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Relieving Arch Pain Can Also Help You Avoid Major Foot Disorders

Foot specialists will tell you that arch pain and overpronation can cause difficulties for people of all ages and can even influence an athlete’s performance during every type of activity. For many people who experience pain like this, they may not be aware of the 3 common triggers. Most of the causes are avoidable, however many can be genetic. As recommended by the Cleveland Clinic, 3 of the avoidable causes for arch pain include poor selection of shoe style, improper fit, and insufficient arch support. These ill-decided actions can all cause painful foot disorders like bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis. The Mayo Clinic cites that 2 of the inherited foot problems that can bring on foot over-pronation and arch pain include low foot arches or arches that are markedly high. Here we explain some foot procedures that fix these disorders and how each of them can be helped.

When Bunion Removal Procedures are Necessary

Removal of a bunion, or a bunionectomy, is the process through which the bony bump just above the arch is severed to obtain a more conventional foot form and width. In critical cases where the big toe has situated itself under the other toes, the podiatrist cuts a triangle-shaped portion out of the big toe’s bone to reset it to its proper angle. A tiny screw is used to fasten the two bone portions together. After about 6 to 7 months, the screw is usually removed. Despite the fact that this disorder can be caused by pointed shoes, some bunion occurrences are hereditary. Podiatrists agree that pointed-toe shoes that force the toes into an abnormal position can cause bunions.

Serious Foot Issues Can Occur Without Proper Arch Support

Some of the genetic foot problems include either fallen arches or excessively high arches. Both types of arch disorders can affect the average person as well as an active athlete. The result of a low arch can be arch pain and overpronation because this flattened part of the foot is not functioning as it should. When this part of the foot malfunctions, overpronation occurs which can bring on a heel spur, a bony protrusion in the heel.  Surgery is sometimes required to remove the boneprotrusion and relieve the pain. The podiatrist will use a bone saw to cut away the bony protrusion to relieve the discomfort and ripped muscle tissue it had been causing. The best answer for treating both types of arch disorders so heel spurs can be avoided is by giving the foot with normal foot arch support through athletic insoles.

What Causes Hammertoes and How to Treat Them

Hammertoes can be brought on by pointy shoes or footwear that is snug. This condition can affect walkers and runners that wear tight shoes during training as well. Hammertoes are, unfortunately, difficult to treat without a corrective operation. First, a foot doctor can try to straighten the affected toe to try and coax it into a more normal shape. In order for this method to work, wider shoes must be worn form that point on. Hammertoes can occur again if improper shoes are worn again. If taping the toe straight does not work, surgery is the lone alternative. The afflicted toe must have a portion of the bone removed to reduce the curvature of the toe. The recovery period is crucial, as patients who do not remain off the affected foot as suggested will fail to mend appropriately. The way to avoid this condition is to wear well-fitted shoes.

Regardless of lifestyle, genetic disposition, or age, foot disorders can occur in a wide range of people. Though foot procedures can surgically fix these problems, most of the time they are never an issue if people wear well fitting shoes and suitable arch support.

Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosis & Treatment