Sole Knowledge: Common Foot Problems

Hi Sole Foodies,

Today’s blog post is all about knowing your feet. We often have people come in with concerns about their footwear and the health of their feet. Some problems include pain, swelling and common foot conditions such as bunions and flatfoot. This posting is about the two common problems we see in the store: plantar fasciitis and bunions.**




Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is the ligament that connects the heel of the foot with the toes and also supports the arch. When lots of strain is put on these tissues (such as from running on hard surfaces, being overweight or standing on your feet all day) tiny tears may happen, causing swelling and pain.

People with plantar fasciitis feel pain any time of the day, whether they are just getting out of bed, been sitting for a long time, or been standing for awhile.

Some recommended tips to help relieve pain from plantar fasciitis include the following:

• Take it easy! Cut back on the activities that make your feet hurt.
  Putting ice on your heel may relieve some pain, as well as common pain medicines such as ibuprofen and asprin.*
  
• Stretching can do wonders. Calf stretches and other leg stretches relaxes the muscles and gets them limber for the day. Do them in the morning and several times throughout the day.
  
• The right shoe is needed. Old shoes with worn down insoles have lost the needed support in the foot. Shoes with good arch support and a cushioned bed will help with walking, especially on hard surfaces.
  
  

Bunions

A Bunion is an unnatural bony hump that forms when the big toe of the foot is misaligned and move towards the little toes. This may cause red, calloused skin where the bump is, pain over the joint and an abnormal look. The main causes of bunions is genetics and narrow-toed and/or high heeled shoes. If left untreated, extra bone or fluid may build up near the big toe, causing even more pain.

So can bunions be treated? Sure. Extreme cases may call for surgery, but if noticed early, self-help is best. Avoid poor-fitted shoes. If the toes are squeezed into shoes, they will suffer. Shoes that have a wider toe bed will let your toes move freely and decrease pressure and pain. Orthotics may also provide extra cushion where needed.

Ouchie. Sole Foodies, take care of your feet! Wear heels in moderation. If shoes are uncomfortable, they're not going to get any better. Sole Food carries a diverse range of shoes and our bottom line is comfort. Our team will help you find the right pair for you.

Thanks for reading!

*We are not doctors, so please consult your physician before taking any medications.
**Thank you to http://www.webmd.com for the facts.