Make sure you and your children have the right kind of shoe that will support running, walking, and your weight. 

Most people suffer from some kind of foot pain throughout the day.  There are many treatments and tips to get rid of serious foot pain relief if you follow expert advice.

Are your feet in agony?  From poor fitting shoes, to inherited toe woes, foot pain is no laughing matter.  We rarely take care of our feet until the pain has become so severe we can’t ignore it any longer.

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, 84% of women have suffered from at least one painful foot problem. 

Do you purchase shoes because they’re cute or fashionable?  You wouldn’t think about putting shoes that hurt on your child’s foot!  Don’t do it on yours, either!

Here are six of the most common ailments women experience and smart tips to help alleviate their foot pain.  Take this advice and you’ll soon feel  as though you’re walking on air!

How To Put Your Best Foot Forward:

Disclaimer:  These foot ailments are the most common, but for serious foot pain, please consult your podiatrist or a podiatric surgeon.

1.       Do you have Plantar Fascitis?  This feels like a sharp stabbing pain in your heel and it is worse when you get up in the morning.

·         Cause – The plantar fascia is a that thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot from heel to toe and people with all types of insteps (arches)  are prone to this irritation.  If you wear very flat or really high heels, the problem will get worse.

·         A shoe should support the arch.  If not, the fascia will stretch and that will cause further inflammation.  Does your Achilles tendon feel tight?  That is also one of the symptoms.

·         Treatment – Choose shoes with some structure.  Pairs of shoes that have some arch support and enclose your heel will be much better than flip flops or flats.  Avoid going barefoot as much as possible.

·         Stretch Your Foot In the Mornings – When you sleep, your plantar fascia is relaxed.  It gets a real wake-up call of tension when your first put your weight on it.  Before beginning your busy day, wrap a towel around your feet and pull the toes back, gently  stretching the tendons. 

·         Reduce Swelling – Using a plastic bottle filled with water, freeze it, and then roll it under your foot for a few minutes to relieve the pain.

·         Consult a podiatrist for custom orthotics – I know you may not think it makes a difference, but these special inserts are molded specifically to your foot’s shape!  This will help control foot motion and decrease the daily strain on the plantar fasciae when added to the inside of your shoe. 

2.       Ingrown Toenails?  This feels like a throbbing sensation and is most often located on the side of one of your big toes.  Is it swollen and red?

·         Cause – When the nail edge grows sideways into the skin of the toe, it forms a toenail that is growing inward instead of straight outward.  The pressure on the nail bites into the surrounding skin and can really cause some pain or infection.  If your shoes are too tight or narrow around the toe area, you are at risk for getting an ingrown toenail. If you cut your toenails incorrectly, you could also get an ingrown toenail. 

·         Treatment – Don’t wear pointy toed shoes.  If you’re going to be walking a lot, carry your dress shoes and walk in structured walking shoes. 

·         Use moisture cream on your feet daily – Reduce callus formation by keeping feet well rubbed and moisturized.  Before wearing shoes, make sure the lotions and creams are absorbed and your feet are dry.  When a callus develops, it causes more pressure on the ingrown nail or other parts of your foot. 

·         Cut toenails strait across.  Don’t file the corners down.  If you get pedicures, make sure they follow these procedures, don’t assume they will or know what they’re doing.  Choose a reputable salon or go to a podiatrist.

·         See a podiatrist if you think you have an infection!  Don’t delay!  No “self-surgery” as digging around on your toenails or skin can lead to serious infection and deeper injury to the nail or foot.

3.       Bursitis – This feels like a painful bump and is located on the back of the heel. 

·         Cause – This can occur when you have an enlarged heel bone.  If you wear stiff-backed shoes, this can worsen the bump further, inflaming the bursa, which is a protective sac of fluid.

·         Treatment – Wear shoes with open backs, until the irritation has lessened, or all the time, whichever is necessary.

·         Use Dr. Scholl’s Foam Cushions (donut shaped pad) – Place this pad over the bump to alleviate pressure and use ice at the end of the day to soothe the inflammation.

·         Consult a Podiatrist - If you have chronic and constant pain in this area of the foot, consult a podiatrist for advice and possible removal of the bump.

4.       Stress Fracture? This feels like a tender area, frequently on the front part of the foot, along the 2^nd or 3^rd metatarsal, the long bones in the top middle of the foot.

·         Cause – Any repetitive stress on the bone, like walking and running on hard surfaces and while wearing shoes that are not absorbing enough of the shock.

·         Treatment – See a doctor!  You will need a surgical shoe while you heal.  That shoe has a hard bottom that will keep the affected bones from bending.

·         Be Patient – Stress fractures heal in about 4 – 8 weeks, normally.  Don’t over stress the foot, no running or long walks.

·         Prevent re-injuries – Keep your weight at a healthy level and wear supportive shoes.

5.       Bunions – These are sensitive and protruding lumps or bumps at the heads of the big-toe joints and can pull your toe to an angle. 

·         Cause – These might be hereditary, and can be developed if you have low arches, or your feet tend to roll inward.  Your bone actually moves as the bump seems to get larger.

·           Pointy toed shoes can make the bunions worsen.

·         Treatment – Shoe choice is critical.  Best choices are shoes with a wide toe area and a lower heel but not flat.

·         Gel Pads – Placing a gel pad over the bunions to cushion them and reduce the pain is helpful.

6.       Neuroma – This is a shooting pain in the ball of the foot.

·         Cause – This pain is caused by pressure on the nerve in the underside of the foot.  Swelling can occur.  Narrow, pointed shoes put more pressure on an already irritated nerve so pick shoes with wider toe room.

·         Treatment – Wide toe areas, and low heels. 

·         Use anti-inflammatories.  Ibuprofen is good but if you don’t experience relief see a podiatrist.

·         Surgery – For chronic neuroma that doesn’t get better, surgery such as cryotreatment can help .  Your podiatrist can make that determination.

Take care of your feet, they need to carry you through the rest of your life!