Pain can occur in various parts of the body and is usually a result of inflammation or injury. When it comes to the feet, pain is quite common. After all, we spend a lot of time on them. Sometimes, pain in the feet is the result of standing for prolonged periods of time or because you have been walking or running. Sometimes though the pain in feet is caused by other conditions. Below are a few examples.
Bunions
Bunions are bony bumps that form at the side of the foot just under the big toe. This happens when the big toe is pulled towards the rest of the toes causing the joint at the bottom of the big toe to stick out to the side. Bunions can be quite painful and the skin over the bump may be red. Bunions are usually caused by wearing shoes that are too tight. They are often found in women who wear tight high heels. But they can also be caused by arthritis.
Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis that commonly affects the feet, particularly the big toe. The pain usually comes on suddenly and causes a burning sensation. The pain is often described as unbearable, with the affected joint being swollen and hot to the touch.
Athlete’s Foot
The folk at ShoeFresh, makers of shoe deodorant, say that athlete’s foot typically results in an itchy rash, but it can also become painful, especially if blisters or ulcers develop on the feet. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection and is often the result of wearing damp socks and shoes. It can be prevented by changing socks regularly and spraying shoes with a suitable shoe deodorizer to eliminate bacteria.
Ingrown Toenails
Many people will experience an ingrown toenail during their lifetime. It happens when the nail at the side of the toe begins to grow into the soft flesh at the side. This causes inflammation at the side of the toe as well as pain and discomfort. Ingrown toenails often occur when nails are cut too short. They can also happen after injury or because of an infection in the nailbed.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis causes pain in the heel. The pain occurs when the tissue that connects the heel to the toes becomes inflamed. Those affected by plantar fasciitis will often experience a sharp pain in the feet when they get up in the morning. The pain subsides with movement, but it can come back during the day if the person has been sitting or standing for an extended period. It is more common in those who work on their feet for most of the day as well as those who are overweight. However, it also affects dancers, runners, and anyone taking part in activities that put stress on the heel.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the joints as well as other parts of the body. It can cause pain in various parts of the body, and in the early stages of the condition it is more commonly found in the hands and feet. The pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis can be mild to severe. Some people will suffer with constant pain in their joints while for others, pain comes and goes.
Conclusion
The above are just some of the more common causes of foot pain. Pain in the feet is quite common when you have been taking part in various activities or have been on your feet for a long period of time. But any pain that does not go away or seems to be getting worse should be checked by a doctor.
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