Inflammation or pain at the thick skin area & bones and joints at the ball-of-foot

Causes: Thinning out of the fat pad, footwear with narrow toe boxes, high heels causing excessive pressure

Solution: Wear shoes with metatarsal pads, proper cushioning, wide toe boxes & low heels

Foot Alignment & Support 

Definition: Incorrect foot alignment causes pain in the knee & lower back , leading to a faulty body posture. 
Causes: Due to unevenness in the insole/shoe leading to unbalanced movement. 

Solution: Wear insole with heel cupping to stabilize the foot heel which prevents the unwanted movement of the foot base.

Bunion 

Definition: A bunion is a bump on the inside of the foot around the big toe joint. 
Causes: abnormality in foot function, or arthritis, but is more commonly caused by wearing improper fitting footwear. 

Solution: Wearing properly fitted footwear with a high, wide toe box.