Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Identifying The Cause Of Foot Pain

By Allan Tan

Foot pain is a common problem that some may think is unavoidable. While some people may think their foot pain is a permanent problem, many times the conditions causing the foot pain can be treated.

Foot pain should not be ignored by someone with diabetes. A diabetic patient may have an injury to the foot and not have pain. People with diabetes should check their feet every day to look for any signs of injury that could lead to a serious complication such as infection.

When a person experiences foot pain, they should first examine their feet and consider the fit of their shoes. If shoes are too tight or too narrow, wearing the shoes can lead to more than just temporary discomfort and blisters. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to long-term, painful foot problems.

Corns and warts can sometimes cause foot pain, especially if they rub against shoes. Corns are calluses on the tops of toes. Warts can develop anywhere on the foot.

A person with these problems may want to try an over-the counter treatment. Diabetic patients should avoid the over-the-counter treatments and seek prompt medical attention for any foot problems.

Bunions look like bumps or protrusions on the sides of the feet near the toes. Bunions require a diagnosis and treatment by a doctor.

One highly treatable potential cause of foot pain is severely dry skin. The skin of the feet is prone to becoming dry. If the dry skin becomes cracked, it can be painful and susceptible to infection.

Putting on a thick foot moisturizing cream and socks before bed can help heal this condition. Foot lotion, moisturizer, or cream should never be applied between the toes.

A doctor should be notified if there is no known cause for the foot pain. Not all medical conditions of the feet have visible signs.

Treatment for foot pain can involve surgery, medications, and the use of orthotics. Sometimes, the first treatment does not stop the foot pain. The person may have to try a few different treatments before the foot pain ceases.

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