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Common Causes of Chronic Foot Pain

I have tendinitis in my feet... I first experienced the problem many years ago, and was able to resolve it with the help of a podiatrist and some custom orthotics.  Years later, the problem has re-emerged, and believe you me, it's no party.  I am still trying to find my custom orthotics but in the meantime Dr. Scholl's is doing a pretty good job.  I decided that it might be a good time to write about a few conditions that cause chronic foot pain.  It seems to me that I've known a lot of folks over the years who have had the problems I am about to describe.






Tendinits 

Tendinitis, as the name implies, is the inflammation of a tendon.  My personal problem with tendinits involves the tendons in the top of the foot...the achilles tendon could also be affected by tendinits.  

The usual clue that tendinitis is present is pain, and possibly inflammation.  This can be caused by overuse; in my case I spend a lot of time on my feet, so it's no wonder there is a problem.  The treatment involves rest and ice packs.  I opted to try Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Inserts for my shoes and for me, they've done a world of good.  If home remedies don't work out, then it's time to visit the podiatrist.

Bunion

A bunion is a bump on the outside of the big toe; it forms when the bone or tissue at the base of the toe moves out of place.  If this part of your foot is red, swollen or painful, it might be due to bunions.
There is some genetic component to bunion formation,  but wearing shoes that are too tight or squeeze the toes together can also be a factor.  Podiatrists treat bunion in a number of ways: medication, padding and taping, physical therapy, orthotics, and/or surgery are some examples.

Heel pain

There are many causes of heel pain, but here we will focus on plantar fascitis--inflammation of a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the ball of the big to the heel. The condition may be worsened by wearing shoes that do not have adequate support.  Sometimes walking or resting makes the condition feel better temporarily but does not offer long term relief.  Treatment can involve many of the same things as bunion: good shoe fit, orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy.  In some cases, surgery may be necessary.


Source: APMA.org; Dr. Scholl's; Wikipedia


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