Foot Pain and Your Health

What Your Feet Are Telling You

Arthritis

Arthritis is very common among foot ailments. Considering there are a variety of arthritis types, it's important to see a doctor. "Osteoarthritis is a common wear and tear, and treated with medication," notes Dr. Morin. "Other types of arthritis can be very devastating, like rheumatoid arthritis where the bones continue to move." A physician needs to diagnose the specific type of arthritis for treatment. For instance, rheumatoid arthritis impacts the entire body. Once it's diagnosed in the foot, the ailment may be identified and treated elsewhere in the body, too.

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Thinning of the foot pads

"This is one part of the body where we'd like a nice chunk of fat," says Andrew Shapiro, MD and American Podiatric Medical Association member. As we age, foot pads get very thin, and between body weight and putting pressure on the bones, it can get worse over time. The pain, soreness and thinning may also be associated with diabetes
or vascular disease.

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Loss of sensation

If you're feeling a loss of sensation in the foot, look out. "Neurological problems can manifest themselves in the foot. The gift of pain is what we want, because it tells us what's wrong," notes Dr. Shapiro. He mentions diabetes patients may walk on a thumb tack and not feel any pain. "We need to pay attention to what's going on in the feet." Whether it's vascular disease, neurological problems, rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, to name a few, it's important to notice pain, infection and loss of sensation to determine if there's another developing health issue elsewhere in the body.

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Poor circulation

According to Morris R. Morin, DPM, Chairman of Podiatry, Hackensack University Medical Center, signs of poor circulation in the feet can definitely represent bigger health problems: "It starts in the foot because the blood vessels are much smaller. It's one of the first areas to experience symptoms." Dr. Morin recommends identifying poor circulation at first by walking a block to see if you feel severe pain in the legs and calves. "The body is crying out for blood," he says. This pain could signify blockage of arteries, known as peripheral vascular disease. The doc's advice? Run, do not walk, to a podiatrist or vascular surgeon when experiencing these symptoms.

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Athlete's foot

When the foot gets itchy, looks scaly and has an uncomfortable burning sensation, it's most likely showing symptoms of athlete's foot.
While it doesn't sound pretty, this condition can indeed be treated with antifungal lotions or creams.
If the athlete's foot lingers and doesn't improve, it could be a sign that the patient is diabetic. Dr. Robert Klein, a podiatric physician and board certified foot surgeon in the Orthopaedic and Podiatry Department of the Collom & Carney Clinic, explains, "Diabetes patients don't fight bacteria and fungus very well, and are prone to fungal infections."

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Flat feet/high arches

Whether it's a flat foot or high arch, chances are the foot is imbalanced. Dr. Shapiro explains, "The high arch is like a tripod, with one leg in the heel and two underneath. With a high arch, there are mechanical problems in the balls of the foot." Since we tend to inherit foot types, flat feet or high arches are typically genetic. If you're experiencing significant pain, however definitely see a podiatrist. "I tell people to use your head when it comes to your feet," he says.

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Toe pain

Sure, when a woman wears an uncomfortable pointy shoe or high heel she may be prone to toe and foot pain. The key is seeing if there is pain after the shoe is no longer worn. Dr. Klein recommends taking off the shoe to see how your foot feels without it, and whether it's still experiencing pain. "When you feel a sharp, shooting pain in your foot, and it feels like you're walking on a marble, the nerve has become a little enlarged." For instance, it could be Morton's neuroma, a benign, treatable condition signified by pain in between the toes.

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Bunions

"Over time," says Dr. Morin, "bones move out of position." In the case of a bunion, the area of the bones and the joint between the foot and big toe bone move, and it can be very painful. Typically you can change your shoes or pad the bunions, but the condition may lead to surgery. While seeking treatment is helpful sooner rather than later, a bunion is usually a localized issue. Genetics may play a role, as your family's history may predispose you to the development of bunions.

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Fungal nails

"Fungal nails should heal within two weeks of being treated," notes Dr. Klein. This is another ailment associated with bacteria -- when fungus gets trapped in the nail, it tends to get a bit cozy. Increasing age, nail trauma, sweaty feet, poor circulation, poor hygiene, foot fungus and a diminished immune system all contribute to fungal nails. Similar to athlete's foot, the weakened immune system, in particular, and prolonged fungus infection may be signs of diabetes.

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Ingrown toenails

Franz Kopp, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with special training in foot and ankle disorders at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, says ingrown toenails are signified by feeling pain on either side of the nail or seeing redness or drainage. In general, this condition doesn't cause a grave health risk. People with diabetes, though, should be cautious. "It can come on more quickly than average for diabetes patients and can get worse much quicker."

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