Shin Splints consists in a throbbing pain in the shin bone area or tibia caused by damage to the tendon adjacent to the tibia. The consequent soreness arises in the front or inside section of the shin bone. In most cases, shin splints in athletes results from intense physical activity such as running or jumping; shin splints in athletes is a condition that can often take a long time to heal.

Shin Splints: Symptoms

Shin splint symptoms that are most common include inflammation and/or soreness around the shin area, especially after running, walking, or participating in sports activities. It is common for the pain to present itself when starting the exercise, then to diminish after warming up, then to resurface when getting into rest. It is not uncommon for shin pain to occur in people who have just started to get involved in running or walking activities.

Common Causes of Shin Splints

The most common cause of shin splints in athletes is excessive stretching of the muscles and tendons adjacent to the shin bones, which are the tibia and the fibula. Overuse of these muscles by runners and other athletes is the most common reason for this condition. Other causes for shin splints in athletes can also be due to overuse of the anterior tibialis muscle in the front of the leg, along the outside front of the shin bones.

Over pronation of the feet is often a significant contributor to shin splints in athletes. Over pronation causes internal tibial rotation and intensifies the tractional forces on the muscles and ligaments in the lower leg.

Treating Shin Splints In Runners

For the immediate term, it is recommended that the individual rests to help alleviate shin splints in athletes. Running and other strenuous activities should be minimized until the condition is under control. Shin splints can frequently be prevented by going through a warm-up period before strong physical activity. It is of utmost importance for runners and athletes to gradually build up their level of activity, and always go through a proper warm-up before sudden or intense exercise. Changing your running style to eliminate overstriding and avoiding heavy heel strike can also reduce shin pain in the long term.

Using adequate footwear is also a good way to prevent and reduce the pain associated with shin splints, especially for runners who use a heavy heel strike. Running shoes with proper rear foot stability should be used whenever possible. Additionally, orthotics for sports shoes are useful by helping to correct excessive pronation and providing heel cushioning, thus reducing the impact while providing heel stability.

Runners and other athletes need to constantly engage in proper foot care in order to stay in top performance shape.

Symptoms of sharp pain in the balls of your feet are signs of a medical condition known as Metatarsalgia, and it involves inflammation to the nerves adjoining the metatarsal bones. Metatarsalgia is a common occurrence among runners, basketball players, tennis players, and other athletes involved in high-impact sports. It is also frequent among women who wear high-heel shoes for long periods at a time.

Common Symptoms of Metatarsalgia

People afflicted by metatarsalgia often feel intense pain in one or both of the balls of their feet, the area right behind the toes The footache can be acute, burning, or dull, and is most often felt near the big toe, though it can also occur under the middle toes. These are the most recurrent symptoms accompanying ball of foot pain:

• Lack of sensation or tingling of the toes
• The pain intensifies when walking barefoot, especially on hard surfaces.
• The pain aggravates when dorsiflexing the feet.
• An acute pain in the toe area
• The ache worsens when you run, walk, or stand, and gets better after resting.
• You feel as if walking on rocks

Causes of Metatarsalgia

The metatarsal bones take the brunt of our weight when pushing-off while running or jumping, which can be the equivalent to several times your body weight. Among the frequent causes of ball of foot pain are intense physical activities, irregular foot anatomy, being overweight, poorly fitting shoes, and frequent wearing of high-heel shoes.

Likely Complications

If the symptoms of ball of foot pain are not treated in a timely manner, this condition has the potential to deteriorate to more critical disorders such as loss of range of motion, ligament injuries, toe problems, and chronic stiffness. In extreme cases, necrosis can develop and collapse the entire bone structure.

