Foot pain is something that can happen to anyone. It can be more than just frustrating and uncomfortable, it can be downright debilitating. It can be hard to get around and carry out your normal day-to-day tasks since you’re in excruciating pain. Not to mention, it can hold you back from being able to wear your favorite shoes. If you’ve been experiencing foot pain recently, here are some potential reasons why it might be happening, and what you can do to feel better.
Age
Unfortunately, sometimes foot pain is something that comes along with age. We get aches and pains in places we least expect, and feet are often one of the first places it starts. Whereas once upon a time when we were young we could wear stiletto heels for hours on end, in our older years it’s just about impossible to get around comfortably without the right shoes.
If you notice that the pain started once you reached a certain age, then it may very well have to do with getting older. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to accept this pain as a part of your daily life, however. Go see a podiatrist and look for solutions. You may have to switch out your shoe collection entirely, require surgery, or maybe it’s as simple as adding insoles to your shoes.
Bunions
If you notice that you have bony protrusions on the base of your big toe, and your big toe is leaning towards the other toes, this is a misalignment known as a bunion. It can often lead to swelling and tenderness, and extreme discomfort. The reason for bunions can vary. Sometimes it’s as simple as genetics, whereas for other people it’s a result of wearing ill fitting shoes on a regular basis.
If you have bunions, you want to wear wide shoes and insert padding if necessary. If the bunion does not reduce over time, then you may require surgery.
Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common reasons for foot pain, as it leads to ultimate deterioration of the joints. If you notice that your joints are swollen, you feel extreme stiffness, and you have a decreased range of motion in one or both feet then this is likely arthritis. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or physical therapy. If you are overweight, this may be causing arthritis to flare up, and you may want to take the right measures to manage your weight.
Diabetes
Believe it or not, diabetes can lead to a condition known as neuropathy. Neuropathy is essentially nerve damage resulting in significant foot pain. If you have shooting pains in your feet accompanied by numbness and pins and needles, you should see your doctor immediately.
Your doctor will be able to determine whether you require certain medication, and whether some of your lifestyle choices may be attributing to the problem.
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