Arch, Ball, Heel, And Toe Ache Factors And Treatments

The soles of our feet must withstand all the pressure placed upon them during our lifetime by walking, running and standing. According to Foot Pain Info, there are 26 bones and associated ligaments in the foot, structured to allow the foot to function as a shock absorber and a lever. Foot pain can affect any part of the foot. Pain on the sole of the foot can be felt under the heel, in the middle of the foot under the arch and under the ball of the foot due to a variety of conditions. Plantar Fasciitis and Heels Spurs

Toenails should be trimmed short and straight across. Filing should be straight across as well using a single movement, lifting the file before the next stroke. The file should not saw back and forth. A cuticle stick can be used to clean under the nail. Skin creams can help maintain skin softness and pliability. Taking a warm foot bath for 10 minutes two or three times a week will keep the feet relaxed and help prevent mild foot pain from fatigue. Adding 1/2 cup of Epson salts increases circulation and adds other benefits. Taking foot baths only when feet are painful is not as helpful.

Another cause of Ball of Foot Pain is over-pronation. Over-pronation (or excess pronation) occurs in a lot of people, especially as they get older. The arches drop and feet and ankles tend to roll inwards. Excessive pronation is a major contributing cause to heel pain and heel spurs, but it also can lead to Metatarsalgia. As the longitidunal arch collapses so does the transverse arch. The transverse arch is the arch that runs across the forefoot and is formed by the 5 metatarsal bones. The bones in the foot drop and the structure of the foot is severely weakened.

When the reason for foot pain is not known, it is important to let your doctor check for any underlying conditions you may have. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can both cause foot pain. Diabetes can also cause you to experience foot pain. When this occurs, it is referred to Plantar Fasciitis as diabetic neuropathy. This is a nerve pain that is intense and can cause your toes to cramp. For a diabetic, good blood glucose control can help prevent the pain. Once your doctor determines the cause of your foot pain, treating the pain will be easier. Prevention and Treatment

The problem can further be avoided in the future by padding around the ball of your foot to take pressure off of it. Get a piece of felt or foam rubber (try using a Dr. Scholl's heel pad, for example). It should be 1/4" thick and about 2" square. Cut a shallow "U" out of the pad so that it fits snugly behind (not over) the ball of your foot. Behind, incidentally, means on the heel side, not the toe side. The pad should fit right behind the painful area. Tape the padding to your foot and wear it in your daytime shoes as well as your running shoes.

Achilles heel tendonitis can really put a black cloud over anyone's day. The shrinkage of this vital tendon can cause cramping in the lower leg. It can also be a major contributor to shrinking enough to rip during activity such as running. The way to help the tendon relax and elongate in order to lessen pain is to apply gentle stretching to the area. In a seated position on the floor, extend both legs in front. Then, slowly lean the upper body forward and your hamstring will be engaged in a stretch. Hold the stretch for about 30-45 seconds, rest for 60 seconds, and repeat 5 times.

The bones of the foot are mainly put together in shape with each other and attached by a fibrous tissue called as ligaments. The muscles of the foot, together the plantar fascia tissues provide minor support to the foot. There are fat pads in the foot that aids in weight-bearing and absorbing impact of the foot. By identifying the kind of foot pain and when it occurs can be hints to finding out the real source of the pain. Whenever there is pain, the body responds by shifting the manner of it movements or performance to evade the pain.