Diseases of the foot

Diseases of the foot generally are not limited, that is they are related to or manifest elsewhere in the body[citation needed].

[1] This is because of the foot's distance from the central circulation, the heart and its constant exposure to pressures from the ground and the weight of the body[citation needed].

The foot may is a complex structure with 26 bones, 33 joints, numerous muscles, nerves and different ligament types.

Any part of the foot can be affected by diseases, with symptoms ranging from mild aches to more serious pain hindering one's ability to walk or bear weight.

Women often wear tight shoes that are narrow and constrictive, and thus are most prone to foot problems.

[3] Besides a physical examination, an x-ray MRI or an ultrasound study may be obtained to assess the soft tissues and blood vessels.

Bunions occur for many reasons but the most common is not wearing proper shoes, arthritis and different inherited structural defects.

Gout is essentially a disorder caused by precipitation of uric acid crystals in the joint.

The thick fibrous bands at the bottom of the heel get inflamed and cause excruciating pain.

Plantar fasciitis is most common in runners, obese individuals, women who are pregnant and those who wear shoes with inadequate heel support.

The treatment of this agonizing disorder involves pain control, steroid injections, proper foot wear and rest.

Blood thinners can also work however are deemed as bad relievers by medical practitioners due to the fact that they can contribute to headaches and in some cases increase foot pain afterwards.

Other disorders of the foot include osteoarthritis of the joints, peripheral neuropathy and plantar warts.