Oh, My Aching Feet! - Northwest Woman's Magazine

by Karen Buck, RN

Spike heels were the first to go. Then, even the low sensible heels that old-time schoolteachers wore became too painful. The last attempt was an athletic shoe—plenty long, and as wide as a barge. Maybe this sounds familiar, but your feet continue to hurt. Why? What can be causing all this pain?

Our feet take a real beating. Each day they bear several thousand pounds of pressure as we walk, run, dance, jump, or exercise. This, combined with the wrong shoes or heredity, can produce problems and pain. Here are some of the most common foot problems and some suggestions for help.

Corns A corn is really just an ordinary callus on steroids. Corns form from unrelieved pressure over a bony spot, like at one of the toes’ knuckles. They will gradually go away if the pressure is relieved. Never try to cut them out! Not only is it dangerous, it could lead to a life-threatening infection.

In some cases there is a tiny extra bump of bone on a toe joint. Unless this bump of bone is removed, or you decide to go barefoot for the rest of your life, the corn will never completely go away. (more)