Children’s Feet

Children’s feet have 26 bones that share a small space with muscles, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels. In fact, it is such a complicated area of the human body that every foot that develops normally is cause for astonishment. It’s also the reason that if deformities are observed in the feet of babies or young children they be taken care of immediately—because while the feet are complicated they are also very malleable up to a certain age, after which most treatment options become much more difficult if not impossible.

Because children’s feet are so easily treated (and so crucial to later development) specialist’s consider the first year of a baby’s life to be the most important in terms of foot development. The flexibility and resilience of the tissue in children’s feet they may not always feel pain when issues occur, so it’s best to regularly examine their feet for signs of injury or abnormal development.

One type of foot pain that most children do experience in the foot and lower limb area however, is ‘growing pains’, which often presents as a deep, aching discomfort during the night. While this type of discomfort is normal excessive discomfort may be the result of Sever’s or Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, both of which will require professional care.

Certain developmental issues may be present in the feet at birth, such as clubfoot, metatarsas adductus (when the toes and forefoot point inward), and congenital vertical talus (‘rocker-bottom’ foot). Other issues at birth may include overlapping toes or even the presence of an extra toe.

Forcing children to ‘walk’ on under-developed feet is unwise; the tissues are overly soft and it doesn’t take much pressure to influence the formation of bones and ligaments. It’s also prudent to allow children to go barefoot or in light socks when they are young, providing there is no risk of injury to the foot, as this allows the feet to develop maximum musculature and strength. It also allows the toes to naturally develop a ‘grasping’ motion, which is crucial for the healthy development of the feet.

Because children’s feet are so easily affected by their environment proper footwear is absolutely essential in the early years, as many of the problems experienced by adults can be traced back to childhood care. Shoes should be well structured, supportive, and provide adequate room in the toe-box of the shoe so the toes and foot bones do not become deformed or overlapping. Footwear must also be frequently updated to allow for the sudden and frequent growth spurts that children experience; allowing kids to wear worn out shoes that lack for support is not recommended.

While the majority of children’s feet are issue free there are certain signs and symptoms that may indicate an underlying problem, such as visible bumps, lumps that can be felt even if they cannot be seen, excessive pain in the legs or feet, uneven shoe wear patterns, if an unusual degree of tripping and/or falling occurs, and chronic skin or nail problems. While none of these conditions are particularly alarming a podiatrist that specialized in children’s feet should be consulted as soon as possible to avoid further complications. 

Learn more about Bunion Treatment. Stop by Suzy Pickhall's site at Plantar Fasciitis Treatment and learn how they can help you.

Nail Conditions

Nail conditions include any development in the nail or nail bed that adversely affects the health of the toe. While there are a multitude of nail conditions that can be listed the most common afflictions will be listed in this article:

Ingrown Toenails

This is by far one of the most common conditions seen by doctors and podiatrists. It is most often causes by incorrect nail trimming techniques (nails being cut too short or in an unorthodox fashion), trauma to the toe, wearing tight shoes, and in some cases, nails that naturally curve sharply into the skin and can cause severe foot pain. The level of treatment depends on the level of injury and whether or not infection has developed. The ingrown nail is usually lifted out of the skin using various methods although nails are sometimes completely removed. This nail condition can be prevented by trimming toenails straight across and wearing comfortable shoes that fit well.

Fungal infections

Fungal infections are usually indicated by the presence of a discoloration or thickening of the nails that also causes them to separate from the nail bed. Nails may turn white, yellow, or green and a foul odour and/or discharge may be present as well. If nail fungus isn’t treated the nail bed itself may become infected, which tends to be more painful and more difficult to treat. Antifungal creams or pills are usually the first line of treatment and professional treatment of the nails is often recommended as well. Keeping feet and socks clean and dry is usually sufficient enough to reduce the risk of developing a fungal infection on the foot.

Deformed Nails

Deformed nails can occur for a variety of reasons but barring an underlying illness it is usually caused by a high-impact toe-stubbing or dropping a markedly heavy object onto the foot. Generally speaking, accidental trauma is one of the major causes of deformed nails, which may become thickened or develop ridges. There is little to be done in this instance except protect the injured toe/foot and try to be more careful in the future.

