Arch pain:
This sometimes is called an arch strain and is a burning sensation or inflammation under the arch area of the foot. Often pain is felt under the heel as well. While there can be many reasons for the pain, often it is because of Plantar Fasciitis. It is often the excessive stretching of the Plantar Fascia that causes the inflammation. Pain is often worst when weight is applied to the foot after long periods of inactivity, such as getting up in the morning. If left untreated, complications may develop including bone or heel spurs. Conservative treatment includes wearing the appropriate shoes, adding cushioning and arch support. Rest, ice, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications may help. If the condition is due to flat feet, a corrective insert may be needed to control foot movement. If the problem persists, consult a doctor.

Arthritis:
Arthritis is one of the more than 100 diseases that cause inflammation of the cartilage and/or lining of the joints, which can cause swelling, pain and redness and/or stiffness. Arthritis can be a cause of foot pain as the foot has 33 different joints which could be affected. Major classes include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. In arthritis, foot problems including hammer toes, claw toes and bunions can develop. Conservative treatment includes reducing pressure and selecting footwear that is accommodative to one's foot shape. Special inserts, especially those made of Plastizote, may be beneficial.

Bunions:
Medically referred to as Hallux Valgus, is a very common problem for people many ages. A bunion is a bursa or sac that forms over the big toe joint, due to a protuberance of bone or tissue. Often a cause is the big toe moving toward the little toes, which may be a result of improper shoe fitting, heredity, arthritis, flat feet or other foot biomechanics. The best early treatment is to reduce the pressure that caused the problem to develop in the first place. This includes selecting properly shaped shoes and possibly wearing foot inserts to support the foot.

Corns:
Corns are like calluses and are an accumulation of dead skin cells (hyperkeratoses) on the foot, most often on the top, sides or tips of the toes. As the corn becomes inflamed, there may be pain and/or redness. Like many foot problems, corns are often caused by improperly fitting shoes, often aggravated by unique foot shapes or crooked toes. Paring down the corn, if done correctly, will provide relief but only temporarily (if the cause of the corn isn't addressed). Wear properly fitting shoes and avoid tight socks. An insert to absorb shock and reduce shearing forces may be recommended.

Diabetes:
Diabetes is a disease in which the body doesn't create or properly use insulin. Over 18 million people in the United States have diabetes, with many more undiagnosed. As it effects blood circulation, complications include heart problems, kidney disease, nerve damage and eye problems. The feet are at risk, as neuropathy, callusing, foot ulcerations are all possible diabetic complications. With over 90,000 diabetes-related amputations performed each year, those with diabetes should take special care of their feet. Ovoid going barefoot, do not wear tight socks, select shoes of the proper shape that do not have abrasive seams. Inspect your feet often for any sign of problems and consult your doctor immediately.

Heel Pain:
This pain may be an over-use injury, resulting in pain when your heel bears the weight of your body. Another common cause is plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, resulting in heel pain or arch pain. To treat the pain, impact shock must be absorbed and the heel should be slightly elevated to redistribute weight to other parts of the foot. Look for shoes that properly support the foot, reducing foot motion. Shoes should have excellent cushioning without being overly-spongy. Inserts that cup the heel, provide arch support and reduce shearing forces may be beneficial. Consult a doctor if the pain persists.

Metatarsalgia:
Metatarsalgia is a general term used to diagnose pain under the ball of the foot. The pain may be because of thinning of the natural fat pads under the feet, or a misalignment of the bones and joints or just generally having constant, excessive pressure on your forefoot (which is often the case for people with high arched or rigid feet). Solutions may include redistributing weight with the use of an insert and/or metatarsal pad. Adding more shock absorption will help as would selecting shoes that provide enough toe room. Consult a doctor if the pain persists.

Morton's Neuroma:
This is a benign mass that forms on the nerve that runs between the toe bones of the foot. When the two toes are pressed-together, the nerve is pinched and causes pain and sometimes swelling. Often the pain will dissipate when tight shoes are replaced with properly-fitting ones. Solutions include wearing shoes with low heel height, to redistribute pressure off the forefoot area. An insert, along with metatarsal pad, will often help as well.

Over-pronation (flat feet):
The arch of the foot acts as a shock absorber for the entire body. When in motion, the arch collapses a bit and the foot rotates (pronates). The problem is when the foot flattens too much (over-pronates) and too much stress is sent through the foot and up the leg. Over time, the resiliency of the foot diminishes and the arch may stay flat. Perhaps due to the structural make-up of the foot, there was not much arch to begin with. If pain develops, conservative treatment includes footwear modification to a style that has proper support and shape. Inserts to cup the heel and provide firm arch support are often recommended. Consult a doctor if the pain persists.

Plantar Fasciitis:
One of the more common causes of foot pain, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a broad band of tissue that stretches along the bottom surface of the foot. The plantar fascia acts as a "bowstring" and connecting between the heel and the ball of the foot, helping the foot absorb impact shock and provide support. Due to the repetitive stress of daily activity, the inflammation has little chance to subside and pain can develop. A classic symptom of plantar fasciitis is sharp heel pain upon initial weight bearing after long periods of inactivity (like getting out of bed in the morning), which subsides after a few steps. The pain can be mild or debilitating. While the pain may be in the heel, this condition isn't specifically caused by the heel striking the ground. The cause is often unknown, but may be due to change in physical activity, wearing footwear with minimal arch support and/or cushioning, being overweight, lack of muscle flexibility, injury or spending too much time on your feet. Solutions include rest, ice, use of certain anti-inflammatory drugs, stretching of calf muscles, wearing shoes with proper support and inserts to provide heel cushion while also reducing motion of the foot. Consult a doctor if the pain persists.

Shin Splints:
Shin splints are most often reported by runners and other athletes and the term normally applies to pain in the lower leg, between the knee and the ankle. Pain is usually a dull, aching pain after long periods of jumping, running or even walking. Shin splints usually involve small tears of the muscle where they attach to the shin bone; if left untreated the pain will intensify and occur with any weight-bearing activity. The best way to prevent shin splints is to properly stretch before physical activity. Should symptoms occur, rest, ice and basic anti-inflammatory medicines may help. Reducing foot stress, wearing the proper shoes and perhaps supportive inserts all will help. Consult a doctor if the pain persists.

Let Us Help:
At Lamey Wellehan, trained associates offer free foot evaluations and instructions in the use of the footwear and over the counter orthoses. If your feet hurt, stop into your local Lamey Wellehan store and ask if a pedorthist is available, or email one at pedorthics@lwshoes.com