When your feet hurt, pay attention. Seeking medical care at the beginning of a problem can play a role in getting better faster.
How the toe moves, or doesn’t, affects the whole body. “Your big toe has a big impact on how you move through life. It plays a role in balance, shock absorption and forward movement as you walk,” explained Dr. Diana Perry of CiC Foot & Ankle in Flagstaff. “When it doesn’t bend or rotate because the joint is stiff, you change how you walk so that it won’t hurt.” These changes can lead to back or knee pain, as well as discomfort in other parts of the foot.
From people who just want to walk around the block or run errands to those who want to participate in sports, a stiff joint can impact anyone. “I don’t like to hear that someone is sitting on the sidelines of get-togethers with friends and family because their feet hurt,” said Perry. “There are treatments to help.”
The first step is to evaluate the gait cycle. “One way we do this is with a computer. You walk across a special mat that tells us about different pressure points when your foot hits the ground,” explained Perry. This data helps doctors learn about what’s happening with your feet when you’re walking. Doctors use that information as part of a comprehensive exam to develop a treatment plan.
With every step, your feet absorb forces that are nearly twice your body weight. And your big toe takes on a lot of the impact, adding to the wear and tear the joint endures. “Once your toe starts to hurt, that’s when you realize just how much you use it,” said Perry. “The good news is you don’t have to learn to live with it.”
The goal is to protect your feet from the repetitive stress of everyday walking, work and sports activities. “There are lots of options to help relieve foot pain and help your feet work better,” said Perry. Addressing foot function improves the way your feet feel and can lead to better overall foot health. She said, “we always start with non-surgical options, and if we catch it when the pain starts, we have a high chance for success. But even if it you’ve waited to see if it’ll get better on its own, we still have options.”
When your feet hurt, pay attention. Seeking medical care at the beginning of a problem can play a role in getting better faster. “If I can help my patients move through their day and help them overcome obstacles, it’s huge to me,” said Perry. I’m excited to do my part when it comes to feet.” FBN
By Reisha Zang
Dr. Diana Perry, DPM, specializes in limb preservation and trauma of the foot. She can be reached at CiC 928-719-7400.
Reisha Zang is director of communication at CiC. You may contact her at 928-719-7400 or reisha.zang@ciccenters.com.
