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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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September 1, 2009 |
A Publication of QVHD |
More Foot Problems And Products
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
Feet that hurt are a
common health problem. Most people try to treat the problem themselves
until the pain becomes so bad that they seek medical help. (The evidence
for this can be seen given the number of products on the shelves
claiming foot pain relief!)
Very often, foot problems are caused by the shoes people wear. Over
time, minor problems become major problems as the effects of the
ill-fitting shoes multiply.
PROBLEMS There are several foot problems that people experience. Some
are more common than others. As you read these brief descriptions, you
may find yourself saying “Wow. That's my problem.” Most people have
heard of bunions . Bunions are misaligned big toe joints. People can
have a genetic tendency toward having them. But they can also be caused
(or aggravated) by wearing shoes that are too narrow. Treatment can
include comfort measures like padding or wider shoes and/or surgery.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the plantar fascia, which runs
along the bottom of the foot and supports the arch, becomes stretched or
torn. Treatment can include heel pads, pain medicines, cortisone
injections, splinting, stretching, physical therapy and/or surgery.
Neuromas are enlarged benign (non-cancerous) growths of nerves, most
commonly between the third and fourth toe. It can be caused by poorly
fitting shoes. It may cause pain, burning or numbness between toes and
the ball of the foot. Treatment options include: padding, taping,
orthotics, cortisone injections and/or surgery. Heel spurs are calcium
growths on the bottom of toot bones. They can be very painful. Treatment
can include exercise, orthotics and/or medications. Metatarsalgia is a
condition in which pain from the metatarsals (the five slender toe
bones) occurs when you stand or walk on the balls of your feet. High
heels and excess body weight put extra pressure on these bones. Padding,
changing shoe heights and/or surgery are options for treatment.
PRODUCTS There are many products lining store shelves that may or may
not provide you with relief. Generally, trying store-brand orthotics are
worth a try as prescription orthotics are very expensive. The Harvard
Health Letter (August 2009) has a description of many products and their
value for treating problems. For example, the guest editor of this
article, Dr. James Ioli, notes that “ detoxifying foot pads , that claim
to absorb impurities from the body and aid in naturally cleansing” do no
such thing. To clean your feet, Dr. Ioli recommends soap and water! “Toe
Exercisers” are another example from this article about products that
may have little impact. They may cause minor improvement, but Dr. Ioli
believes that purchasing new, proper-fitting shoes is a better way to
spend your money. What about arch bandages? Again, the editors state
that while an arch bandage may provide temporary relieve, it isn't going
to fix the structural problem. Diabetics and people with poor
circulation should not use them.
Aching feet can make it very difficult to perform day to day tasks. If
your “home-remedies” don't improve your condition, you should seek
medical help. There is no need to suffer, as there are many new
treatments and prescriptive products available through your doctor, an
orthopedist or a podiatrist. For example, shock wave therapy, an
outpatient procedure, is used to treat the chronic heel pain of plantar
fascia.
For free copies of several good reference articles on foot problems and
treatment, District residents (Bethany, Hamden, North Haven and
Woodbridge) can call QVHD or request on line,
www.qvhd.org. (By the way, The Harvard
Health Letter, August 2009 notes that those summer shoes we are fond of
wearing (“flip-flops”) have been shown through research “to alter the
way one walks, changing the gait in ways that can lead to serious sole,
heel and ankle problems”. So if you have been wearing flip-flops a lot
this summer and are having trouble with your feet, you might want to
think about getting some good sandals and save the flip-flops for beach
or pool time.)
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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