How To Fix Foot Pain
Foot pain can be related to arthritis, bunions, joint and tendon problems, injury, diabetes, ill-fitting shoes, callouses and blisters. Your doctor can diagnose what is causing your foot pain. He will give you a physical examination, and he might order X-rays or blood tests to determine the cause. There are steps you and your doctor can take to ease foot pain.
Things You'll Need
- Oral pain relief medication
- Topical pain relieving ointments
- Lotion or oil for massage
- Warm water
- Epsom salts
Instructions
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See your doctor for a medical evaluation to determine what is causing your foot pain. Your doctor can determine why you are having pain and recommend a treatment plan to decrease your pain.
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Try pain relief medication. Often foot pain can be relieved by taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. If your pain is severe, your doctor can write you a prescription for a stronger analgesic medication.
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Apply topical analgesic cream or ointment. Rubbing the topical pain relief medication into your foot can decrease the severity of your foot pain. Be aware that some topical analgesic creams can be harsh and irritating, so wash it off if your skin becomes irritated.
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Massage your feet. Apply lotion or oil to your painful foot and gently massage the heel, toes and arch of your foot. Do not forget to include your ankles when massaging your feet.
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Soak your feet in warm water. This will soothe your feet and can help diminish your foot pain. Make sure the water is not too hot. Add Epsom salts to the water to help increase circulation. Ask your doctor how much Epsom salts to add to your foot bath. Adding 1/2 cup is usually sufficient, but your doctor might recommend more or less. Soak your feet for 10 minutes a few times a week.
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Consider surgery if you have bunions or other structural foot problems that are causing foot pain. Talk to your doctor about what surgeries are available to treat your condition. Your doctor might refer you to a podiatrist, whose practice is limited to diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot and ankle.
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Tips & Warnings
Check your shoe size to ensure that your shoes are not too small. Ill-fitting shoes can cause foot pain. Shoes that are too small can also cause blisters, which can be very painful.
If your foot pain becomes severe or is accompanied by inflammation or redness, call your doctor right away. This might indicate a serious medical condition that requires prompt evaluation.
