Our feet, an extraordinary piece of engineering, support our body weight, allow us to move, and take thousands of steps. But, how often do we think about their welfare? Not too often, especially as 80% of males and females complain about a foot ailment or issues in their lifetime.  

Problems with feet can be highly baffling or irritating owing to their interconnection with the whole body. Allow us to further delve into the reasons for some of the major issues with feet and their solutions. Treatment for foot pain in Houston is popular due to its effectiveness.

1. Flatfoot: A Problem With the Foundation

Flatfoot or fallen arches occur when the foot does not have proper arches. Resulting in pain, swelling and making it difficult to walk as the foot completely comes into contact with the ground.  

Causes: 

- Genetics: A percentage of the population are born with lesser arches in their feet. This does not cause issues in some.  

- Injury: Tendons such as the posterior tibial tendon when injured can lower arches on feet over extended periods.  

- Aging or Obesity: Both can put extra uneven weight on the arch leading to collapse when either of the two gets older than usual.

Solutions:

Using customized insoles or specially designed pairs of shoes can shift the pressure away from the area that’s causing distress. In worst-case scenarios, physiotherapy or a surgical procedure may be suggested. 

2. Bunions: The Unwelcome Bump

A bunion is a bony prominence over the 1st metatarsal head. The bunion then causes the great toe to angulate towards other toes, resulting in pain and edema in the area.   

Causes:

- Factors Influencing Foot Shape: “Thank you” to your relatives for your genetic factors which may have resulted in the prevalence of bunions. 

- Inadequate Footwear: High heels or high tight shoes, which constrict the toes are risk factors for bunions. 

- Joint Degeneration: Joint swelling can cause an increase of bunion. 

Solutions:

Using a shoe with a large toe box and using splints or orthoses can be beneficial. While in more critical cases, it’s claimed that bunionectomy is the best means of treatment to restore the proper positioning. 

3. Nerve Entrapment: The Tingling Culprit

A nerve in the foot becomes compressed in some conditions like Morton’s neuroma. That leads to sharp burning pain and tingling sensation, often in between the toes. 

Causes:

- Repetitive Stress: The activities like running which have a narcotic impact on the body can trigger the nerves. 

- Footwear: The common shoe shape and high heeled shoes are great suspects. 

- Biomechanics: Deformities in the structure of the foot could lead to an increase of pressure on the nerves. 

Solutions:

Change of shoes for better support to the foot or having insoles, and cutting back on activities on repeat helps. Extremities can be treated with steroid shots or a surgery. 

4. Sprains and Fractures: Foot Trauma

Bumps, bruises and breaking bones are quite common. Twisting your ankle can have some trauma. Spraining your foot or a dropped weight has its toll over one’s foot as well. 

Causes:

- Accidents: Well it is obvious for most people.

- Weak Ankles: When there are several sprains, repeats of it would make the ankles weaker than they already are. 

- High-Impact Activities: Whether it’s sports or running, those are some imbalancing factors for one’s body. 

Solutions:

RICE, standing for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation, remedies the injuries first in line.

In worst cases fractures may need immobilization casts, physical therapy or surgical procedures.

5. Arthritis: The Uninvited Guest

Foot arthritis, including osteoarthritis or rheumatoid, makes each step hazardous as it’s accompanied by pain and stiffness and even swelling. 

Causes:

- Wear and Tear: Most instances of osteoarthritis are linked with ageing and overworking of the joints. 

- Autoimmune Conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis works the opposite of Rheumatism and contracts joints instead. 

- Past Injuries: A history of foot and ankle injuries potentially makes one susceptible to arthritis. 

Solutions:

In most normal circumstances, medication, exercise and proper shoes are good enough to keep arthritis symptoms at bay. In some extreme cases however, surgery may be the only option left. 

Protecting Your Feet: Prevention Is Key 

The fact that foot problems can be construed as a norm is unfortunate. The following pointers will enable you to avoid them. 

- Wear Proper Footwear: Always opt for well fitted good quality supportive shoes. 

- Stretch and Strengthen: Regularly exercising is especially beneficial for your feet’s biomechanical function and can help avoid future injuries. 

- Pay Attention to Pain: It’s primal to act upon pain so don’t avoid discomfort it will only make things worse, catch the symptoms early. 

- Maintain a Healthy Weight: To alleviate numerous concerns, it's advised to ease the burden on your feet by losing weight. 

Final Thoughts 

You've heard the saying that great things come in small packages? Well, if that’s the case, because of the importance that feet have, it is fair to say that they’re a great asset to have.

So when the next time you are experiencing foot pain, take notice of it. Do not ignore it, instead try to care for your feet and you will be glad about it. Good feet equal a happy you!