Black or Blue Nails

Unless the nails are a light blue color (which may indicate respiratory or circulatory issues) black or blue nails are usually the result of an acute or chronic injury to the toe and signal that blood vessels have broken. The biggest culprits are sports activities that involve sudden stops and a high volume of lateral motion, such as basketball and tennis. Black and blue nails are also often caused by a heavy objects being dropped on the foot. Regardless of the reason for the discoloration the toe often becomes quite sore due to the build up of blood, and a hole may be drilled in the nail to allow for drainage, which reduces pressure and pain. The nail will often fall off during healing and a new nail will grow to replace it.

Most conditions can be prevented by keeping the feet clean and dry, by wearing clean and dry socks, and by investing in shoes that provide proper cushioning and support. Orthotic devices may also help to keep the foot stable and well supported. Trimming the nails properly is absolutely essential, and diabetics should take extra steps, as nail conditions can become bigger health issues if not properly treated. 

Suzy Pickhall, who has been a foot care expert over the past thirty years has written a viable guide on how to combat Insoles for Plantar Fascitis, and a guide on Orthotics for Over Pronation.

Club Feet

‘Club feet’ is used to refer to a range of congenital birth deformities wherein an infant’s foot is twisted into an unnatural position or shape. The medical terminology for this condition is talipes or talipes equinovarus, but because the sharp angle of the foot in relation to the ankle resembles a golf club the term ‘clubfoot’ became the common reference for this condition.

Although there are several sub-types of deformities that may occur with club feet the majority of cases involve the top of the baby’s foot twisting down and inward. Not only is the affected foot often shorter than the other foot but the calf muscles in the affected leg are usually underdeveloped as well. While condition may look quite painful it rarely actually is, though it does make arthritis more of a risk later in life.

Clubfoot is a fairly common birth defect that is not usually indicative of underlying problems; most babies born with this condition are otherwise perfectly healthy. Club feet can range in severity and can affect one or both feet, but in all cases immediate intervention is recommended as this condition will hinder the child’s ability to walk. Treatment efforts are usually highly successful and in most cases the foot takes on a normalized appearance and function.

Scientists do not know what causes clubfoot in most cases except when the condition is caused by other congenital deformities such as spina bifida. Studies have, however, linked the occurrence of club feet to cigarette smoking during pregnancy, and it often runs in families as well. Males tend to be affected more than females.

Newborn babies have extremely flexible and malleable bones and joints, making early treatment very desirable as the position of the foot can be much more easily corrected. There are several ways that this goal can be accomplished:

The Ponseti method: This treatment uses a cast to maintain correct positioning of the foot and ankle for several weeks, with adjustments being made along the way until the foot is realigned. Once the cast is removed the position is maintained through stretching, orthotic shoes, or the use of a splint or brace while sleeping for up to three years.

The French Method: This particular treatment involves manipulating the feet into correct position then stabilizing the position with tape on a daily basis for two months. After two months treatment then occurs thrice weekly until the infant is aged six months, at which point caregivers perform exercises daily and apply night splints until the child is ready to walk.

Surgery: In severe cases, or when club feet fail to respond to conservative treatments, surgery is performed to lengthen the tendons in the lower limb to more easily allow the foot to fall into a natural position. A brace must be worn for up to a year post surgery.

Even with early treatment there is no guarantee that the condition will be completely corrected, but early intervention usually enables children born with club feet to eventually wear normal shoes and lead physically active lives. 

Suzy Pickhall, who has been a foot care expert over the past thirty years has written a viable guide on how to combat insolesfeet.com, and a guide on orthoticsfeet.com.

Knee Pain

Knee pain is a complicated issue simply because this particular joint is complex and contains many components that can be injured, and this means there are many potential reasons for this condition to develop in the first place.

The knee joint is comprised of three bones that are supported by four different ligaments, all of which can become irritated and injured, which further opens the door to the development of knee pain. Irritation and injury can affect not only the bones, joints, tendons and ligaments of the knee but the cartilage and menisci as well. The muscles surrounding the entire structure of the knee also affect the level of functioning and injury that occur in the knee joint.

Problems with the knee can be acute, which means they have developed due to sudden injury such as force of impact, which can cause tears in the cartilage, dislocation of bones, tearing of joints, and swelling in the cartilage, for example. Knee pain can also be chronic, which means that problems have developed gradually over time without notable injury. This type of discomfort includes generalized knee pain, impaired use of the joint, and osteoarthritis.

Tendonitis, or inflammation of the knee, is one of the most common causes of knee pain. Discomfort is usually felt beneath the knee cap though it often develops behind the knee as well.

