Common Feet And Joint Problems And How To Manage Them

Common Feet And Joint Problems And How To Manage Them
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Bone and joint problems are becoming an increasingly alarming issue these days. Sometimes, when you wake up, you may feel your joints and bones hurting. Thus, this leads you to wonder what might be causing such discomfort. Is it because you didn’t get sufficient sleep last night?  Or, is it an indication of a more serious medical issue, which you have to address as soon as possible.

You must understand that joint problems are not something you should ignore and hope will go away on its own. Sometimes, these minor pains can lead to long-term problems if left untreated. You may also wonder why your feet hurt.  At times, it can be a sign of something alarming, like diabetes or gout.

To prevent such alarming situations from occurring, you should properly care for your feet and joints, and be able to address the problems you may be experiencing in these areas as soon as you can. To help you out, below is a list of some common joint and feet problems and how you can overcome them.

  • Ankle And Foot Fracture

A sprain happens when you put a lot of strain on your ankle to the point where the muscles tear up. A fracture, on the one hand, occurs when an ankle moves away from its original location and the bone breaks. This might be caused by the rolling, twisting, or flexing of the ankle joint. The most basic symptom of a fracture is pain, which disables you from walking.

Getting an ankle and foot fracture is quite common among young people because of their lifestyle too. It involves frequently wearing uncomfortable and high heels which puts your feet at a higher risk of being sprained. That is why it is necessary to take care of your foot from time to time. You shouldn’t indulge in activities or eating habits that are destructive to your health and bones.

Before going to the doctor, you must try some home remedies and over-the-counter medications. If these fail to reduce the level of pain, and you are, still, unable to move your toes or lift your body weight, then, you need to visit a medical professional immediately. If the fracture is too severe, you might need to seek the services of an ankle surgery center near you

  • Discoloration Of Toenails

Toenails can change its color for various reasons. They can turn yellow, green, red-brown, or even black. One of the most common causes of toenail discoloration is a fungal infection. Poor hygiene and living in a wet area may also cause this condition. But, the good news is that discoloration due to fungal infections can easily be treated with over-the-counter antifungal ointment.

If you’ve tried over-the-counter treatments and these have not worked you can try laser nail fungus treatment. The treatment uses a type of laser therapy, to target the fungus, without interfering with the skin. According to Verywell Health, ‘There are several types of laser treatment options, including those that use light and those that use carbon dioxide (CO2). Laser therapy is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this use.’

Diabetes and nail injury may also cause toenail discoloration.

To avoid toenail discoloration, you should start wearing shoes that fit you properly to avoid any foot injury. Secondly, dry your feet properly after taking a shower (avoiding humidity is the key). Also, always cut your nails short and avoid wearing shoes or socks while your feet are still wet.

  • Arthritis

In medical terms, arthritis is the inflammation of the joints. In simpler words, when the joints swell and become tender, it is known as arthritis. There are over 100 types of arthritis but most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. There are many risk factors contributing to you to have arthritis which includes gender, age, family history, obesity, and previous joint history.

That is why it is crucial to start physical therapy as soon as you feel you are at a risk of arthritis. Physical therapy can help you get rid of the swelling and pain caused by arthritis. Undergo therapy regularly, and you will soon feel the change in your body and how you feel generally. Additionally, purchase shoe inserts that support your ankle and feet. These will put less strain on your feet and ankle.

Most importantly, eating healthy food will also help you get rid of the joint pains so ensure that you have a healthy diet and avoid eating junk.

(Pro tip: Do not forget to consult a doctor for all this. Sometimes self-medication can result in putting yourself in a worse condition.)

Conclusion

Keeping in mind that feet and joint problems can occur at any age nowadays, it is important for you to know what causes joint and feet pain and why are you experiencing it. More importantly, keep in mind that timely prevention, therapy, and seeking medical counsel can prevent a lot of serious problems too. So, take note of the above-mentioned problems and the ways to manage them. Remember, precaution is always better and can save you from the trouble of serious problems.


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Anna is an avid blogger with an educational background in medicine and mental health. She is a generalist with many other interests including nutrition, women's health, astronomy and photography. In her free time from work and writing, Anna enjoys nature walks, reading, and listening to jazz and classical music.

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