الأحد، 12 يناير 2014

Do Your Feet Hurt? Learn About 6 Common Conditions That Cause Foot Pain

Expert Author Stacie L. Grossfeld, MD
Many people experience foot pain from time to time. Sometimes foot pain is caused by something as simple as improperly fitting shoes. In these situations, the remedy for foot pain may be quite straightforward. Other times, foot pain may be a sign of a more complicated medical condition or disease. If you are experiencing persistent and uncomfortable foot pain, it is advisable that you seek out evaluation from a board certified medical professional. While there are a number of conditions that cause foot pain, here are six medical conditions linked to foot pain.
1. Achilles Tendonitis is especially common in athletes and is caused by inflammation in the Achilles tendon located at the heel and back of the leg. Sometimes the burning or throbbing pain from Achilles tendonitis happens quickly but it can also develop over time from repeated use. If left untreated, there is a danger that the Achilles tendon could rupture. Often the pain from Achilles tendonitis is more extreme in the morning, becoming progressively better with increased movement.
2. Plantar Fasciitis is caused by inflammation in the foot. This happens when the plantar fascia, a tissue that spans the bottom of the foot, is overly stretched. Symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis include pain in the heel area and the arch. Sometimes people with higher arches are more prone to plantar fasciitis. Flat feet can also lead to the condition. Custom shoe inserts or orthotics are sometimes recommended as a treatment option.
3. Morton's Neuroma is caused by inflammation of a nerve in the foot, typically in between the toes. This condition is typically associated with sharp electrical pain in the area when walking or running. Shoes that are not wide enough can sometimes cause the nerve between the toes to be pinched, leading to this painful condition.
4. Heel Spurs are protrusions that develop on the bone of the heel which is the biggest bone in the foot. Heel spurs may be caused by the biomechanics of the foot including high arches and flat feet and they are often linked to plantar fasciitis.
5. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone. Stress fractures in the feet are typically caused by repetitive use and are common among athletes that engage in high impact activities like running, gymnastics and basketball. Since stress fractures are caused by overuse, rest is often essential to healing. Stress fractures are common on a number of different bones of the foot including the metatarsals and the navicular bone which is located on the top of the foot.
6. Neuropathy is a condition that sometimes affects the feet causing numbness. It is a nerve based disorder that results in a lack of sensitivity to pain and temperature. People with neuropathy sometimes have difficulty feeling extreme heat or cold. Neuropathy is sometimes a complication associated with diabetes, and if left untreated, it can lead to a variety of other medical problems.
Foot pain can be very frustrating since it can have a major impact on a person's ability to go about daily activities. If you are experiencing pain in your feet, it is advisable that you consult with a board certified medical professional like an orthopedic surgeon. It is a good idea to address foot pain early so that a small problem does not become something more serious.
Dr. Stacie L. Grossfeld is a board certified Orthopaedic Surgeon practicing in Louisville, Kentucky. She graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine, and completed a fellowship in Sports Medicine at the Fowler-Kennedy Sports Medicine Center. Dr. Grossfeld currently works as a louisville orthopedic surgeon in private practice at Orthopaedic Specialists. Dr. Grossfeld also serves as a clinical instructor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Louisville. Her special interests are in knee and shoulder reconstruction and sports medicine. To learn more about her medical practice, check out http://www.louisvillebones.com.

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