Treatment for Metatarsal Foot Pain

Relieving ball-of foot pain in most cases does not require extreme measures. The most recommended treatments for ball of foot pain are:

• Get plenty of rest - Avoid stressing your feet by getting some rest. In short time you may practice low-impact activities such as cycling, swimming, or rowing.
• Apply Ice - Use ice packs on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Wear proper footwear - Shoes need to fit properly and be of the suitable for the type of activity that you plan to get involved in.
• Wear orthotics – The use of suitable orthotic shoe insoles can provide the needed sustainment to reduce pressure on the metatarsal area.

Using orthotics is a vital component of of most treatments for ball of foot pain. Using metatarsal pads can also help to reduce the pressure around the metatarsal area.

Most of the cases concerning ball of foot pain do not require medical attention. It is common for our feet to be sore after a long day of standing or intense physical activity. Seek medical attention if the pain or burning sensation if the ball of foot pain does not improve after modifying your activities and wearing orthotics.

Having metatarsal pain can be an unpleasant experience, but by taking the proper care of your feet with the treatment options recommended above you can return to your normal activities in a short amount of time.

Foot pain problems are very common; about 70% of people will suffer foot pain at some time in their lives. A force of 2-3 times our body weight is placed on our feet with every step we take. When we consider that during a typical day we take between 8,000 and 10,000 steps, it comes as no surprise that at some time in our lives we will all suffer from some type of foot pain.

Human feet are constituted of twenty-six bones and thirty-three joints layered with an intricate network of more than 120 muscles, ligaments, and nerves. As such, our feet are extremely complex anatomical structures . We aim to provide a brief overview of the most common types of foot pain problems, why they occur, and what you can do to alleviate these conditions.

Foot Pain Disorders: Common Conditions

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is caused by small tears accompanied by inflammation along the ligaments and tendons stretching from the heel towards the ball of the foot. This region (called the Plantar Fascia) resembles a bow string, and forms the arch of the foot, serving as one of our bodies’ shock absorbers. Pain in the heel, particularly during the first steps as you start the day, is often associated with this type of foot pain. The kind of footwear being worn often plays an important role in providing relief from foot pain. Podiatrists recommend orthotic insoles as plantar fasciitis therapy to help relieve this condition in many people.

Heel Spurs

Heel spurs consist of bony growths that can cause sharp pain and discomfort around the heel bone (calcaneus). Heel spurs are typically a consequence of having plantar fasciitis. Continuous pulling of the fascia resulting from over-pronation at the heel bone eventually leads to the development of this painful bony growth on the heel. The usual plantar fasciitis treatment involving the use of orthotic insoles can prevent and relieve these types of foot pain problems.

Ball of Foot Pain

Ball of Foot Pain is also known as “Metatarsalgia” in medical terms, and occurs when the metatarsals (forefoot bones) drop and the surrounding ligaments weaken. The entire forefoot structure collapses, in turn leading to excess pressure and friction under the ball of the foot. Podiatrists often recommend orthotic arch supports with metatarsal support to provide needed relief.

Shin Pain

It is not uncommon for runners to experience pain in the shin area, also known as Shin Splints. This condition involves inflammation in the front or inside section of the shin bone. In many cases, shin splints are the result of intense physical activity such as running or jumping, and is a condition that can often take a long time to heal. Another cause of shin pain is tight leg muscles. Muscle imbalances caused by improper running posture can also lead to shin pain. Over-pronation is frequently a contributing factor in shin pain. Excessive foot pronation typically results in rotation of te tibial bone, increasing pressures on the ligaments and muscles of the lower leg. Podiatrists often recommend orthotic insoles to provide relief in these types of foot pain problems.

Achilles Tendonitis

The tendon joining the calf muscle and the heel bone is called the Achilles Tendon, and is the largest tendon in our bodies. This tendon also supports most of the weight of our entire body. Intense or excessive sports activities involving the feet, and in certain cases, arthritis may cause this type of foot pain. In cases where over-pronation contributes to the problem, orthotic insoles are recommended to help relieve these types of foot pain problems. Adequate rest and exercises to strengthen the calf muscles are often helpful in the healing process.

