Upstep Answers
Our team answers your questions about the causes and treatment of various podiatric conditions, including plantar fasciitis, flat feet, foot pain, and the use of custom orthotics.
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Can Dry Skin Cause Burning Feet?
Burning feet, or Grierson-Gopalan syndrome, is a condition characterized by the feet feeling hot and painful. It is usually caused by damage to the nerves in the feet and lower legs. Nerve damage leading to burning feet is often caused by health conditions such as diabetes, nerve entrapment, or Vitamin B12 deficiency. Burning feet is also caused by hypothyroidism, which is associated with weight gain, swollen feet, fatigue, and dry skin on the feet. Nerve damage means that the skin and tissue is not supplied adequately with nerve input, which can lead to skin discoloration and changes in the skin's texture on the feet. The nerve damage also limits sensory feedback regarding temperature and sensation changes to the brain from the feet. Risks of Dry Feet Pain or discomfort Cracked skin, especially around the heel, can cause pain if not tended to. Shoes that cause increased pressure on certain areas of the foot could lead to the development of cracks. Obesity and open-toed shoes may further increase the risk of developing cracked skin. Friction at the heel of the foot may increase dryness and cracking in the area too. Infection If your feet don't sweat enough, the skin may become dry and crack. Cracked skin from dryness is a potential site for infection as the fissure might be deep enough to pose a risk. Checking for redness, inflammation, and swelling is helpful in the early detection of an infection. It's important to keep the skin moist in an effort to prevent cracking or flakiness, especially in those with diabetes or obesity.Sensation of burning feet The feet can get extremely dry in cold and dry environments, which could lead to a burning sensation. The burning sensation can also arise from a host of other causes such as plantar fasciitis or peripheral neuropathy. Diabetes is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy, and is known to cause skin changes. How to Relieve Dry Burning Feet Manage the main cause By managing this first step, you will prevent your condition and its symptoms from progressing and worsening. Conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism can be controlled to prevent any further nerve damage. Weight loss Weight loss can lessen the chances of cracked skin by reducing the pressure placed onto your feet on a daily basis.Regular foot care Looking after your feet can help to prevent any complications from arising. Clean your feet with mild soap and apply moisturizer to any dry skin. This will help to prevent cracking and potential infections. Using harsh soaps can damage your natural skin layer and increase dryness after showering or bathing.Foot soaking Soaking your feet in lukewarm water, patting them dry, and then applying moisturizer can be extremely helpful. Orthotics Orthotics provide cushioning for your feet and help to distribute your weight equally throughout your feet to lessen areas of high pressure where your skin has the potential to crack. Avoid going barefoot Try to avoid hard surfaces or objects that can cause your feet to crack when they make contact. If an open wound develops, it may progress into an infection. Consult with a medical professional regarding infected wounds that are slow to heal.
Asked a month ago
What Causes Pain in the Arch of Your Foot After Running?
Foot pain is never a good thing. Certainly not pain in the arch of the foot after running. Yet, it is a common challenge among runners, and rightly so. Runners depend so much on their feet that they often injure them. Is Foot Pain After Running Normal? There is nothing normal about pain at any time. If you experience throbbing or sharp pain in the arch of your foot after running or walking, it could be due to several reasons, such as the athlete's mechanical form, technique, equipment, and general body state. If you notice pain in the inner or outer arch of your foot after running, take some time to determine the cause and address it promptly. Common Causes of Arch Pain after Running The following are some of the most common causes of arch pain after running: Plantar fasciitis Plantar fasciitis refers to inflammation and pain in your plantar fascia that usually develops gradually over time. The plantar fascia is responsible for maintaining arch height when you place weight on your foot. Athletes or those wearing shoes with a raised heel are prone to developing plantar fasciitis. Arch irregularities Those with flat feet or high arches can experience pain in their arches during or after running due to the increased strain placed on their arches. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction This tendon also helps to support and maintain your arch as you shift your weight during walking and running activities. Weakness of this tendon can lead to pain in your arches and even loss of arch height in severe cases. Supination Also known as rolling your ankles outward, supination is commonly seen in those with high arches where increasing pressure is placed onto the outer aspect of the foot. Without adequate arch support, this pressure can result in pain. Some factors can potentially aggravate existing arch pain, such as: Weight gainAgingOveruseNeurological conditionsPhysical stress As such, if you have pain in the arch of your foot after running, you must factor in these aggravating factors and seek to reduce their influence. How to Relieve Arch Pain from Running Orthotics Orthotics are an effective, affordable, and long-term solution to manage arch pain while running. More specifically, custom orthotics for running that are designed for your feet and your needs support your arch, lessen the strain placed on your arch muscles, effectively distribute your weight throughout your feet, and increase comfort through cushioning and shock reduction. Foot stretches Stretching the muscles in the soles of your feet as well