Swelling at the joint is a common indicator of acute injury and due to the size of the mass that can develop it can look like a much more severe injury than is actually the case. The swelling and pain may occur not only in the knee proper but extend into the muscles of the thigh, though this does not always occur. Injuries to the ligaments are felt on the inside or outside of the knee, though they can also occur within the knee itself and may or may not be accompanied by a ‘popping’ sensation with the initial injury.

Knee pain is most often in found in older populations, athletes, as a result of traumatic injury, and in both sedentary and extremely active populations as well. Sedentary populations are vulnerable to knee pain due to muscle weakness, muscular imbalances, poor flexibility and an increased risk of obesity. Extremely active populations are at increased risk for both acute and chronic injuries and often experience complex ‘secondary’ reasons for knee pain, such as foot pain, overpronation or supination of the feet, or other foot problems that can directly influence the health and level of functioning of the knee.

If a ‘popping’ noise is felt or if there is clear injury or trauma than emergency medical treatment should be sought immediately. If a secondary issue is suspected of developing from overuse or from secondary sources such as problems with the feet then the best thing to do is stop all activities, rest, elevate the foot, immobilize the knee, and use cold therapy to treat any swelling or discomfort.  Ideally, the knee should be elevated and iced several times each day during the recovery process. If this type of treatment does not relieve or reduce knee pain then a professional opinion and long-term treatment should be sought. 

 Suzy Pickhall, who has been a foot care expert over the past thirty years has written a viable guide on how to combat Foot Pain, and a guide on Heel Pain.

Foot Care Tips

Let’s face it: most people take their feet for granted until they begin to ache or until there is a problem that causes a reduction in the quality or level of activity of the sufferer. Contrary to popular belief, foot care tips are not limited to getting a pedicure or massage; there are several things that both men and women can do to maintain the health of their feet!

Foot care tips for proper foot health:

Keep feet clean and dry. Wash daily and apply cream to dry or cracked heels.

Nails should be trimmed regularly and not cut too short, otherwise in-grown toenails or infection can occur.

A pumice stone can be used to soften rough patches of skin on the feet but corns and calluses should not be ‘shaved’ or ‘trimmed’.

Wear clean socks every day, and be sure that they are not constrictive; blood flow is crucial to foot care. It’s also important that socks absorb sweat and allow your feet to breathe properly.

Treat your feet to well-fitting shoes. Make sure there is adequate support and cushioning, and that the toe box is large enough that the feet are not painfully crammed or squeezed out of position. If you wear tight shoes then you have a chance in developing bunions.

Give high heels a rest. On weekends or days off foot care should include flat, well cushioned shoes that support and protect the feet.

Quickly examine your shoes for pebbles or other obstructions before wearing as this type of irritation can cause abrasions or deviations in gait patterns.

Aside from daily care, there are times when achy feet need a little bit of TLC, and there are several foot care tips that will work with any budget:

Soak feet in hot water for 20 minutes then give them a thorough rub-down with cream. This will relax the muscles and tendons in the feet, especially if the calf muscles are included in the treatment.

Add Epsom salts to the water, as this can reduce foot pain and increase healing.

Try this home remedy for increased foot care: make a pot of rich, dark tea and add it to cool water to make a soothing foot soak that reduces discomfort and eliminates foot odour.

Elevate feet after a long day to reduce swelling and achiness. Be sure to place a cushion under your legs for extra comfort and to prevent circulation from being impaired.

Use orthotic devices in your shoes for extra support or cushioning. The fit and quality of footwear is an essential factor in proper foot care, and foot orthoses can go a long way to improving the health of your feet.

Stretch regularly. Having flexible calf muscles and supple tendons in the feet will go a long way to reducing discomfort and maintaining foot health. It is also a factor in foot care that if often overlooked by even the most conscientious person!

Wear shoes in public places such as the gym or pool; this will help prevent infections such as athlete’s foot from developing.

There are a multitude of steps that can be taken to safeguard the health of your feet, but these are easy and affordable foot care tips that everyone can try regardless of their time or budget. 

Suzy Pickhall, who has got been a foot care expert for more many years has written a functional guide on how to combat Pain in Feet , and Best Insoles for Foot Pain.

Hammer Toes

‘Hammer toes’ refer to a condition of the foot whereby a toe becomes curled over in the middle joint of the digit, giving it an appearance that is similar to a hammer. The second, third and fourth toe of the foot are most often affected. This condition is often confused with ‘Mallet toe’, a similar condition that affects the upper joint of a digit.