If your foot pain problems worsen or become chronic despite the use of orthotic insoles, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist.

The condition of your feet may reflect upon your health in general. If you experience foot pain, this can be a sign of other health conditions that are more serious. That is the reason why foot care is significant in order to maintain good overall health.

If you encounter severe foot problems, it is advisable that you seek professional help from a podiatrist to better assess your condition. Some foot ailments can be early indicators of severe medical issues such as arthritis, nerve and circulatory disorders, diabetes, and other related conditions.

• Diabetes. If you suffer from diabetes, or due to being part of a high-risk group you are in danger of being diagnosed with this disease, you have to pay special attention to your feet. The American Podiatric Medical Association advises that diabetes may impair the circulation as well as the nerve sensations in one’s feet, which greatly heightens the possibility of injuries while decreasing the ability to heal.  It is important to keep an eye on symptoms like tingling, lower leg pain, and numbness, because you might be suffering from diabetes or other related health conditions.
• Arthritis. It is considered one of the leading diseases, affecting about one out of seven Americans without being limited to a specific age group.  The symptoms may include pain, tenderness, and limited motion of the joints. It may also be characterized by swelling of the joints of your feet that intensifies in a period of time it is advisable that you see your physician. When it concerns the joints in your feet, the possible treatments used to restore normal foot functions should include the following:
  • Moderate exercise
  • Physical Therapy
  • Medication
  • Orthotic insoles for arch support
  • Orthopedic shoes
  • Braces
  • Surgery
• Gout. If you are older than thirty years old, frequently experiencing minor attacks of joint pains and sometimes big toe pain, this should be a sign that you are suffering from gout. If this condition is left untreated, the pain may last for a few days, or even a week at a time. In extreme cases, the pain becomes chronic. Gout is a complicated disease that has no certain origin, and is caused by increased uric acid levels within the bloodstream. It is very important to seek medical attention promptly if you suspect that you have gout in order to get appropriate treatment for this condition.
• Obesity and Other Weight Problems. The feet provide support for the whole weight of the body. Individuals who are obese have higher tendencies of acquiring foot problems. An obese person may not necessarily have flat feet, but when you are simply walking, the pressure on your feet can go beyond the weight of your body, so the pressure on your feet is significantly increased. As a matter of fact, when you run the pressure is four times your body weight. If you are significantly overweight, make it a point to discuss any discomfort and foot problems you may have with your family doctor so there can be early detection of any underlying condition leading to your foot pain.
• Other Health Conditions. Other conditions involving your feet may also indicate other seemingly unrelated problems. These may include blood circulation as well as nerve disorders. Failure to take notice of these problems may further result in more severe health issues, so it is of utmost importance to be proactive. As much as possible, look for medical attention when pain and other health abnormalities are observed.

Your legs are among the most hard-working parts of your body; they, along with your feet, are responsible for supporting the full weight of your body.  In order to prevent the onset of leg and foot problems, you need to take good care of them, so here is some advice on foot and leg care techniques.

The heart pumps blood to capillaries, veins, and arteries throughout your body. Since your legs are far away from your heart, it has to work very hard to maintain the flow of blood in and out of this area. The legs have valves that facilitate the flow of blood to the heart and back. If you develop inflammation and you don’t address the problem, you will end up having problems with its valves, with the resulting insufficiency of the veins when the valves of your legs do not function properly.

The Development of Leg Inflammation and Leg Pain 

The problem arises when the valves absorb the supply of blood. The increased pressure will result in lessened circulation of blood, dilated veins, and valve malfunction.  As a result, you will feel stressed and fatigued. Your feet and legs will begin to swell, which in time may progress to leg pain and aching feet. The dilation of the veins may also lead to varicose veins.  If you do not tend to this problem right away, you will not be able to carry yourself properly if your legs and feet are not capable of functioning well.