as your calves are helpful in reducing inflammation and relieving pain in your foot arches. There are a variety of different exercises you can follow to stretch these muscles effectively. Arch strengthening exercises Specific exercises to strengthen your arch muscles and the posterior tibial tendon, as well as stabilizing exercises of the lower leg muscles are helpful in preventing arch pain. Specifically, toe crunches by using a towel underneath your foot and pulling the towel back with your toes are effective. Rest Resting between running activities and allowing time for your foot muscles to recover can help reduce pain in your arches. You can also use ice to reduce inflammation further. When Should You See a Doctor for Arch Pain? Normally, arch pain occasionally is not out of place. When this happens, rest, soaking the feet in hot water, and massage can easily bring relief. However, if the pain persists, doesn't respond to home remedies, worsens, or becomes frequent, it's time to visit your doctor. Arch pain can be the sign of another underlying condition or progress to more serious foot conditions. Talking to a doctor can help you find out what the case truly is so it can be addressed as such.
Asked a month ago
What Causes Pain in the Ball of Your Foot After Running?
Pain in the ball of your foot is relatively common. Sometimes called metatarsalgia, it refers to pain in the area between your arches and toes at the bottom of the foot. Irrespective of the cause, it's treatable. However, when the cause is known, the treatment can be more direct and the recovery quicker. Causes of Pain in the Ball of Your Foot Some of the most common causes of pain in the ball of your foot when walking or running are listed below: Incorrect running shoes In most cases, incorrect running shoes can worsen your condition over time with blisters, pain, and calluses being common symptoms. Furthermore, conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy may be prone to getting worse. Inserting insoles into running shoes can effectively support and cushion your foot in the necessary areas to prevent the condition from worsening.Athlete's foot This fungal infection occurs between your toes, usually as a result of increased moisture in your feet within the confined space of a shoe. Common symptoms include blisters, burning skin, and itchiness. In severe cases, there can be pain in your forefoot. Morton's neuroma The tissue around a nerve leading to your toes that affects the ball of your foot thickens, especially the area between your third and fourth toes.Foot sprains Foot sprains occur when you stretch or tear the ligaments around your foot. Ligaments connect one bone to another and placing a lot of pressure on your foot can cause your bones to displace, leading to foot pain. How to Relieve Pain in the Balls of Your Feet What should be foremost on your mind when you have pain in the ball of your foot is pain relief and preventing your symptoms from progressively getting worse. Sometimes, a combination of rest and ice will be enough to relieve your foot pain. At other times, it will take targeted stretches, footwear modification, and the use of pain relief drugs. Still, there may be a need to manage body weight if it's causing extra pressure on the balls of your feet. Likewise, there may be a need for orthotic inserts as an effective, safe, and affordable long-term solution. Custom insoles for running help by aligning your feet and providing extra cushioning. Made from molds of your feet, these custom insoles are specifically designed to address your foot needs. » Read this running custom orthotics review for more information
Asked a month ago
Foot Supination vs. Pronation: Explained By a Physical Therapist
Ideally, your weight should be balanced on your feet when you stand. In normal circumstances, your foot should roll forward from heel to toe when you walk. Sometimes, however, this is not the case. Instead of balance in standing, underlying conditions can cause your weight to shift to the outside of your foot and roll your ankles in the same direction (called ankle supination) or the inside of the foot and roll your ankles inward (overpronation). Causes of Supination and Pronation While some degree of pronation is normal, supination and overpronation are not. Supination and overpronation typically occur when you have high foot arches, low foot arches, or a limb length discrepancy. However, these conditions can also result from: InjuryOveruseStress due to standing on a hard surfaceProlonged standingBeing overweight » Looking for supination treatments? Take a look at our Orthotics for Supination or read more about them. Treatments for Supination and Pronation If not properly managed, supination and overpronation of the foot can result in pain in the feet, ankle, legs, knee, hip, and back. Thus, treating ankle supination and pronation as soon as it is observed is vital. To correct the imbalance and prevent foot complications, here’s what you can do: » Looking for pronation treatments? Take a look at our Orthotics for Pronation. Wear proper-fitting shoes People with excess supination need shoes that provide cushioning, flexibility, and heel. When the problem is excess pronation, stability is obtained by using a firm midsole and heel cushion.Wear arch support insoles Orthotic insoles for overpronation or supination are quite useful in restoring the alignment of the foot. The benefit of proper arch support is that it forces the feet back into their correct positioning.Strengthening exercises A combination of supination foot exercises and foot pronation exercises can help correct any excess measure of supination or pronation that there may be. Should You See a Doctor for Supination or Pronation? A minor degree of supination or pronation might not necessarily require a doctor's visit if they don't cause you any pain or discomfort. However, if your feet are out of alignment, it can lead to further issues down the line, and so seeing a doctor is essential to correct the malalignment and restore your feet to their optimal anatomic position.
