Foot and ankle problems have statistically been due to multiple issues.
Firstly, they are acquired from improper footwear, physical stress, or small mechanical changes within the foot (First Step Foot Care, n.d.).
Secondly, they are due to arthritic foot problems, which typically involve one or more joint (First Step Foot Care, n.d.).
Thirdly, they follow from congenital foot problems, which occur at birth and are generally inherited (First Step Foot Care, n.d.).
Fourth, they can result from infectious foot problems, which are caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal disorders (First Step Foot Care, n.d.).
Fifth, they come from neoplastic disorders, usually called tumors, which are the result of abnormal growth of tissue and may be benign or malignant (First Step Foot Care, n.d.).Lastly, they stem from traumatic foot problems, which are associated with foot and ankle injuries (First Step Foot Care, n.d.).
What are the top foot problems?
The top foot problems include but are not limited to a variety of issues. Bunions are misaligned big toe joints that can become swollen and tender, causing the first joint of the big toe to slant outward, and the second joint to angle toward the other toes (First Step Foot Care, n.d.). Bunions tend to be hereditary but can be aggravated by shoes that are too narrow in the forefoot and toe (First Step Foot Care, n.d.).
Surgery is frequently performed to correct the problem (First Step Foot Care, n.d.).Heel spurs are growths of bone on the underside, forepart of the heel bone (First Step Foot Care, n.d.).Heel spurs occur when the plantar tendon pulls at its attachment to the heel bone (First Step Foot Care, n.d.).This area of the heel can later calcify to form a spur (First Step Foot Care, n.d.).With proper warm-up and the use of appropriate athletic shoes, strain to the ligament can be reduced(First Step Foot Care, n.d.).Plantar fasciitis (heel pain) are usually caused by an inflammation on the bottom of the foot (First Step Foot Care, n.d.)..
Sesamoiditis is inflammation or rupture of the two small bones (sesamoids) under the first metatarsal bones (First Step Foot Care, n.d.).Proper shoe selection and orthoses can help (First Step Foot Care, n.d.).Shin splints pain to either side of the leg bone, caused by muscle or tendon inflammation (First Step Foot Care, n.d.). It is commonly related to excessive foot pronation (collapsing arch) but may be related to a muscle imbalance between opposing muscle groups in the leg (First Step Foot Care, n.d.).
Proper stretching and corrective orthoses (shoe inserts) for pronation can help prevent shin splint (First Step Foot Care, n.d.).Stress fractures are incomplete cracks in bone caused by overuse (First Step Foot Care, n.d.).With complete rest, stress fractures heal quickly. Extra padding in shoes helps prevent the condition. Stress fractures left untreated may become complete fractures, which require casting and immobilization (First Step Foot Care, n.d.).
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