If you have experienced foot pain in your lifetime, you know this statement to be true. The human foot is complex. It contains 26 bones (the two feet contain one quarter of all the bones in the human body), 33 joints, and over 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Foot ailments are among the most common of our health problems. Although some can be traced to heredity, many occur from the cumulative effect of years of abuse and neglect. The average person walks 115,000 miles (the equivalent of more than 4 ? times around the world) during their lifetime. Studies show that 75% Americans experience some type of foot pain during their life, yet many do not seek medical treatment because they believe that foot pain is a normal part of life. Pain typically is a sign that body is telling us that there is something wrong, and therefore, should not be ignored.

Heel pain is one of the most common ailments of the foot in adults. The heel bone is the largest bone in the foot and is the first part of the foot to contact the ground during the gait cycle. A fibrous band of tissue called the plantar fascia attaches to the bottom of the heel bone and acts as a shock absorber for the foot and arch. Poor mechanics of the foot, engaging in strenuous activities (especially running), obesity, standing for long periods of time, and wearing shoes that do not offer enough support cause inflammation along the plantar fascia. This results in pain that is typically more severe in the morning or at the end of the day after prolonged activity. Heel pain can usually be treated successfully with conservative measures. Adding an arch support to your shoe, stretching, and icing are some of the things one can do to alleviate pain. If symptoms persist, a podiatrist may recommend custom molded arch supports (orthotics), prescribe medications, administer cortisone, as well as other forms of treatment. Heel pain can be relieved in most cases following such a treatment regimen. Patients that do not respond to conservative measures may be candidates for a technological breakthrough. A new procedure called Podiatherm helps relieve pain by blocking the sensation of pain from the nerves around the heel pain. It is performed under local anesthesia and during a single, fifteen minute office visit. There are no restrictions afterwards.

Another common cause of foot pain is bunions, which are painful bumps on the big toe joint. Bunions worsen over time and cause redness, tenderness and pain along the big toe joint. Initially, focus should be in modifying one's shoe styles to relieve pain. Narrow-toed shoes and high heels should be discarded for more supportive, wider shoes. If symptoms do not improve, padding may help relieve some of the pain. If a bunion continues to cause discomfort, a surgical procedure called a bunionectomy may be performed. In most cases (depending on the severity of the bunion), patients may walk in a special shoe after surgery and return to tennis shoes after 4 weeks.

As stated earlier...when your feet hurt, your whole body can hurt. In many cases, foot problems are due to poor foot mechanics. Poor foot mechanics coupled with a change in your gait to offset pain can lead to lower leg pain, knee pain, or back pain. Foot pain is not normal and should not be accepted as a way of life.

Some foot health tips are as follows:

1. Select and wear the right shoe for the activity you are engaged in (for example, running shoes for running).

2. Trim your nails straight across. Be careful to not cut too far back on the sides as this may lead to an ingrown nail.

3. If you are diabetic, it is important to check your feet daily and see a physician at least once a year for a check up.

4. Alternate shoes-don't wear the same pair of shoes everyday.

5. Running shoes should be changed every 300-500 miles.

6. If you have foot pain or are diabetic, avoid going barefoot.

7. Make sure your shoes fit properly. Purchase shoes later in the day when feet tend to be larger due to swelling.

8. Walking is a great exercise for your heart and your feet.