When foot pain arises, it’s tempting to think that one of the 26 bones in your foot is broken, but there are many other conditions that can affect the 30 joints or the 100-plus ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
Not only do underlying conditions, such as arthritis, contribute to foot pain, but lifestyle habits can also fuel foot pain.
Below, our board-certified podiatrists here at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists in southeastern Florida shed light on the top five lifestyle habits that contribute to foot pain or injury.
Your shoes may be the pièce de résistance of your outfit, but unfortunately, some of the most stylish shoes are the worst for your feet.
Specifically, stilettos, high heels, and shoes with a very narrow toe bed can contribute to blisters, sore feet, hammertoes, neuromas, bunions, and plantar fasciitis.
Certain types of shoes are notorious for causing foot pain, but wearing the wrong type of shoe for your designated activity can also hurt your feet.
For instance, if you play basketball, wear basketball shoes 一 shoes with high ankle support designed to protect your ankle from rolling or twisting while making quick pivots on the court. On the other hand, if you’re working in a factory, wear steel-toed shoes to protect your feet from crush injuries.
Even the right type of shoes can cause foot problems if they become worn out. Worn shoes lose some of their arch support, which can lead to arch pain, but worn-out shoes can also cause hip and knee pain.
Replace your shoes when they show signs of wear-and-tear, or if you’re a runner or race walker, replace them after every 500 miles.
We know weight loss is hard, but managing your weight plays a crucial role in protecting your overall health 一and that includes your foot health.
Carrying extra weight puts extra pressure on your midfoot, and according to research published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, being overweight for a short time (even just two years) can significantly weaken the tendons and ligaments in your feet and ankles.
This leads to plantar fasciitis as well as flat feet, a significant source of foot pain when standing and walking.
Exercise is good for your mind and body (and helps you reach your weight loss goals), but exercising too much too quickly can trigger foot pain, especially plantar fasciitis. This is especially true for runners who increase their mileage by more than 10% each week.
Jumping too quickly into an exercise routine can put too much strain on your plantar fascia, leading to pain and inflammation on this thick band of tissue.
Skipping your warmups and cooldowns can also increase your risk of sports injuries, including fractures, sprains, and strains.
Just like any other part of your body, your feet need a little TLC. Regular foot care includes:
Rushing through any of these steps can contribute to foot pain. For example, if you cut your nails too short or too curved, you may end up with an ingrown nail. On the other hand, if you have diabetes, even a small scratch can become a slow-healing wound.
Always take your time to pamper your feet each day.
Whether you’re dealing with heel pain first thing in the morning or a sore on your foot that gets worse, our experts here at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists are no strangers to treating foot pain.
After performing a comprehensive exam, reviewing any diagnostic images (such as X-rays), and reviewing your symptoms, we formulate the right treatment plan for you.
Don’t let foot pain rule your life. Book an appointment at the location of your choice and say goodbye to foot pain. We have offices in Tamarac, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Coral Springs, and Boca Raton, Florida.
