Approximately, 75% of Americans (mostly women) will complain of significant foot pain during their life. With each step, the average foot bears 1˝ to 4 times a person’s body weight depending on whether they are walking, running or exercising. The strength and durability of the foot is dependent upon a delicate architecture comprised of 26 bones, along with 107 ligaments, 19 muscles, tendons and nerves. If the foot is subjected to regular stress, impact or pressure points from poorly-fitting shoes, it may be seriously injured.
Osteoarthritis, or arthritis of the foot, as with other joints in the body, develops with aging and may also be a result of joint wear-and-tear. The cartilage on the ends of bones that cushions the joints as they move, becomes worn over time. Eventually, joints may become damaged to the point where they are swollen, inflamed and painful. ..read more
The most common cause of serious foot pain is a bunion or hallux valgus, the swelling or enlargement of the joint where the big toe connects to the foot. A bunion can become especially painful when it reaches the point when the joint begins to rotate outward, causing it to bulge from the inside of the foot. ..read more
Plantar fasciitis (fashee-EYE-tiss) is characterized by a stabbing or burning pain in the heel that is particularly acute upon getting up in the morning. The plantar fascia serves as a shock-absorbing bow that supports the arch in the foot. If there is too much tension on that bow, small tears can occur and the fascia may become irritated or inflamed. ..read more
Morton's neuroma is a thickening of the tissue that surrounds the nerve leading to the toes. This thickening, or neuroma, causes the nerve to be pinched which may create a burning pain that radiates between the third and fourth toes. ..read more
Hammertoes is a condition in which the middle toe joint is contracted and has a permanent sideways bend. Tight fitting shoes can aggravate the deformity creating pain over the prominent bony areas on the top and end of the toe. ..read more
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body. It is located at the back of the ankle joint and attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone. The Achilles tendon is used to walk, run, jump or push up on the toes. Achilles tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendon and is most often caused by overuse, or is a result of a strain injury. ..read more
Stress fractures are a type of overuse injury that causes tiny cracks in the bone. When muscles are fatigued and cannot absorb repeated impact, the shock is transferred to the bones. Weak bones caused by Osteoporosis may also be more vulnerable to stress fractures. These fractures can occur from normal daily use. ..read more
For more information about injuries to the foot and ankle, visit http://orthoinfo.aaos.org
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