Doctor’s Senior Exercise & Health Newsletter

Introduction***

The Doctor’s Senior Exercise & Health Newsletter is written monthly, solely for information to help seniors, baby boomers and anyone who may have an interest in staying healthy, living a vigorous, active lifestyle and combating the aging process. It does not constitute the practice of medicine and is not meant to prescribe treatments. It is offered strictly as an educational aid. Any medical problems you may have, we recommend that you seek the help of your physician or other healthcare professional. Discussing your intentions with your doctor is always the proper procedure. The newsletter also includes know-how in the form of useful tips and links to more extensive material on the Internet. You may wish to share this newsletter by sending a copy to a friend, neighbor or relative and suggesting they subscribe to it.

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Healthfully Yours***

Foot Pain (Metatarsalgia)

Pain in the feet is, a very common occurrence, affecting a great majority of the population at one time or another. Women are at greater risk than men, and that is because of the types of shoes that women will tend to wear. The long pointed toe and the high heels are a case in point. Men’s shoes can also be at fault due to construction faults and being ill fitted.

Metatarsalgia is the name given when there is pain in that area of the foot called the “ball of the foot”. The Bones in that area are called the metatarsals. These metatarsal bones articulate with the phalangeal bones (toes). Between the articulations of the metatarsal bones are the interdigital nerves that travel between these bones.. The metatarsal bones have a fatty pad (the ball of the foot) that tends to protect them and act as a shock absorber as well. These bones are pressure-sensitive. As we grow older, this fatty pad starts to atrophy (shrink). When this occurs, the metatarsals are more prone to injury. Standing for long periods of time, walking on hard surfaces, running, sports, etc., all can instigate a case of metarsalgia.

Another very common cause of metatarsalgia is Morton’s neuroma. This growth is found along the interdigital nerves and occurs most often at the 3^rd plantar interdigital nerve that innervates the toes. The individual may feel that they are walking on a stone. The growth of Morton’s neuroma may start because of a malformation of the bones, stemming from early development the condition may start with a vague ache and possibly a tingling sensation becoming a constant burning feeling that radiates into the toes. Wearing one particular pair of shoes, more than another pair may exacerbate the condition, causing the increase of pain. Applying pressure over the area of the neuroma increases the pain. Individuals with Morton’s neuroma may exhibit a phenomenon peculiar to this condition. When the toes are flexed (curled under), it will be found that 2^nd toe is quite a bit longer than the others and somewhat shorter than the normal 1^st metatarsal.

Misalignment of the bones can be another cause of metatarsalgia. In this occurrence, the misaligned bones will cause a friction between the bones resulting in a destruction of the joint cartilage. If the misalignment is allowed to progress without being corrected, the end result will be a degenerative disease, such as osteoarthritis or even rheumatoid arthritis.

Biomechanical difficulties also can be contributing factors in the development of a Morton’s neuroma. Examples are, flattening of the arch, turning in or turning out of the feet and of course a constant repetitive pressure on the feet. When the feet are exposed to a repetitive pounding that one finds in many sports, there can stress factures (micro-fractures) of the bones. Stress fractures can occur in the leg, ankle as well as the foot. In the foot the bones most affected are 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th metatarsal and the calcaneous, navicular and cuboid bones as well.

Pains in the feet can be caused by many, many conditions. It is therefore imperative that the individual see their healthcare provider to be examined and get a definitive diagnosis of the problem. Once the diagnosis is made, they will start treatment and make whatever recommendations necessary to alleviate the condition. After this initial stage, it will be the patients- responsibility to see to their care, prevention and treatment. Read suggestions below in Health Hints for such care and prevention.

Health Hints***

As in any illness or condition, the individual needs to take the responsibility for the prevention, and care needed for alleviating the condition should it occur. Preventing metatarsalgia from occurring would be the first order of business. To do this we must observe the following.

1. Picking and choosing a well constructed shoe. A good quality shoe will not breakdown as readily as a shoe constructed of cheaper material, and with shoddy workmanship. When the insole breaks down, the feet will tend to pronate, either inwardly or outwardly.
2. Fitting the shoes properly is next.
3. Shoes should be fitted during late afternoon when the feet may be slightly larger.
4. There is a simple check to see if the shoe fits properly. Stand on a sheet of paper and have someone draw the outline of your foot on it. Place your shoe over this outline and trace your shoe over it. If your foot outline does not fall within the outline that was drawn of your foot, it will signify that the shoe is cramping the foot. Repeat with the other foot as well.
5. Cramping your feet in this fashion will not only cause metatarsalgia, but will cause myriad other conditions such as: Bunions (hallus valgus) that at times may be due to genetic factors, Hammer Toe that most often affects the 5^th toe, corns and calluses. In cramped shoes the toes may also have a tendency to turn under.

Should any painful foot condition occur, as mentioned above, see your healthcare provider to get a definitive diagnosis. Home healthcare for the individual is extremely important so that they help alleviate the accompanying pain and discomfort.

1. Foot soaks with Epsom salts in warm water is very soothing. If the individual has high blood pressure (hypertension), they should ask their healthcare provider if Epsom salts could be used.
2. Follow the foot soak by massaging the foot with a good analgesic gel, such as Biofreeze. Read more about Biofreeze at www.doctorsexercise.com.
3. Follow the above procedure 3 to 4 times daily until the pain is alleviated.
4. In some instances the individual may respond to a magnetic insole. Such an insole is produced by MagneSystems and can also be found at www.doctorsexercise.com.

By following the above preventive procedures, and self-care, the patient with foot pain problems will be able to live a happier more vigorous lifestyle, free of pain and discomfort.

 Doc Cane