Simple yet Complicated Foot Problems

The human body is almost a miracle. Despite being among the most fragile structures in the living ecosystems, it has capacity for self-regeneration and repair. It has an immune system capable of defending itself against virus and bacteria and a capacity to adjust based on physical and mental stress. It also has the capacity to self-heal. In fact, it can correct lesser forms of injury given enough time to do so.

But this does not mean it is invincible. On the contrary, it is still very fragile. This is more especially true for the limbs particularly the feet which literally bear heavy loads in terms of weight and movement. It is after, a slender limb not even half the size of the weight it is supports.

Indeed, despite its power, or perhaps due to it, the feet is one of the most used and ‘abused’ part of the human body. But the logic follows that it is almost the most vulnerable to injuries and disorders.

Simple but Complex Common Foot Problems

Dislocations, sprains are among the very common feet injuries often due to wrong movements or improper balance. There are however more slightly unique but very common ones, some that still remain a mystery to modern medicine.

One such simple foot problem is the plantar fasciitis, a relatively new injury caused by chronic irritation of the arch of the foot due to excessive strain, bone spurs, flat feet, pronation and tight calves. Common among runners, hikers and even cashiers who stand for considerable amounts of time, the injury is a combination of shifting of pain at the minor foot, arch and heel area. 

Another simple foot problem is the bunions, an extremely uncomfortable, often painful swelling on the first joint of the big toe which is very common among women. It is not exactly an injury but rather a deformity which causes certain degrees of mobility. 

Despite being simple problems, they are almost also complex since science has not come to fully explain the causes of these problems. For instance, in the case of Plantar Fasciitis, it is a relatively new medical problem and its cases have only begun to increase in the last decade and therefore science has only also recently began better understanding the problem. As for bunions, despite being an old type of problem, is hypothesized to be caused by a variety of factors including abnormal foot function, mechanics, anatomy at and genetic factors. Some studies even suggest that habit like wearing tight-fitting shoes, high heels and narrow toed shoes which partly explains why it is common among women. But there are still no compelling scientific evidence to support these. For now, what is certain is that they can lead to more severe or serious complications even to permanent disability.

The Implications on Relief and Corrective Solutions

Since science has yet to definitively explain the phenomenon of Plantar Fasciitis and bunions, there is also no definitive cure or solution. In both cases common pain relievers like ibuprofen like Advil, Motrin IB, and naproxen sodium such as Aleve can help relieve pain but are not therapeutic. For both problems too, physical therapy for a long periods are recommended in order to naturally heal ligaments, tissues or correct foot problems. Using insoles for flat feet, arch support braces and Plantar Fasciitis insoles can help in stretching the feet and relieve plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, leg muscles while it naturally recovers.

Meanwhile, rest and wearing wider or looser shoes or sandals with a supportive sole are still the best options to address bunions without surgery. Using shoes that relieve pressure from the sides of the foot and allow tissues to loosen, eventually heal and subsequently correct the deformity.