How to Diagnose Common Foot Problems

We may worry endlessly about the health of our heart or the threat of cancer, but how often do we consider the health of our feet? Considering how much abuse your feet take every day, it may be worth your while to examine causes of foot pain or discomfort. Often a simple fix is available to help you get back on your feet again.

Instructions

Identify and Treat Bunions

• 1

  Feel your painful foot with your hand. If the pain is centered around the joint of your big toe, it could be a bunion. Bunions often cause the first joint (closest to the inside of your foot) to be slanted outward.

• 2

  Change your shoes to relieve pressure on the inflamed joint. Tight shoes or narrow shoes often make the problem worse.

• 3

  Apply a cushioned bunion pad, available at drugstores.

• 4

  Consult a physician if these simple fixes do not alleviate the problem. Your doctor may take an X-ray and could recommend surgery.

Identify and Treat Hammertoes

• 5

  Examine your toes if you have pain there. Are any curled up like claws? This could be hammertoes, which can cause pain on the top of your toe in the middle toe joint.

• 6

  Buy roomier shoes and socks to alleviate the cramping of the toes.

• 7

  Consult a podiatrist, who may recommend shoe inserts, special exercises or possibly surgical treatment.

Identify and Treat Corns and Calluses

• 8

  Feel the bottom of your foot. If you can feel rough areas of thick skin on your big toe, it may be a corn that has formed there. A callus is a rough area usually found on the heel. Both result as a reaction to foot stress.

• 9

  Get your foot measured properly at the shoe store to make sure you're wearing the right size shoe.

• 10

  Choose thick, cushioned socks for fitness-related activities.

• 11

  Check with your doctor, who may recommend pads or orthotic shoe inserts.

Identify Other Common Foot Problems

• 12

  Consider several causes for heel pain, such as Achilles tendonitis, nerve compression, inflamed tissues or heel spurs. Consult a doctor for the best course of action to take.

• 13

  Cut your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails, a painful condition in which the sides of the toenails dig into the skin.

• 14

  Investigate possible fallen arches if you're suffering from painful or stiff feet, as well as in your legs and low back. Your doctor may recommend shoe inserts or surgery.