The feet are two of your body’s most used parts. Composed of several bones, ligaments, and tendons, they bear your body’s weight when you’re standing up and moving around. Because of this, they are prone to pain and injury if you are not careful with how you use them.
Some common causes of foot pain are:
- Bone spurs
- Broken foot or toe
- Bunions
- Bursitis
- Corns and calluses
- High-heeled or poorly fitting shoes
- Ingrown toenails
- Metatarsalgia
- Plantar fasciitis
- Stress fractures
- Tendinitis
Ways to Relieve Foot Pain
When foot pain strikes, the only thing you want to do is relieve it fast. Here are some ways to relieve foot pain:
1. Rest
Most causes of foot pain are the result of overusing your feet. If you are experiencing foot pain, your doctor can recommend giving the affected foot time to heal.
You should avoid strenuous activities like running, jumping, or standing for long periods. You should also raise the affected foot to reduce pressure on it. Overuse injuries should heal with ample rest – just make sure not to overdo it again when you get better!
2. Ice
Cold compresses decrease inflammation and help relieve pain by limiting blood circulation in the affected area. This is particularly helpful for sprained ankles and plantar fasciitis pain.Your doctor may tell you to place an ice pack or a bag of frozen food on your feet. Do this for at least 15 minutes several times a day.
Be sure to wrap a towel around the cold compress to protect your skin. If you decide to use frozen food, it is better to use small vegetables because they are easier to hold. They mold better to your foot, allowing the cold compress to press on as much of the area as possible.
3. Foot Supports
If your foot pain is caused by continuously being on your feet or poor footwear, your doctor can recommend shoe inserts. You may place them inside your shoes to help improve the fit or provide extra support.
These include full-sized insoles, cushions, heel cups, orthotics, pads, and liners. You can buy them over-the-counter or custom-made through your podiatrist (preferred option).
Your doctor may also tell you to wrap an athletic or medical tape around your foot. Depending on what is causing your foot pain, wearing splints at night may help protect your feet better during sleep. Lastly, you may temporarily use crutches to take the weight off your foot, as well.
4. New Shoes
Wearing shoes has a significant effect on your feet. Your doctor may suggest changing your foot gear to something more comfortable to relieve and prevent further foot pain. Choose shoes that fit nicely, cushion your feet, and have a low heel.
5. Exercise
Your doctor can recommend some gentle stretching exercises to relieve foot pain. These include stretching the calves and the plantar fascia, the band of tissue running along the sole of your foot.
You can do these exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons without feeling pain. Always warm up before exercising to reduce the risk of injury.
6. Medication
Lastly, your doctor may recommend taking medication to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Medicines used for this are nonsteroidals and anti-inflammatories. Some examples are ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and aspirin.
Orthopedic Doctor Near You In Austin, TX
Pain in your foot can get in the way of your day-to-day life. Whether you are active in sports or just sustained a foot injury, you may need a healthcare provider’s help. Are you looking for a reliable orthopedic doctor near you? Here at All-Star Orthopedics of Austin, we take pride in providing compassionate care to all our patients. Our doctors specialize in orthopedic treatments for patients with various musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
If you are looking for tailor-made treatment for your orthopedic concerns, call us today at (512) 346-4933. You can also fill out our online request form to book a consultation with the best orthopedic doctor near you!
We look forward to serving you!
