The foot is one of the most complex parts of the body, consisting of 28 bones linked by several joints, tendons, muscles and ligaments. Foot is the foundation of athletic movements of the lower extremity. Pain indicates that there is something wrong with the interaction of internal structures of the foot.
Causes:
Foot pain frequently cause by inappropriate foot function. Improperly fitted shoes can make it worse and in some cases, cause foot harms. Shoes that fit properly and give good arch support can avoid irritation to the foot joints and skin. There are lots of foot problems that influence the heels, toes, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and joints of the foot. Foot pain may be caused by many unusual conditions or injuries. Acute or repeated trauma is the most frequent cause of foot pain. Trauma is an outcome of forces external to the body either directly impacting the body or forcing the body into a situation where a particular or mixture of forces result in damage to the structure of the body. Wearing shoes that are too tight or high heels can cause pain in the region of the balls of the feet and the bones in that part. Shoes that are tied too tightly may cause pain and bruising on the top of the foot.
Anatomy of Foot:
Your foot consists of 28 bones. These are
- 7 Tarsal Bones
- 5 Metatarsal Bones
- 5 Proximal Phalanges
- 4 Middle Phalanges
- 5 Distal Phalanges
- 2 Sesamoid Bones
Symptoms:
Pain and point tenderness are the instant indicators that somewhat is wrong in a specific region. When the pain begins to obstruct with your activities of everyday or if you cannot act upon your desired activities without pain, you should consider seeking medical attention. Indicators that you should seek medical care are if the area looks distorted, you have loss of function, large amount of swelling with pain, prolonged change of skin or toenail color, change of sensation, the affected area becomes warmer than the adjacent areas or becomes tender to the touch.
Physical Therapy for Foot Pain
Physical therapy is frequently one of the most important ways to treat the symptoms of foot pain. Gentle stretching of the foot helps to improve the uneasiness felt due to foot pain. Rarely with plantar fasciitis a brace is worn at night to remain the foot in a stretched situation. Following are the five simple and easy movements or exercises to stretch the structures of the foot:
- The Long Sitting Stretch
- Achilles Stretch
- Stair Stretch
- Can roll
- Toe Stretch
Physical Therapy is vital in retuning a patient rapidly to their daily routine as well as athletic activities. Restoring proper mobility of the different ankle bones in addition to strengthening of the ankle is necessary in preventing future injuries to the foot, knees, hip and back.
Calcaneus
Talus
Medical Cuneiform
Intermediate Cuneiform
Lateral Cuneiform
Cuboid
Navicular