Friday, September 7, 2012

Treatments Are Available For The Foot Pain Fayetteville Patients Experience

By Kerri Turner


Foot pain is a common condition. Approximately 75 percent of the world's population experiences it at one time or another. The foot pain Fayetteville residents must deal with can be mild to severe in nature. On many occasions, poorly fitting shoes are the cause of such pain. Other common reasons for discomfort of this kind include the following:

Individuals whose feet are flat often find that their soles are tender and painful. This condition occurs when one is born without arches in his or her feet. Without artificial support, excessive pressure is placed on the individual's feet whenever walking or standing is necessary. Even those who are born with normally formed arches may experience flat feet later in life. Using arch supports will help reduce the level of discomfort one feels. In some instances, fallen arches can be repaired through surgery.

Plantar fasciitis causes chronic pain across the bottom of one's feet. It is an inflammatory condition and those who suffer from it often describe the pain as shooting or stabbing. Such individuals typically find it difficult to walk, run or indulge in any activity that places pressure on their soles.

Certain individuals who suffer from plantar fasciitis experience discomfort even when elevating their feet. No cure has yet be discovered for the disorder; however, painkillers and topical ointments are often used to treat a person's symptoms. Some patients find specially designed footwear and orthopedic devices beneficial. Such items are designed to relieve pressure from the soles of the person's feet.

Metatarsalgia is another type of inflammatory disorder. However, it mainly affects the balls of the feet. Most individuals with metatarsalgia also report a sharp, burning sensation around the outer three toes. Some people experience numbness in their toes as well. Medical professionals cite improper weight distribution as a common reason for the disorder.

Diabetic ulcers, also known as neurogenic cultures, may develop on the bottom of one's feet, causing significant discomfort. Ulcers of this type are also commonly seen in patients who have peripheral neuropathy, which is a complication of diabetes that causes nerve damage in the hands and feet. Diabetic ulcers should be regularly monitored for any sign of infection and they are usually treated with topical ointments.

Another cause of painful feet is bone spurs, which are particularly common in the heel area. These spurs occur when a tiny part of the patient's bone begins to grow out in an abnormal direction and irritates the soft tissue surrounding the spur. Those suffering from this condition frequently describe the sensation as similar to having a sharp object caught in one's shoe. Few treatments are available for bone spurs other than painkillers and taking pressure off the heels. If the disorder becomes especially troublesome, however, surgery to remove the painful spur can be performed.

Regardless of the severity of the foot pain Fayetteville residents experience, they should seek medical evaluation by a professional. A doctor or podiatrist can determine the cause of the discomfort and recommend the appropriate treatment. Those who suspect they may have one of the aforementioned conditions should speak to a health care practitioner.




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