Fifty percent of Americans will experience some sort of foot pain at some point in their lives. Some types of pain will require a trip to the doctor, but, there are some types of pain you may be able to handle on your own. Here are some tips to keep your feet healthy and happy.
Your Feet Change
Your feet may get wider and longer as you grow older. Each time you purchase a new pair of shoes, have your feet sized.
Use Anit-inflammatory
Most foot problems are due to inflammation. Using anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen found in Motrin and Advil, or naproxen found in Aleve will help ease the pain.
Orthotics
Wearing orthotics such as arch supports, insoles or adhesive pads can help relieve any pressure. You can purchase the above orthotics at most department or drug stores. If the over-the-counter ones don’t seem to work for you, a visit to your doctor will be necessary.
Exercise
Try this exercise to build strength and add flexibility to your feet. While sitting with your feet flat on the floor, raise your heels and hold for five seconds. Next, press your toes to the floor for another five seconds. Do this routine 10 times.
Try the following simple remedies for specific types of pain.
A corn or callus is an area of hard thick skin. If the corn or callus is between the toes it can be soft and painful. Try using toe spacers or toe sleeves from a department or drug store. However, the doctor may have to thin down the corn or callus if it doesn’t go away.
Bunions are found on the outside edge of the big toe. These bumps can be very painful. Try wearing softer shoes with extra room for the big toe. Another option is to try some bunion pads from the department or drug store.
Hammertoe is a deformity in which the toe will bend to one side. A crest pad or a gel filled pad may provide some help. However, if finding a comfortable shoe seems impossible, go see your doctor.
If you are experiencing a sharp burning pain between your third and fourth toes on the ball of your foot you may have a growth known as Morton’s neuroma. Purchasing some arch supports, an anti-inflammatory, and some roomy shoes may help relieve the pain. If the pain persists check with your doctor about steroid injections in the foot.
The connecting tissue in your foot can become inflamed and cause a stabbing pain in the heel. This is called Plantar fascitis. Try stretching the soles of your feet, cutting back on running, using heel pads and an anti-inflammatory. At night try using splints to keep your foot flexed while you sleep.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is described as the compression of a nerve that causes pain or numbness from the heel and radiates to the toes. Try resting, icing and an anti-inflammatory. But the truth is, tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause damage to the nerve, so don’t hesitate too long about seeing a doctor if the pain doesn’t subside.
Metatarsaigia is experienced as a shooting or sharp pain, accompanied by inflammation in the ball of the foot. Icing your foot several times a day and doing toe lifts and stretches will help. It is also wise to avoid sports. To prevent further problems try using arch supports and/or shock absorbing insoles.