Both conditions are most often caused by wearing high heels or constrictive, ill-fitting footwear that is too tight in the toe box. Even well structured heels can cause problems as the foot is crammed into the box of the shoe due to the steep angle of the foot. It is the toe being forced against the front of the shoe, causing an unnatural and often painful bend in the toe, that cause hammer toes to develop. This condition may also be inherited or may result from an injury to the foot, diabetic neuropathy, or the occurrence of arthritis or strokes.

Aside from the visible deformity additional symptoms usually include pain and reduced mobility in the toe as well as the development of corns and calluses on the top of the digit, which usually result from the protruding joint rubbing against the inside of the shoe. There is often chronic discomfort in the toe area, especially while walking or engaging in other weight bearing activities, and it may become difficult to properly fit shoes over the deformed joint.

If the pain becomes chronic and debilitating (affecting your ability to walk or carry out regular activities), or if the toes develop a clenched, claw-like appearance, then medical treatment should be sought. One of the difficulties in treating hammer toes is that the toes initially remain flexible but over time the tendons of the toe gradually tighten to the point where the toe effectively becomes ‘frozen’ in the hammer position, making treatment much more difficult.

Modification of footwear is one of the primary treatments of hammer toe, and foot orthotics are also often recommended to ensure proper placement of the feet and toes and to reduce pressure on painful or deformed areas. Shoes should not be restrictive; there should be an extra half an inch of space between the big toe and the box of the shoe. It will also likely be imperative that the feet and toes be stretched in order to restore mobility to hammer toes and strengthen misshaped muscles and tendons.

Conservative treatments take time but because they are non-invasive they are preferable to surgery in correcting this type of problem, however, severe cases of hammer toe, or stubborn cases that fail to respond to this type of care, may require surgical intervention. The type of surgery performed will depend on the nature and severity of the deformity, although most surgeries of this type do not require hospital stays. 

There will be painful swelling and stiffness after the surgery is performed and the toe may be longer or shorter than it appeared pre-surgery and activities will have to be reduced for the first several weeks or months post-op.

While surgery is an option for treating hammer toes it is often used as a last resort and conservative treatments, and early intervention, are the preferred methods of approach. 

 Suzy Pickhall, who has been a foot care expert over the past thirty years has written a viable guide on how to combat insoles, and a guide on orthotics.

Over Pronation of the Feet

Our natural gait cycle inherently involves pronation and supination of our feet, which refers to the ‘in and out’ movement that occurs during weight bearing activities, such as walking or running. It’s only when the feet pronate too deeply and/or for too long a time during this cycle that it becomes a problem. Excessive pronation of the feet essentially means that the supination part of the gait cycle is not occurring to the degree that it should be, and this causes problems not only in the feet, but throughout the entire body as well.

Having an abnormal gait cycle means alterations to our walking and running patters, which in turn causes imbalances and excessive wear and tear on certain parts of the body, such as the ankles and knees. Pain in the arch of the feet and a feeling of instability while in motion are also common complaints, and there are several conditions that are more likely to occur when there is over pronation of the feet, such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, metatarsalgia, Achilles tendonitis and bunions.

People with flat feet are more likely to suffer from over pronation of the feet than people who have regular or high arches. And flat feet leading to over pronation are more likely to occur during pregnancy or when obesity is present, both of which place extra pressure on the arches of the foot, increasing the odds of the arch flattening out. Tight, painful calf muscles are also a common development with flat feet and feet inclined to over pronation, and there may be an inclination to walk on the inner portion of the foot as well. This development can not only cause pain to develop in the ankle but it may cause discomfort to occur in the knees or lower back as well, and it’s not uncommon for runners with condition to develop shin splints.

Fortunately, there are conservative (non-surgical) treatments that can greatly reduce the discomfort and physical imbalances that often occur due to over pronation of the feet. Orthotic insoles are one of the most highly effective and often recommended treatments for this particular condition. Not only do orthotic devices realign the foot in order to restore normal and healthy functioning of the feet, they also cushion painful and inflamed joints and tendons. The proper use of high quality orthotics will also create proper alignment with other parts of the body, such as the knees and hips, thereby reducing pain and injury outside of the feet as well.

When treating over pronation of the feet wearing supportive footwear is also a good idea, as is investing in high quality sneakers if physical activity is regularly undertaken. Runners in particular need to make sure that they choose a shoe designed for that particular activity and their particular foot problems, otherwise, serious and/or chronic injuries may develop.

