When Your Feet Hurt-You Hurt All Over

April 11, 2011 - PRLog -- I first heard this expression over 35 years ago when I started my Orange County podiatry practice in, California. I thought it was a cute an isolated statement. Little did I know that I would hear this expression over and over again to the point where I soon came to understand this is a statement of fact. When your feet hurt, it can affect your entire body-among other things it can cause-back problems, headaches and ill-temper. The human foot is highly efficient lever-type device consisting of 26 bones and hundreds of muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves. It carries us hundreds of miles in our lifetimes. Like any precise machine, the “parts” may malfunction-which in this case-can lead to pain and thus starts the cycle.
The following are some common foot problems which often lead to foot pains:
Bunion of the great toe:      
A bunion is an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe. The big toe (hallux) may turn in toward the second toe and the tissues surrounding the joint may be swollen and tender.
Corns on feet and Calluses:   
Corns and calluses on feet are thickened growths of skin as a result of irritation and friction. Corns form on the toes whereas calluses are seen on the bottom of the feet
Plantar fasciitis:
Plantar fasciitis involves pain and inflammation of a thick band of tissue, called the plantar fascia that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of pain in the heels.
Ingrown Toenails:      
An ingrown toenail is a common condition in which the corner or side of one of your toenails grows into the soft flesh of that toe. The result is pain, redness, swelling and, sometimes, an infection. An ingrown toenail usually affects your big toe.
Flat Feet:   
Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, is a foot condition in which the arch of the foot collapses, with the entire sole of the foot coming into complete or near-complete contact with the ground.
Putting a smile back on your feet-and you will feel good all over
Some foot problems are inevitable however it my experience that many problems can be avoided by abiding by some common-sense habits:
•   Wear sensible shoes that fit properly.
•   Keep your skin well moisturized, using skin lotion on a daily basis.
•   Trim your toenails straight across. If you develop an ingrown toenail, see a podiatrist
•   Never go barefoot
•   Never use salicylic acid on your feet or medicated corn/ callus removers

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The Foot Pain Center was established in 1974 by Dr. Marc Spitz. An all-inclusive practice, we offers comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic medical care for patients with general foot and toenail disorders, diabetic problems and peripheral neuropathy.