Graduated Compression Treatment for Venous Insufficiency 

Resting your legs and aching feet at the right times is very effective for preventing further problems. After a day of hard work, you should prop up your legs on an elevated chair. This will help with the proper circulation of blood to the legs and the feet. When you sleep, you might also want to prop your legs with pillows or cushions to keep them elevated. If your legs feel tired, refrain from soaking them in water right away; it does not matter if the water is hot or cold.  The best thing to do is sit down and relax them in an elevated position.

Modern products like compression hosiery are other natural methods for keeping the legs protected. This product has gone through clinical trials to prove that it is effective when it comes to treating leg pain due to varicose veins and insufficiency of the veins. The graduated hosiery for leg compression is also capable of treating the symptoms of leg problems. Doctors have been prescribing graduated compression treatment to their patients for many years, especially those that are suffering from leg and foot pain.   It is also recommended that you wear orthotic insoles or shoe inserts in order to realign your lower limbs and reduce the number of pressure points in your feet.

The Effects of Graduated Hosiery for Leg Compression 

When it comes to the maintenance of your legs’ proper function, you need graduated hosiery. This product helps with leg pains by compressing surface veins. The hosiery keeps the diameter of the veins small, forcing blood flow to your legs’ system of deep veins. According to clinical trials, the controlled application of graduated compression to your legs’ lower parts increases the rate of blood flow to your deep veins. Because of this increase, you will be able to ease or cure the signs that come with the onset of venous insufficiency.

Our feet consist of a complicated anatomy including bones, tendons, joints, muscles, and soft tissues. There are 26 bones in our feet, nineteen of which are bones in the toe and metatarsal, or what are called midfoot bones.  Fractures to the bones in our feet are more common than any other bones in the body, and metatarsal bones are some of the most affected areas. There are two major types of metatarsal fractures:

• Stress Fracture. This type of fracture is caused by deformities, osteoporosis, or repetitive stress, and present themselves as broken hairlines. Athletes are more prone to stress metatarsal fractures when they force their feet to run increasing distances. This condition could also be caused by using tight shoes or improper arch support, which can be relieved by the use of orthotic insoles. Aside from athletes, aging people are also prone to metatarsal stress fractures.
• Traumatic Fracture. This type is also known as acute fracture. It is caused by direct impact to the bones. An example of which is a heavy object that falls on the feet. This type of metatarsal fracture can either be displaced or non-displaced.

The common symptoms of metatarsal fracture are swelling, pain in bearing weight, and pain when touched.

Effect of Metatarsal Fractures When Untreated

Metatarsal fractures need to be diagnosed properly so that the right treatment can be provided, and it poses multiple challenges if left untreated. The following are possible complications:

• Arthritis. This ailment may result if a displaced fracture or stress fracture to the joint is left untreated. In these cases, the pain will be recurrent and leaves the person feeling in a state of weakness most of the time.
• Deformity in the body. As the person ages, the body may develop a deformed structure due to the fracture. Wearing orthotic insoles may help relieve the condition by restoring proper biomechanical alignment. However, it is possible that deformities cannot be treated by orthotics alone, especially if the fracture was severe.
• Long-term dysfunction or chronic foot pain. If the pain is recurrent despite the use of insoles, serious medical attention must be given,
• Long displacement may lead to necessitate surgery.

Possible Treatments 

Some metatarsal fractures can be treated without the need of surgery, but each case can be treated differently. General treatment includes:

• Avoiding stressful activities. As much as possible, the feet must take its rest. The person must refrain from moving frequently to give time for healing.
• Use of orthotic insoles. Appropriate orthotics and shoe inserts aid in healing and preventing deformities.
• Foot Care. This includes follow-up from medical practitioner, avoiding tight shoes.  Rehabilitation will probably be necessary to treat metatarsal fractures.
• Surgery. For more severe cases, a surgery may be recommended.
• Casting. This is a non-surgical procedure in which the feet are immobilized for a certain period to promote healing of the fracture.