If conservative treatment do not provide any pain relief, or if the situation worsens then professional advice should be sought. While over pronation of the feet is not a life threatening condition it can be quite painful and debilitating, but it can also be fairly easily remedied through the use of orthotic devices and proper footwear. Learn more about View Bunion Advice Here. Stop by Suzy Pickhall's site at View Website about Heel Pain and learn how they can help you 

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are an extremely common foot problem that occurs when corners or edges of the toenail grow into the soft tissues of the toe. The nail first pierces the skin and then continues to grow inward if the problem is not corrected. The medical term for this condition is onychocryptosis, and it primarily affects the big toe although it can develop in the other toes as well, though it very rarely occurs in the fingers.

This condition is often quite painful and the affected area will often become tender, swollen and red, the skin surrounding the nail may become hard, and a clear or yellow suppuration may also occur.  If the nail becomes infected the wound may become warm to the touch, and it may bleed and produce foul smelling pus. If signs of infection are present or if the patient also suffers from diabetes or peripheral vascular disease then medical attention should be sought as soon as symptoms present themselves, as complications and infection are much more likely to occur.

Ingrown toenails can be caused by a variety of factors, and the most common causes are nail trauma caused by athletic activities, wearing tight or constrictive shoes, injury to the feet or toes, having unusually long toes (which causes uneven ‘hot spots’ to occur), poor foot hygiene, congenital toenail malformation, diabetes, nail fungus infection, nail surgery (past or present), excessively sweaty feet, arthritis, and poorly trimmed or cut toenails. Improper cutting of the toenails causes problems on two fronts: the nails may be cut excessively short and they may leave behind jagged edges, both of which increase the risk of developing ingrown nails.

Most cases of ingrown toenails can be treated at home and will heal without medical intervention. The best way to treat an ingrown nail is to soak the affected foot in warm water and Epsom salts until the skin softens, then use the edge of a towel to gently push back the overgrown skin that is covering the nail. An antibacterial cream can then be applied to keep the skin hydrated and free from bacteria. If the ingrown nail requires more care a piece of cotton or dental tape can be used to very gently lift the ingrown nail out of the skin. Otherwise, this condition can be treated with regular foot soaks and gently pushing back the skin from the nail.

If symptoms do not improve with these treatments then it’s best to seek medical advice before infection occurs, as antibiotics may be prescribed to treat severe cases. Ingrown toenails can be prevented by wearing non-constrictive shoes with a wide toe, by keeping nails evenly and smoothly trimmed but not excessively short, by avoiding injury to the foot and nails, and by keeping the nails clean. Because ingrown toenails have a high rate of reoccurrence great care should be taken with the feet after the nail has healed, and any subsequent injuries or discomfort occurring in the nail or nail bed should be addressed right away.

If a patient is prone to the development of ingrown toenails special attention must be paid to foot care, especially to grooming habits and the type of footwear used. 

Suzy Pickhall, who has been a foot care expert over the past thirty years has written a viable guide on how to combat View Heel Pain Advice here, and a guide on How to treat plantar fasciitis click here.

Fungus Nails

Fungus nails are usually caused by the growth of fungi called dermatophytes (such as Candida) though they may also be the result of yeast or mold development as well. These microscopic organisms enter the skin through miniscule cuts or abrasions between the nail and the nail bed, and they require continuously warm and moist environments in order to survive and spread. This is why fungus more often occurs in the toenails than the fingernails; enclosed, damp shoes that maintain heat are a perfect environment for this type of infection to occur, not to mention that there is often more blood flow to the fingers than toes.

When fungus develops in the nails they often become thick and brittle and begin to crumble. They may also appear ragged and discolored and may separate from the nail-bed itself. Pain or discomfort is often felt in the fingertips and a mildly foul odor may be present as well. It is also possible for a sufferer to have a reaction to the fungus; this often occurs in the form of red, itchy patches of skin or ulcerations called dermatophtids and this reaction may develop on other parts of the body, not just the hands or feet.

While the physical symptoms of fungus nails are fairly evident doctors will often take a nail scraping in order to perform a fungal culture or potassium hydroxide (KOH) smear. It’s important to confirm that the nail infection is in fact fungus and not another skin condition such as psoriasis, lichen planus, dermatitis, eczema, or a nail bed tumour.

