Feet and toes are essential elements of body movement in a human body. They bear and propel the weight of the body during walking and running. They also help to maintain balance during changes in the body position.

A human foot has 26 bones, over 100 ligaments, and 33 muscles, all of which together help in mobility and balance. The heel pad and arch of the foot act as shock absorbers and provide a cushion against the jolts which may occur while walking.

With the convolution of the various kinds of tendons, ligaments, bones, muscles, the foot becomes one of the most complex parts of the human body.

Different Types of Foot Problems

Improper footwear and many other kinds of regular activities can cause damage to the shape of the foot which can further lead to various kinds of critical foot-related problems. A foot problem can start from inflammation and can lead to a chronic disease such as Arthritis. Below we have listed some of the common foot problems along with certain steps which you can take to get some relief in such situations.

1.    Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail is a foot problem that is usually experienced by adolescents and young adults. One of the common reasons behind the ingrown toenail in young people is increased perspiration which can result in soft nail foldings. Cutting the nail too short from the edges can also cause pricking inside the skin, leading to inflammation and discomfort while walking. If you feel any discomfort due to ingrown toenail, you can apply an antiseptic to get instant relief, however, you should consult a doctor to get the right cure.

2.    Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints, especially the lining of the toe joints. It is an autoimmune disease, that is it is caused when the immune system starts attacking healthy tissues in the body. Although, the actual cause behind this reverse functioning is not known yet.

3.    Morton Neuroma

It is a condition in which non-cancerous tissue gets built up due to the rubbing of 2 long foot bones. People with Morton Neuroma experience numbness, burning, and tingling in the toes. It can occur due to prolonged standing or walking for a significant amount of time. In cases of extreme pain, surgery or cortisone injections are used to provide relief to the patient.

4.    Achilles Tendonitis

Another problem you cannot overlook is Achilles tendonitis, which can get painful and even result in a loss of mobility. The condition is caused by the rupture of the Achilles Tendon, one of the strongest tendons of the human body. It connects the calf muscles with the heel and helps in walking and running. Achilles tendonitis can be resolved with operative and non-operative methods, depending upon the severity of the injury.

5.    Athlete’s Foot

It is a kind of fungal infection that occurs usually between the toes, causing pain and discomfort. It can be contracted by being barefoot at public places such as gyms, dance classes, parks, etc. The use of anti-fungal creams and powders can also help cure this foot problem. However,it is always recommended that you see a doctor in such cases to avoid any future complications.

6.     Bunion

A Bunion is a toe joint bump that occurs due to wearing tight shoes or heels for a long time. Women are more vulnerable to contract Bunions. It gets formed when the front part of the foot moves out of its place. Wearing correct size and comfortable shoes and avoiding high heels can help in the treatment of Bunions. Applying ice bags can also help and provide some instant relief.

7.    Blisters

Blisters are the fluid pockets that are formed over the skin that may cause irritation and discomfort while walking. Friction and sweaty feet can lead to Blisters. Wearing tight footwear can lead to this common foot problem. You should bever not burst them and allow them to heal on their own.

8.    Claw Toe

Claw Toe is a deformity in which toes are bent like a claw. Some people are born with this condition while some get it later on. In this condition, the toe joints closest to the ankle move upwards and the other toe joints bend down. It is not a serious issue but can be uncomfortable. It can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as diabetes or cerebral palsy. Operative methods can be used to treat this disease. Regular exercising and proper footwear can also help in the treatment.

9.    Corns or Calluses

It refers to the thickening and hardening of the dead skin present in the heels or edges of the foot. The cause behind this skin hardening is the friction and pressure that has been exerted on the foot. This can happen while walking or running barefoot. Dead skin cells need to be removed from the foot to cure this condition. However, it usually does not cause any discomfort or pain.

10. Gout

It is an inflammatory condition that is caused by the presence of excess uric acid in the body. This excess uric acid solidifies as needle-like structures and gets deposited around the joints in the foot, causing swelling, redness, stiffness, and pain. It is a kind of Arthritis but can be treated by the use of corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory medications.

Take Away

Our feet are the foundation of our body. Any damage to your foot can result in adverse effects on our body. This is especially true for our knees, hips and spine. Thus a foot problem can hinder your day-to-day activities. It is thus very important to take good care of your feet. You can easily keep your feet healthy by practising regular foot movement in the form of running, walking, jumping or cycling. However, you must ensure that while doing this, you do not put excessive pressure on your feet. Also, it is equally important to wear appropriate footwear and follow good foot hygiene.