How to Deal with Foot Pain with Increasing Age
It is not that nothing can be done about foot pain that is commonly seen in seniors these days. There is a misconception among the populace that muscular and joint pains, if it takes place in old age, is pretty normal. It seems that a vast majority of people believe it to be a natural phenomenon and endure it rather than seeking doctor’s advice and medication. Acute foot pain deprives them of an active lifestyle, but instead of taking preventive and curative treatment, lot many seniors take it for granted and suffer from the debilitating pain.
Nothing could be farther from the truth than this thinking that as you get older, having foot pain is a normal occurrence. There are some types of pains in the foot that have no correlation with age. For example bunions that are caused by genetic defects. But seniors think that this painful abnormality, which is a result of genetic defects, is taking place because of their old age and do nothing about it. Bunions however, can be permanently cured going in for a corrective surgery coupled with a short recovery period. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons is trying to create awareness about foot pain and myths surrounding it among seniors.
It has been observed that many seniors remain quite inactive during the winters but become avid walkers once summers have arrived. This tendency to start walking for long distances suddenly when the weather improves has been a cause of foot pain in many seniors. Doctors say that seniors who experience pain in their feet should engage in some daily stretching exercises during winters and also take ibuprofen or aspirin to alleviate these symptoms. However, if foot pain is persistent and does not go away even after taking medication and exercises, it is prudent to consult a foot and ankle surgeon for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Chronic foot pain originates within the foot on the heel or is felt in connective tissues of bones known as fascia. Whenever fascia is inflamed or irritated, it is common for people to feel pain in their feet. It is also felt whenever heel bone develops small spurs. Orthotics is a treatment procedure that helps in reducing inflammation and stress in the area of heels. It is when traditional methods to cure foot pain fail to produce desirable results that doctors advise corrective surgery. The recovery period is short and relieves patients of foot pain permanently.