Fungal infections of the nail occur more frequently in men and in the elderly. Other factors that increase the risk of developing fungus nails include poor blood circulation, having diabetes, psoriasis, athlete’s foot, or an immune disorder, having a damaged or injured nail or nail-bed, humid work environments, walking barefoot in public places such as pools, gyms, and shower stalls, and wearing socks and shoes that do not allow for proper ventilation.

Nail fungus can be difficult to treat and may require the use of topical creams and oral medications, and it can up to four months before the infected nail has grown out and been replaced with a healthier, new nail. Topical creams often help with discomfort but will not likely cure the infection. In severe cases the entire nail may be removed to allow for healthier re-growth.

The risk of developing fungus nails can be reduced by keeping the nails short and clean; socks and shoes should be clean and dry at all times and antifungal sprays and powders will add an extra layer of protection as well. Sandals or shoes should also be worn in all public areas, especially pools and gym locker rooms. To protect the hands rubber gloves should be worn when exposed to water and moisture, picking or biting the nails should be avoided and manicure and pedicure tools should be properly sterilized before being used.

It’s also important to note that if an infection is already present it’s important to wash hands thoroughly after treating the infected areas as fungus nails can spread from one nail to another. 

Suzy Pickhall, who has got been a foot care expert for more many years has written a functional guide on how to combat Foot Pain in Ball of Foot , and Insoles and Shoe Inserts.

Burning Feet

Burning feet syndrome has been acknowledged as its own pathology for almost two hundred years but despite this pedigree it remains an elusive condition that has had little attention paid to it by the medical community and unfortunately, many physicians dismiss the symptoms as unimportant.

Symptoms

Burning feet occurs most frequently in people over 50 years of age, though it can develop in much younger people as well. The most frequent physical indications of this condition are as follows:

Burning sensation in the feet
Sensation that feet are excruciatingly hot
Numb or achy feet
‘Pins and needles’ sensation in the feet

These unpleasant symptoms usually occur in the soles of the feet but the discomfort may be experienced in the ankles and/or legs as well. Symptoms are often most acute at night and subside during the day.

Causes

The causes of burning feet syndrome (BFS) can be vague and hard to pinpoint, making diagnosis very difficult. There are several potential reasons why symptoms may develop:

Nutritional Deficiency: While the exact vitamin remains unidentified most patients with burning feet syndrome have riboflavin deficiency, and there may be insufficient levels of thiamine or nicotinic acid in the system as well.

Metabolic/Endocrinal Issues: Diabetes is the most common reason why burning feet occurs and many diabetics do in fact experience this side effect. This category also includes small fiber or autonomic neuropathies.

Hereditary Causes: Autosomal dominant inheritance (you get the gene from only one parent) may create an inclination to burning feet syndrome.

Mechanical Deviations: This included peripheral nerve compression (such as tarsal tunnel syndrome), hypothyroidism, and trapped nerves due to sciatica or spinal deviations.

Psychosomatic Developments:  The symptoms associated with burning feet syndrome (burning, heat, pins and needles) are the most common sensations reported in psychosomatic disorders.

While there are other, rarified causes for the development of BFS, the above list providers the most likely reasons why you may be suffering from these symptoms.

Diagnosis

In many cases burning feet syndrome can be linked to underlying issues such as diabetes or nutritional deficiencies but because symptoms of BFS may not be viewed as urgent by healthcare givers if there are no secondary symptoms extensive testing may not be pursued.

Treatment

When treating burning feet syndrome it’s necessary to first find the cause of the condition, as diabetic foot pain will be treated differently than a condition caused by sciatica or nutritional deficiencies. If you’re experiencing symptoms then it’s important to seek medical treatment. There are however, steps you can take to reduce the discomfort of burning feet such as wearing shoes with sufficient cushioning and arch support, wearing cotton socks, soaking feet in cold water (no ice), and keeping feet at a cooler temperature.

Conclusion

Burning feet occurs frequently in the elderly and in diabetics although it does not affect these demographics exclusively. If you are suffering from this condition it’s important to seek treatment as there may be a tangible health issue causing these symptoms to manifest. If no discernible underlying condition such as diabetes or nutritional deficiencies are found then try the suggestions above; while they won’t cure your burning feet they may reduce your level of discomfort.

Peter Stephenson, who has been a foot care expert for more many years has written a functional guide on how to combat View Heel Pain Advice , also view his other site plantarfasciitisadvice.com.