Foot Pain and how Orthotics can help
Foot pain is very common and an estimated 75% of people will suffer from some type of foot pain at some point in their life. The foot is a complex structure made of 26 bones, 33 joints and layered with an intertwining web of more than 120 muscles, ligaments and nerves. With each step we take, a force of 2-3 our body weight is placed on our feet and during a typical day, people take 8,000 – 10,000 steps. Therefore it comes as no surprise that at some time in our lives we will suffer some type of foot complaint. This article sheds light on the most common types of foot pain and shows how orthotics can help.
The 5 most common foot complaints are:-
- Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
Heel pain is the most common foot problem. Heel pain is often experienced with one’s first steps out of bed in the morning and is presented by a sharp stabbing pain in the heel. Commonly heel pain is caused by a painful stretching and micro-tearing of the Plantar Fascia (the flat band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes). The Plantar Fascia supports the arch of the foot. Plantar Fasciitis is Latin for inflammation of the Plantar Fascia. Normally, the fascia is flexible and strong. However, due to factors such as excessive weight, age, over-use and over-pronation the Fascia can become irritated and inflamed. With excessive tension on the Plantar Fascia the attachment of the ligaments onto the calcaneus (heel bone) begins to pull away from the bone. After a while a ‘heel spur’ may develop at the bottom front of the heel bone. During resting (e.g. when you’re asleep), the plantar fascia shortens and tightens up. When getting up, bodyweight is rapidly applied to the foot and the fascia must stretch and quickly lengthen, causing micro-tears in the fascia. Hence, the stabbing pain with your first steps in the morning.
Plantar Fasciitis, heel pain and heel spurs are best treated with simple, non-surgical methods. However, the longer the heel pain has been present, the longer it takes to fix. Heel pain is best treated by doing some simple stretching exercises, combined with wearing foot orthotics. This way the tension on the Plantar Fascia is being released, treating the cause of the problem, not just the symptom.
Arch Pain is caused by the same condition as heel pain: ‘Plantar Fasciitis’. The difference is that the inflammation of the fascia occurs under the arch, rather than at the heel bone. Treatment of arch pain, is exactly the same as for heel pain.
Achilles Tendonitis means inflammation of the Achilles Tendon. The Achilles Tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and sits just behind the ankle joint. Achilles pain occurs just above the back of the heel and sometimes the Achilles Tendon is thickened and tender to the touch. Achilles Tendonitis should not be left untreated due to the danger that the tendon can become weak and ruptured. Achilles pain is aggravated by activities that repeatedly stress the tendon, causing inflammation. The cause of Achilles Tendonits is over-straining of the Achilles Tendons leading to irritation and inflammation. There are several factors that can cause Achilles Tendonitis, including over-use, thight calf muscles and age. The most common cause, however, is over-pronation. When the arch collapses upon weight bearing, extensive stress is placed on the achilles tendons.
Treatment of Achilles Tendontis includes rest (or reduced activity), calf stretching and ice packs. Orthotics are recommended to support the arches, thereby reducing the stress on the achilles tendon.
Metatarsalgia is the general term for pain in the metatarsal region of the foot more commonly called the Ball of the Foot. Many women suffer from Metatarsalgia as a result of wearing high heels, but this condition can also occur in men. Wearing (high) heels means most of the bodyweight is concentrated on the forefoot, causing excessive pressure in the ball of the foot.
Metatarsalgia is often described as a burning sensation in the ball of the foot, combined with excess callous forming. Ball of Foot Pain (Metatarsalgia) occurs when the metatarsals (forefoot bones) drop and the surrounding ligaments weaken. The entire forefoot structure collapses, which then leads to excess pressure and friction under the ball of the foot.
Effective treatment of pain the ball of the foot involves reducing the excessive force placed in the forefoot area. Unloading pressure in the ball of the foot can be accomplished by wearing orthotic insoles with a in-built metatarsal support.
For women’s fashion and high heel shoes we recommend Footlogics Catwalk – a thin and flexible footbed that supports the arch, as well as the metatarsal bones. This way, bodyweight is distributed more evenly over the entire foot with less pressure and friction in the ball of the foot. For men’s shoes there’s Footlogics Comfort which also features a metatarsal support and at the same time controls over-pronation, a major contributing factor to Metartarsalgia.
A bunion is an often painful enlargement of the joint at the side of the big toe. The big toe is bent inwards and a bony lump forms on the outside. The bump is actually a bone protruding towards the inside of the foot. Over time the lump becomes larger and the bunion can become painful. Stiffness can eventually develop, even arthritis. With the continued movement of the big toe towards the smaller toes it is common to find the big toe resting over the second toe. Symptoms of bunions include inflammation, soreness and swelling and on the outside the big toe, often causing the sufferer to walk with difficulty.
Bunions can develop from an abnormality in foot function (e.g. over-pronation) or by wearing improper fitting footwear. Tight, narrow dress shoes with a constrictive toe box can lead to the formation of a bunion. The best way to alleviate the pain associated with bunions is to wear properly fitting shoes. Orthotics are also recommended for this condition to provide extra comfort, support and protection.
