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The human foot is comprised of several bones, ligaments, and muscles. It is important that our feet are flexible and stable so everyday activities can be completed with ease. Children may benefit at an early age from walking barefoot while indoors. This may help develop the grasping action in the toes, which can promote stability and muscle strength. Research has indicated the importance of measuring your child’s feet on a regular basis, and this is helpful in determining the correct shoe size. When choosing shoes for your child, it is important to ensure the foot is held firmly in place.…

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the posterior tibial nerve. This nerve runs along the inside of the ankle and foot, and when it becomes compressed and damaged it will become inflamed. This damage can be caused by continuous overuse of the foot and ankle. This might happen while participating in strenuous physical activities. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can also occur after a traumatic injury, and sometimes it develops suddenly without any obvious cause. Luckily, this is considered a rare condition. If it goes untreated, however, it can cause permanent nerve damage. If tarsal tunnel syndrome is caught early,…

Research has indicated that falling is the top cause of injuries in elderly Americans. There are many medical conditions that may result from falling. These may include hip fractures, brain injuries, in addition to trauma that may affect other parts of the body. There may be measures that can be implemented, which may help to prevent falling. These may include decluttering the home environment, having vision checks regularly, and wearing shoes and clothes that fit properly. Many elderly patients choose to drink plenty of fresh water daily, and this may help to avoid becoming light-headed, which may lead to fainting.…

The medical condition that is known as hammertoe will typically affect the second, third, or fourth toe. If you notice a downward bend in the middle joints of those toes, it may often resemble the shape of a hammer. It typically causes pain and discomfort and wearing shoes may be difficult. The causes of hammertoe may include having a genetic trait, or wearing shoes that do not have adequate room in the toe area for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, if an injury has occurred to the toes, this may be a reason for this condition to develop.…

One of the best ways to care for your feet is to wear shoes that fit comfortably. This may prevent unwanted foot conditions from developing, which may include bunions or hammertoe. Some patients may experience general foot pain, and taking a walk may help to stretch the muscles in the feet. The importance of washing and drying the feet daily may help to prevent fungal infections and unpleasant foot odor. Utilizing a good moisturizer will not only make the feet feel good, but aid in preventing cracked heels from developing. Additionally, the painful condition that is known as ingrown toenails…

Patients who are afflicted with chronic foot pain may consider a treatment option that is known as shockwave therapy. It is known to be a form of therapy that may be effective in initiating the body's healing response. This may help specific foot conditions, which may include plantar fasciitis, or tendonitis. There are two ways to administer shockwave therapy, and they are referred to as low and high energy treatments. The former is given in a series of treatments, and typically does not cause pain or discomfort. High energy treatments are carried out in one treatment session, and may be…

Patients who have ingrown toenails are often aware of the pain they may cause. It occurs when the side of the nail grows into the skin surrounding the big toe, and may often look red and swollen. Additionally, some people may notice a discharge coming from the affected area, and may have chills or feel warm. There are measures that can be implemented, which may prevent ingrown toenails from developing. These may include trimming the toenails to the correct length and width, and wearing shoes that fit correctly with adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Mild relief…

There is a small canal between a bone in the ankle and the ligaments that stretch across the foot that is known as the tarsal tunnel. If this should become compressed and irritated, a condition that is known as tarsal tunnel syndrome may develop. A symptom of this condition may include a tingling sensation in the feet and toes, because this is the nerve that provides sensitivity to those areas of the foot. Additionally, many patients may experience a burning sensation in the sole of the foot. Some of the reasons that this condition can occur may include consistent motion…

While the feet are an important part of the body because they provide us with mobility, they are also very complicated. There any many different types of foot conditions that affect different areas of the foot, and they usually involve pain, inflammation, or injury. Shoes that do not fit properly are one of the most common causes of foot pain and can lead to different types of foot complications. Shoes that do fit well and have proper support can prevent aggravation with foot skin and joints. Some examples of common conditions that result in foot pain are heel spurs, bunions,…

The medical term known as onychomycosis is also referred to as toenail fungus. This condition may cause the toenails to become discolored and brittle, and may gradually separate from the nail bed. The reasons why this condition can develop may include having a medical condition that diminishes blood flow to the feet, or wearing shoes and socks that are too tight. Preventive measures may include wearing comfortable shoes and socks, and making sure pedicure tools are disinfected before being used. Additionally, it may be beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in public showers and pool areas, and this may limit…

