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Some Commonly Asked Questions June 2007 Why do my heels hurt when I take my first few steps? Your condition is likely due to a condition called plantar fasciitis, which is caused by inflammation of a thick ligament on the bottom of the foot. Heel pain can occur at any time but is more common in the morning when you take your first few steps. Here's a technique that may help: before you get out of bed in the morning, stretch your leg, first with your toes pointed forward, then with your heel forward; then move your feet and ankles in circles or figures-of-eight. This helps increase the circulation to the area. Why have my toenails become thickened and yellow? Most likely you have fungus toenails, a condition caused by a fungal infection. Some of the over-the-counter remedies like Mycocide® may be helpful. A number of my patients have tried using Vicks® VapoRub® on their toenails and they claim that it is working! In any case, have it checked out if it gets worse. My feet burn and tingle, yet they feel numb at the same time. How can this be? The distressing symptoms you describe sound very much like classic peripheral neuropathy, which stems from damage to the nerves. Nerves, like electrical wire, transmit signals between parts of the body and the brain. And like electrical connections, nerves can "short-circuit." As a result, people experience a variety of strange and uncomfortable sensations: tingling, burning, numbness, electric shocks, and very hot or cold feet. The bad news: there is no cure for peripheral neuropathy. The good news: there are new medications and treatments that can be quite helpful in mitigating the discomfort. See your podiatrist or physician if the condition persists. |
