Achilles Tendonitis

Ball of Foot Pain

Foot Drop

Lisfranc Injury

Plantar Fasciitis

Foot Arch Pain

The foot is a small area of the body that is responsible for supporting and transporting body weight while standing, dancing, climbing stairs, and lifting heavy objects. Given the amount of stress we place on our feet, it is not surprising that many people have experienced foot and ankle problems at some point in their lives.

In fact, according to a 2012 survey conducted by the Institute for Preventive Foot Health (IPFH), 78 percent of adults (aged 21 and up) have experienced at least one of the foot problems listed on the survey, with slightly more than half of survey respondents currently experiencing foot problems. According to the survey, the most common foot problem is ankle sprain.

Of course, the phrase "foot and ankle problems" is a very broad description. Among other heel disorders, this can be narrowed down to toe disorders, foot arch problems, ball of foot problems, foot nail problems, foot joint problems, foot skin conditions, foot sole problems, and Achilles heel problems.

As you might expect, the wide range of foot problems stems from an even wider range of causes, including disorders, stressful activities, foot structure, and injury.

Diabetes is known to cause foot problems. Diabetes foot problems are frequently caused by nerve damage, also known as neuropathy. Because nerve damage can cause the foot to lose feeling, one may not notice the formation of a blister or a scrape until it becomes infected or until ulcers or gout set in.

The poor blood flow associated with diabetes makes the foot less capable of fending off infection and healing, further complicating foot damage caused by neuropathy. Diabetic socks can also aid in the improvement of blood flow to the foot.

Foot nerve problems can also change the shape of one's feet or toes. This modification may necessitate the use of special shoes for people with foot problems.

Other diabetes-related foot problems include dry skin, fungal nail infections, and the development of corns, bunions, and calluses, among others. See "Diabetes and Foot Problems" for more information on this condition's foot-related side effects, or look at these diabetic foot problems pictures.

Some people's feet are also more prone to certain foot disorders due to their structure. For example, high arch foot problems caused by bone structure or neurological foot conditions can result in foot pain, particularly in the heel.

Foot/heel problems can be alleviated by using lateral heel wedge orthotics or by wearing shoes designed for people with foot problems. Flat feet, on the other hand, can cause foot alignment issues, which can lead to problems with the ankles, knees, and even the back. Again, braces and other orthotics are available to help with flat foot problems.

According to the aforementioned IPFH study, foot problems appear to be more common in women than in men. This could be attributed in part to their footwear. Wearing non-supportive shoes is a common cause of foot pain, with high heels being a particular offender. Stilettos and similar footwear can cause foot tendon problems, as well as stress on the front of the foot, which can lead to ball of foot problems and toe disorders, particularly bunions.

Indeed, according to a study conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association, 42 percent of women admitted to wearing an uncomfortable shoe if they liked it, and 73 percent reported having a shoe-related foot issue. Tips to Avoid Foot Pain from High Heels can be found here.

Sports shoes are also required for participation in sports. Many foot problems caused by running and other similar activities can be alleviated by switching to shoes that provide adequate support.

A number of adult-onset diseases have their origins in childhood. As a result, it is critical to ensure that one's child does not have any foot problems that necessitate pediatric orthotics and that he or she is walking properly (no in-toeing, flat feet, etc.) at any given stage of development. Properly fitting shoes are also essential for a child's rapidly changing and pliable foot.

There are also several foot disorders that are common in children, such as Sever's Disease (AKA, calcaneal apophysitis). An article on child foot health can be found here.

Foot and ankle disorders can also result from being on one's feet for extended periods of time, such as when performing ballet or operating power equipment, as this can put an abnormal amount of strain on the foot. This frequently leads to plantar foot problems, also known as plantar fasciitis. This condition is distinguished by a stabbing sensation in the heel. Plantar fasciitis braces and orthotics, such as shoe inserts or night splints, can be beneficial in treating such heel conditions.

Achilles tendonitis is another painful foot problem that can be caused by atypical foot arches, frequent changes in heel heights, and (most commonly) a sudden increase in sports activity. The pain from this foot tendon problem will be felt just above the heel, where the Achilles tendon is located. Rest, exercise, stretches, and possibly the use of an Achilles tendonitis brace or night splint are the most common treatments.

Foot drop, also known as drop foot, is a symptom of a variety of foot disorders ranging from neurological to anatomical to muscular in nature. Foot drop is defined by the inability to lift the front of the foot. To compensate for this scuffing of the toes, people often adopt a "steppage gait" with a high knee lift to avoid dragging the front of the foot and toes across the ground and tripping.

By supporting the foot, drop foot braces and splints can help correct this abnormal gait. However, whether drop foot can be cured is dependent on whether the underlying condition can be treated.

The list of foot health issues could go on and on, but this article is intended to provide a brief overview of some of the more common foot and ankle conditions rather than a comprehensive list of foot health issues.