Overall, the metatarsal fracture could be light or severe. What is most important is for it to be diagnosed properly so that appropriate treatment is given. If left untreated, it may lead to a more serious medical condition.

There are times when problems in the feet such as deformities, injuries, deficient biomechanics, and other disorders can be so severe that the only solution to pain or other untenable condition is foot surgery.  However, even when it is of a minor nature, foot surgery may also be recommended to eliminate foot pain faster and effectively. Foot surgery may be advised by podiatrists or practitioners who specialize in treatment for foot problems.

There are many foot problems that can be advised for surgery. One could be bunions, where severe cases cannot be treated by mere use of orthotics or insoles. A diabetic foot may also require foot surgery to prevent further complications caused by the disease. Still, there could be minor injuries that cannot be solved by simple therapy or orthotics alone, but may require a surgical procedure.

Foot Surgery: Considerations

Foot surgery can be done either as in-patient or out-patient, depending on the nature and complexity of the surgery.  Before foot surgery is performed, there are several steps that must be taken, such as:

• Referral to Specialist. For most foot problems, a general practitioner may refer the case to a specialist on foot problems, regarded in medical circles as a podiatrist.  The foot’s anatomy is extremely complicated, so it is important that the patient research and obtain advice from other experts, as they specialize in other factors influencing foot health such as balancing, movements and flexes, and other foot functions.
• Studying the Case. The practitioner(s) evaluate the case before they can conclude the need for surgery. Oftentimes, the case is discussed with the patient, surgeon, or any other concerned party so that appropriate expectations are established.  If the problem can just be treated by simpler methods such as therapy or wearing arch supports or orthotic insoles, then surgery may not be necessary. Nevertheless, it will be up to the patient or medical practitioners and surgeons to determine if a surgery is necessary.
• Scheduling Surgery. In case surgery seems to be the most suitable solution to solve the foot problem or provide permanent relief for foot pain, the surgeon identifies the procedure to be performed, since there are many surgical procedures available for different types of foot conditions.  For instance, solving severe pain caused by bunions may require not just one procedure, but a combination of two or three surgeries.
• Considering Patient Status.  Aside from the surgeon’s expertise in the surgical  foot procedure to be performed, the patient’s status is also highly considered. The patient’s age, health, and lifestyle has a strong influence on the success or failure of the surgery.

What to Expect

After foot surgery, it is inevitable that patients experience a certain level of discomfort.  This is temporary, but it has different durations depending on many factors.  Depending on the type of surgery done, the person’s feet must be put at rest for lengthy periods of time.  There may also be recommended foot pain relief programs, as the patient will experience varying degrees of pain after the surgery.

If the time has come for the patient to start walking, the patient must support the surgery with proper use of orthotics. This is important because orthotics are usually worn to correct the foot’s biomechanics. Without properly designed orthotics, the stress on the feet may cause further problems. Surgeons or experts in podiatry can recommend the appropriate orthotics for every specific case.

It is not uncommon for people who wear closed shoes (and even those who just wear slippers) to develop bad foot smell.  Foot odor is a condition that can be disturbing and embarrassing. Moreover, it may cause serious problems if left untreated. This article answers why a person’s feet develop bad odor, and how this situation can be prevented or solved with the proper foot care.

Causes of Bad-Smelling Feet

The main reason why a person develops foot odor is the growth of bacteria that feed on the sweat from the feet. Naturally, our feet have about 25 thousand sweat glands, which means that our feet can sweat quite a bit under diverse conditions.  When you wear socks, or when you wear closed shoes, the sweat stays in the feet and gives way for bacteria to build. The bacteria that feed on sweat excrete certain smell and eventually affect the smell of our feet.  Some people’s feet smell more than the others, with the reason often being minor differences in chemical composition, and also that their feet may sweat more.

Aside from perspiration, hair in the feet can also contribute to the buildup of bacteria, because it provides these organisms with a place to live. This is the reason why men are more prone to foot odor than women, as men have more hair on their feet than women.

