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The foot is a true evolutionary miracle; it can support your entire weight in action and withstand hundreds of pounds of force each day. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) states that a person’s feet can experience up to 60 tons of pressure per mile of walking. The many elements of the foot, such as the toes, heel, and ball, function jointly to transport you from one location to another.
The human foot contains more sweat glands than any other region of the body, in addition to having 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 strong muscles, ligaments, and tendons to hold all the moving components together.
But the tension of lugging you about puts your feet at the greatest risk of damage. This post discusses some common foot conditions easily treatable at ModPd Podiatry.
But first….
What is ModPod Podiatry?
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ModPod Podiatry is a preferred clinic for any injuries to the lower limbs and feet. They have a specific interest in treating youngsters and their developing feet. This podiatry and physio clinic provides a wide range of treatments, including biomechanical assessments, physiotherapy, orthotics, footwear advice, children’s foot and leg injuries, ingrown toenails, general nail care, and laser for fungal nails.
They can also provide a well-established network of healthcare providers in other areas if you require a recommendation.
With this information in mind, let’s explore some of the common foot problems ModPod Podiatry can help you overcome.
1. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition characterized by inflammation, overstretching, or even tearing of the plantar fascia, the tough, fibrous band of tissue that runs from the ball of the foot to the heel. According to Tracey Vlahovic, a podiatrist and clinical professor at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, plantar fasciitis has no visible indications or symptoms and only causes foot discomfort and stiffness.
According to research, those who run lengthy distances daily are more prone to ailments involving the soles of their feet, such as plantar fasciitis, although it’s typically seen as an overuse injury that affects almost everyone.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), your podiatrists may advise you to use a cold compress or take an over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen to relieve the discomfort. Other interventions, such as relaxing, therapeutic shoes, or shoe inserts, may also be beneficial. Your podiatrist may also prescribe that you wear a night splint to extend your injured foot.
2. Mallet Toes
A mallet toe is characterized by an impact on the joint nearest the tip of the toe, which bends the toe downward at that location.
The tip of the toe, where it rubs on the ground, or the top of the bent joint may have a painful corn or callus. Mallet toes often affect the second toe, which is the longest, but they can also affect the third and fourth toes. Mallet toes are initially flexible but grow stiff with time, causing the person’s toes to remain curled.
The Cleveland Clinic lists improperly fitted shoes, injuries, and arthritis as causes of mallet toes. Mallet toes can be treated and managed using specific shoe inserts, shoes with more toe space, toe muscle strengthening and stretching activities, and, if necessary, surgery.
3. Bunions
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Over one-third of American women get bunions as a result of wearing too-tight high heels. These large, swollen, and frequently painful lumps appear at the base and side of your big toe. Symptoms of bunions can be relieved by wearing shoes with heels, not more than 2 ¼ inches. However, if the bunion causes significant discomfort or difficulty walking, surgery may be necessary.
4. Athlete’s Foot
An athlete’s foot (also known as tinea pedis) results from a fungus that prefers warm, dark, wet surroundings. It usually affects the spaces between the toes and the soles of the feet.
By maintaining dry and clean toes and feet, swapping your socks and shoes frequently, and never going barefoot in public locker rooms or showers—both to avoid spreading the infection to others and to prevent further infection—you can reduce the symptoms of athlete’s foot and reduce your chance of recurrence. Additionally, it’s advisable using synthetic socks as they are better at soaking moisture away from the foot and cotton socks.
5. Claw Toes
During claw toes, the toe points upward due to the upward curvature of the joint at the base where the toes touch the foot. In addition, UMass Memorial Health notes that the toe has a bend at its middle and end joints, giving it a curled, almost claw-like appearance.
Similar to mallet toes, calluses and corns frequently develop on claw toes when they come into contact with tight shoes. It might be uncomfortable to walk or run with claw toes. Treatment options comprise exercises, wearing shoes with large toe boxes, and, in extreme cases, surgery.
6. Ingrown Toenails
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The key to avoiding ingrown toenails is to cut toenails correctly, which means straight across instead of too short. If the nails are not trimmed straight, the sides or corners may dig against the skin, resulting in discomfort and even an infection known as paronychia.
The Mayo Clinic lists oddly bent toenails and shoes that force your toes together as additional factors leading to ingrown toenails.
If you have an ingrown toenail, consider soaking it in warm water for 15 or 20 minutes multiple times each day.
7. Gout
Gout is a kind of arthritis brought on by an accumulation of uric acid in joint fluid and tissues, which occurs when the body fails to regulate uric acid levels. While gout isn’t just a foot ailment, this accumulation usually starts in the big toe joint. This is because uric acid crystallizes during temperature fluctuations, and the toes are the body’s coldest regions in terms of temperature.
A gout attack will often be identifiable by the following symptoms: heat, redness, swelling, and discomfort at the smallest touch at the joint where the big toe attaches to the foot. Another major factor that seems to help avoid gout episodes is maintaining a regular body weight.
If you frequently experience gout attacks, your doctor will probably recommend that you see a rheumatologist for treatment of the ailment.
Conclusion
Many people overlook the need to properly care for their feet. That’s why you need ModPod Podiatry. So, if you notice even the slightest symptom of these foot problems, you should take immediate action and see a foot expert. You can trust these highly trained and specialized health professionals to diagnose and treat any type of foot condition you have.