The legs are a vital part of the body that helps greatly in day-to-day life. Studies show that an average human walks about 70,000 miles by the age of 40, and on several occasions, the feet suffer wear and tear. It is essential to note that when a problem on your foot may easily restrict an individual from performing a range of activities that involve movement from one place to another. Therefore, ensuring the feet and legs get proper care is vital towards living a fitful life. There are various complications one will develop painful foot complications, and as such, it would help by knowing how to identify some of them just in case one encounters them.
While exercising is good, it is crucial not to overdo it. Most people develop these conditions due to too much or repetitive exercising that ends up tearing some parts of the feet. Additionally, lifestyle could translate to poor foot condition. How is this so? There are various lifestyle complications such as diabetes and obesity that hampers the feet’ proper functioning, and people have to observe healthy living habits to ensure the entire body system is working as it should. When the body’s nerves, muscles, blood vessels, and organs are in proper shape, most definitely, the feet will follow the same trajectory.
Relaxing the feet is another way of achieving feet health, and many people employ various means, such as the use of an Achilles tendon strap to limit movement in this type of tendon. Some problems to watch out for are as stated in the article.
Plantar Fasciitis
Just as the name suggests, these are conditions linked to the plantar fascia tissues and comes with pain beneath the heels or the calf areas of the foot. Putting on shoes with soft and modest arch support is often the major cause of this condition as this strain the plantar fascia tissues. Additionally, weight gain, standing for long periods, and running, among other factors, can lead to this condition. The pain resulting from plantar fasciitis can range from being mild and dull to severe and sharp. One thing to note is that the severity comes when the foot rests in a given position for too long. This condition has home remedies that can help relieve it, including ice and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. For complications, it is recommended to visit a physician who would find the best treatment option and relief for the pain.
Athlete’s Foot
This is a popular foot condition, and many have experienced the same at various times. Athlete’s foot portrays various signs ranging from itchiness to a burning sensation on the feet. The condition is common in wet places where fungus thrives. An individual is most definitely susceptible to athlete’s foot in areas easy to get into contact with this fungus-like, for instance, the bathrooms, swimming pools, and locker rooms. Other signs to watch out for are raw skin on the feet that are crack and dry, blisters, and brittle toenails. Athlete’s foot is one condition that is difficult to deal with in its entirety, and severe cases may warrant a doctor’s attention.
Bunions
A bunion is a lump that forms besides the largest toe and tends to curve it towards other toes.
Bunions may cause inflammation and irritation on the first toes, making it hectic to walk, especially for long-distance. Factors that aggravate bunions include;
- Putting on tight-fitting shoes
- Standing for long hours
- Family history
The best way to avoid getting bunions is to ensure to put on the right size of footwear. Bunions should not be a cause of worry as OTC medications are enough to do away with the pain.
Heel Spur
This condition is caused by increased calcium deposits forming between the arch and heel areas. Heel spur could also occur due to other underlying foot issues such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. This makes it hard to do a self-diagnosis, and the best option when one feels pain on the heels is to visit a doctor to ascertain the problem and root cause. Apart from visiting the hospital, one has to adopt hale and hearty resting behaviors for the feet. Treatment of a heel spur may vary depending on the gravity of the condition. One could need an ice compression or, better worse a surgery.
Gout
Similarly, like bunions, gouts affect the big toe, but this time around, the causative factor is excess uric acid in the body system. The pain as a result of this condition is described as one that is fiery. Gout portrays four main forms or stages, and one could develop a condition that develops to become chronic. Chronic gout puts an individual at risk of having their joints damaged, and it is a recommendation to seek the help of a qualified physician to avoid such complications. The condition is more prevalent among postmenopausal women and middle-aged men.
Achilles Tendonitis
An Achilles tendon connects the calf to the heel bone, and whenever it uses the tissue for long without putting it to rest, it results in a condition known as Achilles tendonitis. This condition is common to athletes who work so hard to outdo themselves and middle-aged men aged in sports like basketball. However, a person can engage in self-treatment, severe cases, especially when the band of tissues ruptures, calls for the doctor’s attention. Apart from treatment, there are several self-strategies to keep the condition at bay. The truth is that it is difficult for athletes to rest lest they get overtaken by their competitors. The best thing to ensure the Achilles tendons get to rest is by alternatives such as using a product like an Achilles tendon strap.
Diabetic Neuropathy
The foot is integral in monitoring the body for conditions such as diabetes and kidney-related issues. For instance, when one suffers from diabetic neuropathy, it is an indication that the blood sugar level is unregulated hence causing damage to the nerves. Some of the signs of this condition include loss of sensitivity on the feet and difficulty in walking. Diabetic individuals frequently visit a doctor to avoid such infections and injuries relating to this foot condition.
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