When you think about it, your feet are small when you consider they support the weight and height of your body. But they can experience significant problems. So because May is Women’s Health Month, today, Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen of greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center are sharing information regarding the causes of foot numbness or pain and how you can show your feet some TLC.
Every step you take uses an intricate network of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Together with all the weight they carry, that complexity is why feet can be so disposed to problems, including arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and bone fractures.
Left untreated, foot issues may worsen. And ultimately, the pain can interfere with your ability to do even the most basic activities like walking upstairs or down the street. If pain alters how you walk, it can cause pain in your hips, back, and knees. These problems can limit your activity and affect your quality of life.
Causes of Foot Numbness or Pain
Several things can contribute to foot numbness or pain.
- Physical activity and sports can cause your feet to become numb or painful.
- Not warming up properly before exercise, or doing too much too soon, can cause numbing or painful injuries.
- Excess weight puts added stress on your feet. Poorly fitting footwear is a common cause of foot problems as well.
Health issues can also affect the feet. A lack of feeling in your feet could indicate a serious illness, such as a nerve disorder or diabetes. See your podiatrist if you experience sudden foot pain that is severe or doesn’t get better with simple measures such as over-the-counter pain medications or rest.
Keeping Your Feet Healthy
Gait: How you move and walk can affect your feet. Part of that is hereditary. Our feet not only look like our parents’, but we also walk like our parents’. However, you can alter your gait by changing shoes or using shoe inserts or orthotics and/or training.
Footwear: Keep your feet healthy by wearing comfortable, well-fitting footwear. Wash your feet regularly, wear clean socks and rotate your shoes to give them sufficient time to air out.
Exercise: Walking is an excellent way to exercise your feet; you can also try specific foot exercises. The more you exercise your feet, the better the blood flow to the feet will be, and that’s important for general foot health.
So, ladies, start paying more attention to your feet now. Summer is right around the corner, and you want to wear those cute sandals!
If you are experiencing pain in your feet that feels beyond normal soreness, contact the offices of greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center for further diagnosis and treatment. Click here to locate the office nearest you and schedule an appointment today.