Smelly Feet: Prevention and Solutions

Since foot odor is caused by sweat, it is important that you wear properly ventilated shoes to minimize the secretion. If it is required that you wear closed shoes, you can do the following:

• Wear clean socks. It is even recommended that you change the socks every now and then throughout the day, especially after exercising.  Likewise, it is important that you choose cotton socks rather than those made from materials that promote perspiration such as nylon and polyester.
• If you wear shoe inserts, no matter how well-designed they are for ventilation, they must be exposed to air. Dry them before you wear them again.
• Before wearing shoes, apply specialized anti-perspirant foot spray or deodorant foot powder to prevent build-up of bacteria.
• After wearing your shoes, allow them time to air out for a while, and periodically wash them with anti-bacterial soap.
• If the foot odor is intense, you may want to consult a podiatrist. They specialize in foot problems. In some cases, you may need to use customized orthotics.
• Wear shoe inserts that prevent the growth of bacteria. There are insoles that deal with foot odor. Most of these inserts are made of anti-bacterial material, and provide breathing spaces or small holes so perspiration will not settle and attract bacteria.

It is best that foot odor be dealt with early in order to prevent the situation from getting worse.  If untreated, this condition may cause more serious foot problems such as athlete’s foot or fungal infections.

As a woman goes through the different stages of pregnancy, many things happen to her body, with foot swelling being one of the most common problems.  There are also certain conditions that cause swelling in the shins or ankles during pregnancy.  In general, foot swelling becomes evident during the fifth month of a woman’s pregnancy. However, this problem is different for each pregnant female. Foot swelling during pregnancy is another problem that moms-to-be have to deal with, and happens because of fluid buildup in the feet.  While there are women who find it difficult to relieve the inflammation of their feet, there are also incidences of swelling that gradually subside after the pregnant woman rests or massages her feet.

Foot Care Tips for Pregnant Women

 Here are some foot care tips that may help pregnant women ease the pain and swelling of their feet:

• Drink plenty of water. Pregnant women should consume a minimum of 6-8  glasses of fluids and water every day. This will help in the elimination of toxins within the body.
• Avoid excessively warm places. This is an important reminder, since high temperatures may lessen the body’s water content. When this happens, the amount of fluids within the body of a pregnant woman will experience significant fluctuations.
• Refrain from standing for long periods of time. Not only will this lead to aching feet, it will also cause significant swelling. This is due to the fact that there is more flow of the fluids to the pregnant woman’s lower body parts, like the legs and feet. When the fluids enter these body parts, it often results in swelling and inflammation.
• Keep a healthy and well-balanced diet. This is essential for all pregnant women. If there is a lack of an important food source or the mom-to-be eats unhealthy foods, there is a higher likelihood of toxic waste buildup in the body. Once there is an accumulation of toxic substances, this will lead to feet swelling.
• Wear appropriatefootwear.  Whenever possible, wear the most comfortable and well-fitting pair of shoes.  These should neither be too tight to cause undue pressure, not too loose to induce uncomfortable rubbing on certain points in your feet.  If you must wear high heels for a certain occasion, be sure to wear orthotic insoles designed for high heel shoes.
• Pregnant women should change their sleeping position all of the time. This should be remembered while the pregnant mom is sleeping. If the lying position is the same continuously, pressure builds up on that side. When this happens, there is a high possibility of the feet swelling up. To keep this from happening, the feet should be supported. The support can come from propped-up pillows or cushions. This way, the body’s fluids will not gather within the area of the feet.
• Refrain from wearing tight jeans or trousers. When a pregnant woman does otherwise, pressure around the legs will increase. This can lead to foot and ankle pain. The mom-to-be should wear loose pants or anything that is comfortable to the legs.
• Exercise regularly. This is the best remedy for any foot swelling and foot swelling pain. Exercising will help with the proper circulation of fluids and blood within the body.