Arthritis is inflammation in or around joints and it mainly affects the older population. The inflammation associated with arthritis causes swelling, pain, and stiffness. For some, arthritis can be debilitating, but there are ways to cope with arthritis and reduce the symptoms. Supportive shoes can go a long way for those with arthritis, because arch support can stabilize joints that may be displaced. Stretching helps boost your flexibility and mobility. Stretching the Achilles tendon is a good exercise to help with movement within the joints. Stretching is helpful but should not be overdone if it is causing pain. Foot massages…

Research has indicated that a foot massage is a popular form of foot therapy. Many people enjoy the benefits of this type of therapy, and have realized the positive effects the overall body may enjoy. According to chinese medicine, when pressure is exerted on specific areas of the feet which is referred to as reflexology, it may aid in healing conditions that may be present in the body. Patients who endure chronic pain throughout the body may be helped by the practice of foot massages. Additionally, general pain throughout the body, lower back pain, and anxiety are uncomfortable ailments that…

The medical condition that is referred to as hammertoe is considered to be a deformity of the joints in the toes. It most often occurs in the second toe, and will cause the toe to resemble a hammer, which is a result of the top of the toe turning downward. Many patients may develop this condition if they are flat-footed or born with the second toe that is longer than the first. There are several reasons why this uncomfortable condition may occur, and these may include wearing shoes such as high heels, which may provide inadequate room for the toes…

A common foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis may produce severe pain and discomfort in some patients. It is defined as an inflammation of the plantar fascia and this is the tissue that is located on the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. The pain is generally felt in the heel of the foot, and it may tend to make daily activities that require mobility difficult to perform. Research has shown calf muscles, which are tight may possibly contribute to the discomfort plantar fasciitis may generate. There are specific stretches that can be…

The medical condition referred to as gout often produces severe pain and discomfort. It typically affects the joints of the big toe, although it may appear in other parts of the body. It is a form of arthritis and may occur if foods which have excess purines are frequently ingested. There are generally several noticeable symptoms that are associated with this condition, including stiffness in the affected area, redness, and heat emanating from the toe. Some of the foods that may be linked to developing gout may include several types of seafood, red meat, and drinking excess alcohol. Research has…

There is a portion of tissue that is located on the bottom of the foot, which is referred to as the plantar fascia, and its primary function is to connect the heel bone to the toes. If this should become inflamed, which may occur gradually or from an injury, a condition that is known as plantar fasciitis may develop. This may produce severe pain and discomfort and is often felt in the front of the heel and in the back of the arch. When this band of tissue is not inflamed, it provides the body with strength and support, in…

Women who enjoy wearing high heels are aware of the visual benefits from wearing this type of shoe, which may be a pleasing accessory to stylish clothing, or enhancing the shape of the foot. Research has shown that if high heels are frequently worn, the possibility of developing plantar fasciitis may increase. This may be a result of uneven weight distribution, which may force the arch to gravitate into a position that is unnatural. This may lead to possible deterioration of the plantar fascia, which is known as the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes.…

The medical condition that is referred to as flat feet is a result of the absence of the arch that feet generally have. This ailment is also known as fallen arches and is noticeable when the feet lie flat without a gap between the foot and the floor. Research has shown that genetics may play a significant role in the development of flat feet. Additionally, other causes may include arthritis or a ruptured tendon as a result of a possible injury. Patients who have this condition may observe pain or stiffness that may be present in the inner side of…

One of the main reasons blisters on the feet may develop is from friction that may typically come from wearing shoes and socks that are too tight. They appear as a small area filled with fluid, which is a natural protectant of the skin, and will commonly develop as a result of an injury or infection that has occurred. When a blister develops on the foot, pain and discomfort will generally accompany this ailment and can possibly be treated by placing a cover over it while wearing shoes. There may be several additional reasons why blisters may form on the…

The symptoms of a condition that is referred to as athlete’s foot may include mild to severe itching between the toes. Additionally, flaking skin may be present on other parts of the foot, and in some cases, small blisters may appear in the affected area. It is known to be caused by a fungus, which is generally contagious and may also reoccur if it is not treated promptly and correctly. Athletes foot is a result of an infection that is derived from the tinea fungus and will generally live and thrive in warm and moist areas. These may include public…