There are many reasons that your feet hurt throughout the day. It could be anything from lack of arch support from your shoes, walking too much, sitting too much (ie. not exercising) or your biomechanics. Here are 5 of the most common reasons your feet hurt, and how to fix them.
PLANTAR FASCIITIS
What is it:Probably one of the most common foot problems for middle-aged people. Plantar Fasciitis is an overuse syndrome that causes painful inflammation of the plantar fascia – the band of fibrous tissues running along the bottom of your foot.
How did you get it:The force on your feet from walking is about 120% of your body weight, so if you are carrying around a few extra pounds, or running/over exercising, you are at risk of chronic overuse. If you have Plantar Fasciitis, you will most likely get a radiating pain in the heel of your foot – it will be quite painful to step or walk on the affected foot.
The fix: Massage and stretch your calves, and wear FitMyFoot Custom-Fit 3D-Printed Orthotics. This will help relieve inflammation by prompting a fresh supply of oxygenated blood to rush to the affected area.
BUNIONS AND HAMMERTOES
What is it:Bunions and Hammertoes are painful swelling of the big toe (bunions) and smaller toes (hammertoes). With bunions, a firm, painful bump develops at the base of the big toe, sometimes causing that toe to veer diagonally toward the second toe. Hammertoe happens when one of the toe muscles becomes weak and, as a result, puts pressure on the tendons and joints, causing the toe to stick up.
How did you get it: They can be genetic or appear over time through the consistent use of poorly fitting shoes.
The fix: Go shoe shopping (!!!), and choose the right shoes! There should be about a half-inch of space between the tip of your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
CALLUSES
What is it:While we usually think of calluses as simply unsightly, they are actually pressure spots that can be quite painful when you walk. They occur naturally when your body is trying to avoid painful blisters.
How did you get it:Calluses appear when the pressure and friction of everyday activity is irritating your skin to the point that blisters are beginning to form. It's your body's way of trying to protect you from pain (ironic, we know).
The fix: Soak your feet and soften them up and apply a moisturizing lotion that's loaded with glycolic acid, lactic acid, or urea. These ingredients help to soften skin and minimize your callus. If they are really bugging you, go see your dermatologist or podiatrist.
ACHILLES TENDONITIS
What is it:Your Achilles tendon attaches your heel bone to the back of your foot. When it becomes irritated and inflamed from overuse, the result is tendonitis.
How did you get it:If you are a runner or someone who regularly wears high-heels, you are particularly susceptible. Other causes, however, not nearly as likely, are inflammatory illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
The fix: Rest, ice, repeat, wear FitMyFoot Custom Orthotics. The sooner you nip the problem in the bud, the better off you will be. If you have even a little twig of pain you should start to ice the area. Do not let it get out of control!
MORTON NEUROMA
What is it:This condition causes pain in the ball of your foot that radiates towards your third and fourth toes. It can feel like you are standing on a pebble that is stuck in your shoe.
How did you get it:If you haven't started cursing your high-heels, you will now! High-heels, high-impact sports, running, tennis, walking etc. can all be triggers. The repetitive pounding on hard surfaces can cause trauma to the nerves in your toes.
The fix: New shoes, custom orthotics, and possible cortisone injections. Your doctor will most likely take x-rays to rule out other problems, and may follow up with an ultrasound of MRI. These tools will reveal soft tissue damage and other abnormalities.
