Why does my foot hurt so much? 10 possible reasons
Why does my foot hurt so much? 10 possible reasons
If you are wondering about the causes of severe pain in your feet, then in this article you will find possible answers.
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| Why does my foot hurt so much? 10 possible reasons |
"My foot hurts a lot" is an expression we hear a lot and use for ourselves. Problems with arches or slips, in the fingers, in the heel, and in the metatarsal are quite common.
These problems can affect joints or muscles, bones, and even nerves. And while some diseases come with age, not only the elderly suffer from these diseases.
The feet last... Until you suffer.
There are 26 bones (12.5% of the total body), 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles and tendons in the anatomy of the foot. And with so many items, it's not surprising that some of them hurt.
Especially if we take into account that the feet support the entire body weight. In addition to helping us stand, we can walk, run and even kick a football ball with them.
In healthy feet, soft and hard tissues work together to absorb shock and cope with the weight. But wearing, injuring, improper positioning or inappropriate footwear can cause complications; one of those whose feet hurt so badly.
According to a survey by the American Medical Association of Podiatry (APMA), 77% of adults experienced foot pain. Another 2014 study found that podiatry abnormalities are highly prevalent.
Among the most common people among people over 40 years of age are the following:
- Claw toes (69.7%).
- Valgus (38%).
Reasons why your foot hurts so badly
In the final part of the lower extremities, the most common problems can be the result of poor support, insufficient footwear, excessive use, deformities, or injuries. Next, we will find out the reasons why our feet hurt so much.
1. Plantar fasciitis
The muscles are covered with membranes known as fascia, thanks to which friction is reduced and movement is facilitated. However, this membrane becomes inflamed.
This is what happens with plantar fasciitis, a fairly common problem that particularly affects the fascia that extends from the heel to the football. This causes sharp stabbing pains in the sole or arch. They are usually more severe when getting up or after long periods of rest.
It has often been linked to the presence of bone deposits under the heel ( spurs ). Although it is also considered that wearing inappropriate shoes, with little support, as well as prolonged standing, running on hard surfaces, or walking barefoot contribute to its appearance.
Fasciitis can subside in a few months, but it requires rest, which means stopping physical activity that requires a lot of effort from the foot. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to wear shoes that have a bow but do not deform.
Shoes are an essential piece of sport. It should be enough so as not to favor injuries.
2. Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is another possible reason why your feet hurt so much. As its name implies, it is characterized by pain and inflammation in the area of the metatarsal, or what is the same: behind the fingers.
According to the investigation, 80% of people may have experienced metatarsalgia at some point. It is thought to be caused by activities that affect and put pressure on the sole of the foot, such as running and jumping.
3. Neuralgia
A problem with the nervous system can be the cause of severe pain in our feet. Although the diagnosis and treatment of neuropathies are more complex than other conditions.
In this case, the digital nerves located in the sole of the foot are affected, which transmit sensations from the fingers. Inflammation or amplification of these symptoms can be felt in the form of tingling, numbness, burning, warmth, or stabbing.
It can be due to illness or injury. In general, the same activities that trigger metatarsalgia can also lead to a neuroma. This includes excessive running or on hard surfaces, and frequently wearing high heels, or shoes without adequate support or cushioning.
4. Sesame inflammation
Despite its strange name, sesame inflammation is a relatively common infection in people who practice dancing, so much so that it is known as the dancer's finger. Its name goes back to the summit, which is small bones under the big toe (not all people have them).
Sesame inflammation occurs due to frequent microtrauma when falling, which leads to an overload in the area. It manifests itself in inflammation and pain. If the overload is excessive, it can result in what is known as a stress fracture.
5. Osteoporosis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects cartilage as well as the bones adjacent to the joints. It is common in the knees, but can also occur in the ankle. Therefore, it is among the reasons why our feet hurt so much.
6. Hammerto
Hammertoe is a frequently occurring deformity of the foot. Sometimes, it also occurs in the fingers of the hand.
The name is due to the fact that the fingers are in an elastic position as if a hammer is about to strike. They can have congenital origins or develop later, due to the use of tight shoes.
7. Loss of collagen
Just like it happens in the skin of the face, neck, and hands, there is also a loss of collagen in the feet. It occurs slowly and almost imperceptibly.
We begin to notice this when fatty dressings, in football and heels, are atrophied and less felt. This translates into pain.
8. Dehydration
With age, the same thing happens in the feet as it happens in the whole body: the skin loses moisture and becomes drier. This causes cracks, which in addition to being painful, are spaces suitable for bacterial infection.
9. Edema
Edema is a swelling caused by an abnormal accumulation of fluid under the skin or inside tissues. This happens in the feet and ankles for a variety of reasons: diabetes, circulatory problems, and sedentary lifestyles.
Needless to say, edema is another cause of foot pain a lot. However, the problem can go beyond simple pain, in which venous stasis can occur. In this disorder, blood collects and forms an open wound (ulcer).
10. Joannets
Valgus hallux, known as a tumor, is a fairly common condition, although it is no less painful for it. It manifests itself in the form of deformity of the big toe joint.
It may be due to genetic factors, which are aggravated by wearing inappropriate shoes or high-heeled shoes. Also, people with low arches or flat feet are more susceptible.
If you feel severe pain in your feet, should you go to the doctor?
The question will be what is so much? Taking into account the time factor, we can begin by answering that there is nothing to worry about if the pain disappears in a few days, taking an analgesic or even without treatment.
But it is necessary to consult a doctor if any of the following conditions occur:
- The pain lasts for several days and even weeks.
- Restless with a painkiller.
- Pain prevents walking.
- Dizziness, nausea, or fever occurs.
If you feel so much pain in your feet that you have to see a podiatrist, he or she will begin to look at the shape of the foot, the way you walk and stand, and the shoes you wear, among other things. Of course, you will also interview the person regarding their activities and get acquainted with their medical history. In the end, some studies and tests, especially X-rays, will be required.
The first measure, common to almost all approaches, is comfort. How long this process lasts will depend on how injured your feet are and why they hurt. In some cases, a foot immobilizer should be taken to avoid support or poor movement.
Next is to take over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatories. In patients with more serious complications, cortisol injections may be recommended.
Other measures include lifting the foot, wearing compression stockings, wearing orthotics, and wearing shoes with better support. When the doctor deems it appropriate, rehabilitation will be recommended. Surgery is usually the last option to consider.
The molds should be indicated by the doctor so that they actually perform a function.
Small changes so as not to hurt the feet too much
In addition to the actions already mentioned, there are other initiatives that we can take so that our feet do not hurt too much. These have to do with both physical activity and diet.
Regarding the first point, you have to perform exercises without impact. Running, walking, hiking, and playing basketball or tennis are not the most suitable activities for those with foot pain.
On the other hand, although there are no miracle foods to treat fasciitis or other diseases, a healthy diet can help in many ways. For example, reducing salt intake reduces fluid accumulation.
Also, certain foods help reduce inflammation in general. These include nuts, olive oil, fish and green vegetables.
Finally, a healthy diet will help control weight. And this hits the feet directly.
Source / mejorconsalud.as.com / Translator / barabic.com
