How to Treat Foot Pain

Foot pain can be caused by conditions such as bunions, hammer toes, calluses, corns, plantar warts, sprains, arthritis and flat feet. Once a doctor has determined the cause of your foot pain, he can recommend specific treatment options. He will rule out fractures and sprains using an X-ray and may prescribe medication to reduce pain or inflammation. There are measures you can take at home to help treat foot pain as well.

Things You'll Need

• Ice Over-the-counter pain relievers Shoe pads Crutches or walker Pumice stone Over-the-counter wart removal medication

Instructions

1. Apply ice to help with pain and swelling, especially right after any activity that makes the pain worse.

2. Elevate the foot as often as possible.

3. Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol or Advil.

4. Buy shoes that fit properly, and wear shoe pads and inserts to help cushion the foot.

5. Use crutches or a walker to keep weight and pressure off of the foot.

6. If you have calluses, soak the foot in warm water and use a pumice stone to remove the calluses.

7. If you have plantar warts, use an over-the-counter wart removal medication.

References

• National Institutes of Health