They don’t seem like it, but your feet are a marvel. More than 33 joints, millions of tendons, 50 ligaments, 42 muscles, and 26 bones, all work together to keep you standing the whole day.
They are capable of handling your weight as well as additional weights of your everyday clothing and extra motion. So, in such a perfect system, problems are bound to happen.
Many problems are temporary and not painful, while others are so dangerous that if not treated on time, can result in the permanent loss of the feet.
So, what’s the best way to avoid them?
If you are asking yourself that question, then you’ve come to the right place!
If you neglect your feet, you’re sure to get an infection or disease, so follow the preventions of each issue below to easily save your time, energy, and money with the least amount of effort required!
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Bunions
Hallux abductor valgus, or simply Bunions, are deformities produced on the joint which connects the big toe to the whole foot.
It is a very painful deformity and is characterized by the enlargement of the bone connecting the toe bone to the foot bone.
In medical terminology, it is the medial deviation of the first metatarsal bone and lateral deviation.
It is caused by a number of reasons, which are not scientifically proven as of today. So, how can they be avoided?
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes is told as the primary cause of bunions, as they apply pressure to the joint of the toe bone, which causes it to become swollen and tender. So, wearing open shoes can prevent deformity from happening.
Bruises
Bruises are painful contusions that happen by a trauma on the affected skin. It happens when a severe trauma occurs that damages the blood capillaries, which then bleed internally and clot, causing swelling and pain in the area the capillaries busted.
They are caused by many reasons, which include traumas, platelet disorders, child abuse and serious problems like leukemia. They can be fatal if the bruise is deep or if occurred in a sensitive place, like the neck or chest, so always be sure to avoid them.
Here’s how:
- Since trauma is the main cause of bruises, one should do everything in his or her power to avoid it. When lifting heavy weights, keep your feet away from the thing, and during hardcore sports, wear proper shoes and clothes to shield yourself from friction and injuries.
- You can also use orthotics and supports to reduce the amount of swelling that can happen to your feet in case of a bruise.
Sprained Ankle
Sprained Ankle doesn’t have a big reputation of being painful like fractures, but hurts just as much, as a sprained ankle is a very common injury where multiple ligaments of the feet are sprained.
How does it happen?
It is not a break in the bone. When a sprain occurs, it breaks the blood vessels. The fluid inside the vessels is then leaked into the tissue that surrounds the whole foot joint.
This means that the entire foot affected will be very tender and painful to touch. It is caused by excessive reckless movement like spinning, twisting, and rolling the foot while standing.
So, how can you avoid this horrendous injury?
- Since ankle sprains happen when one performs an excessive sudden movement, He or she should warm-up and stretch before exercising. And try special ones which help strengthen the muscles of the feet.
- Improper balance is another cause of ankle sprains, so you should perform special exercises to improve the balance. Uneven surfaces tend to reduce the balance of the posture, so tread carefully in those areas.
Turf toe
The name turf toe is taken from the cause of the injury, that is, playing on artificial turfs. When one plays on those, the shoe grip to the ground due to inertia while the rest of the upper body keeps moving, thereby stretching the toes.
Turf toes are deformities produced in the big toe when it bends beyond the normal range. It thus causes swelling and is very painful, with it being extreme when one tries to bend their toe upwards or downwards.
So, what are the techniques to prevent it?
- One should try to wear shoes with better support to help keep the toe joint from excessive bending and force.
- You may also consider using specially designed orthotics that your doctor or physical therapist prescribes for you.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendonitis, or Achilles tenosynovitis or Achilles tendinopathy, is the inflammation of the Achilles Tendon. The Achilles Tendon is the tendon present on the back of the leg.
It is the thickest tendon of the body and connects the calf and heel bone. The inflammation occurs when the limb is overused, particularly in sports and other taxing activities.
It can be very painful. So, how can you avoid it?
- It is not possible to completely prevent Achilles Tendonitis, as it can happen while you are playing or rock climbing or simply camping. The most common way to reduce the chances of having it though is to avoid activities that cause excessive stress on the tendon, or if deemed necessary, stretch beforehand and slowly pick up the pace to avoid any mishaps.
- Wearing the proper shoes that have the perfect shoe arch, cushioning, firmness, comfortability and heel height will not only help you prevent this injury but also help you cure it.
That’s all for today guys! Be sure to take care of your feet, as there isn’t any replacement for them.
Stay healthy, and clean your feet every day, as no disease can either harm you or spread if you are clean and free of germs! As Roy T. Bennett once said:
“There are 15 Things Money Can’t Buy:
Time with your family, Happiness in your life, Inner Peace every day, Integrity, Love for your wife and children, Character, Manners, Respect from other people, True Morals, Trust from the ones you love, Patience for your given task, Class, Common sense, Dignity, and the most important of all, your Health.”
About The Author:
Lisa Miller is the founder and editor in chief at FootCareSource.com, a foot health blog dedicated to providing trusted advice and information about foot health, footwear, and foot friendly lifestyle choices. In her free time, she enjoys running and going to Zumba classes. Check out her blog to find more about Lisa and her work.