Asked a month ago
Cycling With Plantar Fasciitis: Tips From a Physical Therapist
Plantar fasciitis is one of the leading causes of heel pain. It is the tightening of the ligamentous band that connects the toes to the heel. Often, it occurs because of overuse, causing micro-tears in the plantar fascia, which results in heel pain. The pain is generally dull and aching, worse after prolonged sitting or lying down, and aggravated by the first morning steps. When plantar fasciitis occurs, it can affect your ability to perform your regular activities of daily living. It can also reduce your quality of life and affect your fitness level. While there are a number of things to avoid with plantar fasciitis, staying active helps manage the condition—and cycling is key to doing this. Cycling With Plantar Fasciitis: FAQs Can Cycling Cause Plantar Fasciitis? No, cycling does not cause plantar fasciitis when done right. Biking (or cycling) is a low-impact exercise that requires minimal repetitive forceful contact between your feet and the ground. In fact, cycling provides a ready solution to the problem of movement and maintaining fitness with plantar fasciitis. Should You Cycle With Plantar Fasciitis? While cycling doesn't cause plantar fasciitis, it can aggravate the condition without the proper precautions. The incorrect choice of footwear, bike fit, and riding technique can worsen the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. This, in turn, could potentially lead to secondary complications resulting from plantar fasciitis in severe cases. Is Cycling Good for Plantar Fasciitis? Yes, when done correctly, cycling can help you stay fit, even with plantar fasciitis. As long as you learn the proper technique and cycle without discomfort, it is a good option for maintaining your activity level despite heel pain. » Want an expert to treat your plantar fasciitis? Contact Upstep for a pair of Plantar Fasciitis Custom Orthotics today. How to Cycle With Plantar Fasciitis There are several precautions to ensure that cycling is beneficial rather than a source of even greater pain. So if you choose to cycle, first consider the following: Adjust your saddle height If your saddle height is too low, you'll place more pressure on your heel, which can contribute to or aggravate plantar fasciitis. Adjust the saddle height to ensure that your legs are almost fully extended (80–90%) during the downswing while riding. Wear orthotics for more support While your heel won't contact the pedal, you must keep the arch and the rest of the foot supported. Orthotic insoles can help with heel pain significantly, and cycling orthotics offer several benefits in this regard. You can also opt for a bike pedal with proper heel support, which can be an excellent way to support feet affected by plantar fasciitis.Wear appropriate shoes Opt for shoes that do not pinch your toes. Also, go for shoes that hold your heel firmly. If you have it any other way, you will place undue stress on your feet as you attempt to pedal. Wearing good quality and proper fitting shoes can help you minimize this.Stretch beforehand It's always a good idea to stretch before exercising. Stretching warms up your muscles and can also help treat residual pain. You're much less likely to experience pain after cycling if you take the time to stretch beforehand.Use proper technique Ideally, the best position keeps your upper body at a 45-degree angle to your lower body, with your hands bent at a 90-degree angle. Otherwise, you may predispose yourself to unnecessary stress and injury.Use the right gear Cleats allow for more stability and strength when riding. For those who use bike cleats, ensure they are compatible with your pedals. You'll place more strain on your heels if they aren't, and this can cause plantar fasciitis. » Unsure if orthotics are the right choice for plantar fasciitis? Read our Custom Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis review.
Asked 2 months ago
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