If you’re dealing with painful toes, especially around the base of the big toe, everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even standing still can become challenging. One of the most common causes? Arthritis. This degenerative joint condition affects millions and often hits the small joints of the feet first. Symptoms can range from big and small toe joint pain, ball of foot pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, bunions, toe deformities, corns, calluses and difficulties walking.
Orthotics do more than just support your arches. In addition to providing relief for painful foot problems or injuries, orthotics may also help those who must walk or stand for a long time as part of their job by redistributing pressures across their feet and lower limbs.
Stiff, creaky knees and hips or swollen, sore fingers are often attributed to arthritis. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including our toes!
When we walk, our feet must move and adapt in certain ways to lessen the risk for injury, pain and discomfort. To prepare for contacting ground, the foot arch must be higher or more supinated, making the foot a rigid lever for heel strike. As the body progresses through the gait cycle, the arch flattens slightly or pronates to adapt to uneven terrain and absorb shock from the ground.
In our quest to live life to the fullest, many of us push ourselves to achieve more, whether it is in the gym, on the track, or in our everyday activities. However, the eagerness to do more can sometimes lead to overtraining; a condition where you have pushed your body beyond the limits, resulting in pain and injury. Taking care of your feet is the key to doing more.
If you've ever experienced a deep, nagging pain along your shinbone after a run, a game, or even a long walk, you're not alone. Shin splints can derail your athletic performance and make everyday activities painful. This condition often results from excessive stress on the lower leg, but the good news is that there are ways to manage and prevent shin splints so you can get back to what you enjoy most.
Heel pain is a widespread issue affecting people of all ages, limiting their ability to stay active and enjoy life. There are different causes of heel pain, but the most frequent reason is plantar fasciitis. This overuse injury occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. Whether navigating your daily routine, or enjoying winter sports like skiing and skating, understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options is essential for managing the condition and restoring mobility.
Diabetes can be tricky to navigate if you have just been diagnosed. Let’s review a few tips and tricks to keep those feet healthy, and happy well into your upcoming winter walks!
