How to Heal Foot Pain

Foot pain can be caused by a variety of things, including bunions, hammer toes, plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, metatarsal deformities and arthritis. The best way to go about healing foot pain depends on the reason for the pain. Some foot pain can be healed by applying ice and pain medications, while others will require a visit to the doctor and possibly orthotics for your shoes.

Things You'll Need

• Ice Anti-inflammatory medication Pain relief cream Podiatrist Orthotics

Instructions

1. Visit a podiatrist as soon as you feel pain. You may first need a referral from your general practitioner first, before you are able to see a specialist. The podiatrist will be able to diagnose the cause of your foot pain and help set up a program to help you recover.

2. Apply ice to the affected area. This will help relieve the swelling in the foot (if the pain is in the joint or in the muscle).

3. Take some anti-inflammatory medications. These will also help relieve swelling in the foot, which in turn will relieve the pressure causing pain in the foot.

4. Place a tennis ball on the floor and gently but firmly rub your foot back and forth on the ball. Start with the ball in the arch of your foot and roll it forward to your toes and backward to the heel of your foot. This will help massage the muscles that run along the bottom of your foot and relieve them from cramping.

5. Stretch your feet. While seated, stretch your toes apart as far as you can and hold the stretch for five seconds. Next, point your toes and hold the stretch for five seconds, then flex the toes (point them back toward you) for another five seconds. Stand up and lean forward so you are raising your body up on your toes. Hold this for five seconds. If these stretches hurt, stop doing them and talk to your doctor.

Tips & Warnings

• Stretch and strengthen your feet on a regular basis. Use resistance bands, balls and your own body weight to help strengthen the muscles of your feet every day.

• Don't try to self-diagnose your foot pain. Go see a doctor as soon as you start having problems or pain. Also, don't start any exercise program to try to stretch or strengthen your feet without getting your doctor's approval.

References

• Foot and Heel Institute of Michigan
• Foot Minders website
• Foot exercises from Prevention magazine

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish