Whether it’s from sports, a long day at the office, or simply due to the wear and tear of everyday activities, our feet are prone to ailments and injury. Symptoms of painful feet can range from a sharp stabbing to a dull ache to open sores. If you spend a lot of time on your feet – and who doesn’t – you may be experiencing foot pain. Here are some of the more common causes of why your feet may hurt, and what you can do about it.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that occurs when the plantar fascia – the connective tissues that extends from the heel to the ball of the foot – becomes irritated and inflamed. Carrying around extra weight (especially if you’re pregnant), standing or walking on hard surfaces, and wearing unsupportive shoes are all reasons why one may develop plantar fasciitis. Interestingly, plantar fascial pain becomes more acute after periods of immobility, such as sleeping or sitting for long stretches of time.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is located near the heel, where it connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis is considered an overuse injury, although the Achilles tendon can be damaged during an accident. Achilles tendonitis is very common in athletes who run and jump frequently, as well as those whose occupations require a lot of movement and time on their feet.
Bunions
A common foot deformity, bunions occur when abnormal pressure on the big toe causes the bones, joints, tendons, joints and ligaments in the toes to become misaligned. Bunions most often are the result of poorly fitting shoes, especially shoes that are too narrow, small, or have a high heel that forces the rest of the foot to put pressure on the toes.
Infection
Infection is a very common issue suffered by diabetics as well as those with vascular disease. Often caused by wounds that are difficult to heal, infections in the heel and foot can caused by open sores that go unattended for some time due to the nerve damage that can prevent pain sensors from activating.
Heel Pain
Heel pain may be caused by any number of reasons. Inflamed tendons, bursitis and irritated nerves can cause the heel to hurt. Heel spurs are the result of bony growths that develop at the back or under the heel, these calcium deposits cause inflammation, tenderness, and pain.
Toe Deformities
Over time, structural changes may occur in the tendons and muscles of the foot; those with diabetes, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are especially at risk. For others, the condition may be inherited. The most common toe deformities are hammertoe, claw toe and mallet toe.
Seeking Orthopedic Care in Central Maryland
Many of the above conditions can be prevented by wearing properly fitting shoes, seeking medical care if you are diabetic, and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. But what happens when your foot pain become too much? If you live in Central Maryland, it’s probably a good time to call the experts at Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland. Our on-site diagnostic imaging services and ambulatory surgical center allows our team of experts to promptly and accurately evaluate and treat your foot and ankle injuries. We also offer complete and comprehensive diabetic foot care. Are your feet fine but you are experiencing pain elsewhere? Ask about our advanced and effective surgery and physical therapy for all orthopaedic conditions at our comprehensive clinics serving Central Maryland, Baltimore, and the DC metro area. Call us today at (410) 6444-1880 or toll-free at (855) 4MD-BONE, or request an appointment online.
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