Foot Pain Among Americans is at All Time High

Millions of dollars are spent on all the latest craze in foot wear. Many teens are into buying the flip- flops for not only summer, but winter as well. How about the Indonesian inspired jeweled slip ons. For the hip-hoppers delight, a fresh and clean pair of Jordan's or white and tight, Air-Force Ones. No matter what way you look at it, people are buying shoes for every outfit they have, no matter what the cost!

But at what price is this costing Americans? Recent study shows that many American are being impacted by a foot injury that is sustained by athletes. It's called Plantar Fascia/Fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a strong band of connective tissue on the surface of the plantar located on the heel. This band has a huge effect on the architecture of a persons foot. The clinical condition occurs when there is extreme over use (athletes, medical professionals) where now traction degeneration occurs. Inflammation, fibrosis, and decreased blood flow of the fascia will occur, which in result will cause severe pain. Other Symptoms that may arise are: burning in the sole of ones foot, recurring foot pain that is aching in the morning or after sitting, or heel pain after starting a new exercise routine.

The causes: Foot pro nation, obesity, poor fitting shoes, occupational risks, or even a slight change in your exercise program can cause this injury to arise. This injury is mostly to be found in obese people, athletes and people who have jobs which require them to stand/walk for long hours.

Is there help?: Yes, there is help. Most people take Ibuprofen to help with inflammation. If the problem persists, then people will make an appointment with a podiatrist. From there options like massage, physical therapy, and even a prescription to take a few days off of your feet can occur. For the more severe cases, treatments like cortisol injections, or Extracorpeal Shock wave Treatment- ESWT (a non invasive, non-surgical treatment- where external shockwaves are administered to the foot and targeted tissues deep with-in.) will happen. This allows all the old scar tissue to be broken up, which will encourage the re-growth process of the old tissue.

Most doctors try to stay away from conventional surgery methods, simply because of the down time and individual may face off of work, while re-habbing at home. The biggest fear with any surgery... the risk of infection at the surgical site. The ESWT allows a patient to have the procedure done without being down for weeks or even months at a time. Most patients recover and are back to normal activity within 1-2 days.

Prevention: Be aware of the type of shoes you wear. They may look cute and feel comfortable for the moment, but later on your feet will be howling like wolves of the night! The pain is one that will send you directly back into the seat in which you rose from. Trust me...I know first hand. If you are overweight...lose weight! Your feet carry and balance your entire body! They may seem like they are doing the job, for now, but they will eventually blow out like that tire on the highway in the middle of the night. Who can help you then? If you start a new exercise program, start out slow. See how your body responds. If you feel no ill- effects then carry on. Always stretch out before you work out.