In the U.S., almost 75% of people are afflicted by foot pain

Ill-fitting or inappropriate footwear are held to be one of the main reasons for foot pain. High-heeled or pointed shoes can force your feet to develop unnatural shapes over a period of time. To understand foot care in greater detail, we need to understand the most common conditions that cause pain and discomfort in our lower extremities.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is caused by small tears accompanied by inflammation along the ligaments and tendons stretching from the heel towards the ball of the foot. This region resembles a bow string and forms the arch of the foot, and it serves as one of our bodies’ shock absorbers. Pain in the heel, particularly during the first steps as you start the day, is often associated with this type of foot pain. The kind of footwear being worn often plays an important role in providing relief from foot pain. Orthotic Insoles with proper arch support have been found to be helpful in relieving this condition in many people.

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Ball of foot pain

Pain in the ball of the feet is also known as “Metatarsalgia” in medical terms, and represents an inflammation in the nerves attached to some of the foot bones. When the toe nerves get displaced and constantly rub or get pressed against the bones, it results in pain in the ball of your foot. Proper arch support provided by the right kind of orthotic insoles can provide significant relief.

Achilles Tendonitis

The tendon joining the calf muscle and the bone is called the Achilles Tendon, and is the largest tendon in our bodies. This tendon also supports most of the weight of our entire body. Intense or excessive sports activities involving the feet, and in certain cases, arthritis may cause this type of foot pain. Adequate rest and exercises to strengthen the calf muscles are often helpful in the healing process.

The previous information was gathered at Ezine and written by Fred Salomon, a foot health care specialist with professional and commercial ventures in the podiatric industry, including foot care products and foot health treatment options.

Did you know that Foot Pain can have many causes? one of the most probable cause is heredity. Yes, you got your foot pain from your parents! It’s true! You were born with them! I see that you don’t believe me, but according to podiatrists the a primary cause is your genes. Foot pain though is different for each and every one of us. Some suffer from flat foot, ankle swelling, hammer toes, and probably the most common are bunions! Bunions are formed by your bones. It is the angle of your metatarsal bone in your foot of your big toe to the rest of your foot. The way you walk contributes to the formation of the Bunion. Bunions are reversible ONLY by surgery! BUT you can slow down the progression of pain from the bunion by the right shoes, orthotics and various contraptions! Really I have learned a whole slue of information because I have them myself! The foot pain of walking with bunions is unbelievable to say the least…. And I’m only 45 years old! There have been times that I could not move my toes! I cannot stretch them apart or curl them.. When I swim I cramp up. Well, it’s all about the way I was born! What I want you all to know is that the products that are out there now relieve my pain immensely and allows me to do all things I love to do.

Ok, what I did tell you is that the only “cure” is surgery BUT WHICH SURGERY DO YOU NEED!!!! Cosmetic? “scraping of the bunion“? metatarsal realignment???

These videos might help explain what your doctor may have told you or help you decide what questions to ask your doctor.

I hope this helps and narrows down your search

This was my problem: check it out!

Ok, what I did tell you is that the only “cure” is surgery, but maybe the better option is managing the bunion with appropriate support.

Another site you might want to check out is at the following link:

http://video.about.com/orthopedics/Bunions.htm