The feeling of pain in your feet can be uncomfortable just as it can be embarrassing. Sometimes, the pain can be mild and you only have to take a seat and relax your foot on a stool and sometimes you can barely walk. If you force it, you may have to limp and that may draw an embarrassing amount of attention and you don’t want that.
Discover the common causes of foot pain and the top 5 methods to relieve foot pain and keep your feet happy.
Common causes of feet pain
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is a condition which causes pain to your feet due to the inflammation of the ball of your foot. It is a common overuse problem especially for those who run and jump a lot. It is not often considered a disease on its own but a symptom of other conditions. Metatarsalgia can result from overuse of tight shoes, fractured or deformed bones etc.
Osteoarthritis
Millions of people worldwide suffer from osteoarthritis. Pains from arthritis arise when the protective cartilage that protects bones from rubbing against each other wears off. Symptoms include sharp pain, reduced flexibility and swelling around the joint.
Other common causes include Gout, high heels or tightly fitting shoes, broken toe, ingrown toenails among others.
Top Five Methods to Feel Relief from Foot Pain
1. Metatarsalgia Insoles
Tightly fitting shoes or high heels are a common cause of foot pain and insoles for pain relieve it a great deal. Metatarsalgia insoles are removable shoe attachments that keep your feet comfortable in a shoe. Metatarsalgia insoles prevent the ball of your feet from becoming painful. Metatarsalgia insoles can also be used to provide under-feet arch support, support leg-length difference and improve athletic performance.
2. Relief Exercises
Exercise is a great way to help relieve bodily pains and the feet are no exception. This is particularly useful if your foot aches from overuse, tightly fitting foot wears and plantar fasciitis.One simple exercise to try out if you are having pain in your foot is the ‘Toe Spread and Press’.
This exercise is great for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. It relieves you of any pain to the tissue that spreads across the sole of your feet. It is performed by standing with the width of your hip slightly apart and your toes lifted up and spread apart. Maintain the position till you feel a little tired. Rest your toes on the ground while they are still spread, then let the ball of your big toe press forcely against the ground without lifting any part of your foot.
3. Foot Massage
Massages can be soothing if done right and it is one relaxing way to relieve pain in your feet. Massages help to increase blood flow in your feet and reduce stress on the nerves located in your feet. While trying out a massage, start with gentle touch before gradually adding pressure.You can try out the Base-of-hand massage technique which can help you relieve foot pain.
Sit comfortably on a chair or bed and place the affected foot in a place where your hand can reach it. You can use a clenched fist but the base of your hand is commonly used. Use the base of your hand to make gentle strokes, pushing from the heel of your foot up to your toes. Begin with long strokes while applying slight pressure. Gradually increase pressure for about a few minutes. Ensure to cover the whole surface of your feet to relax the fascia tissue and reduce pain.
You can also try a ball massage. Sit comfortably on a cushion or bed, place a ball under the arch of your foot and lean forward a little to get your weight on that foot. Roll the ball with your feet across the length of your feet then sideways. Start gently then add more pressure by leaning your body weight.
4. Epsom salt bath
Bathing your feet in warm water helps release tensed up tissues in your feet. However, Epsom salt baths have been proven by experts to alleviate foot pain. You can make epsom salt baths by putting the salt in a tub or bowl of warm water.
Foot dips for about twenty minutes can relieve pain, relax sore muscles and reduce swelling around your feet.
5. Pain Relief Medication
There are many pain relief medications that are easily accessible over-the-counter. Acetaminophen is effective for pain relief. Nonsteroidal inflammatory medications such as naproxen sodium and ibuprofen are also effective in the reduction of pain and the treatment of inflammation around your feet. Sometimes, you may have to administer these medications for days or weeks to treat persistent foot pain. However, if you are not sure how long you should take them, consider seeing your doctor.
You can also apply topical pain relief medications. When applied to the surface of the skin near the area of pain sensation, they can cause soothing and pain-relieving effects. Popular ingredients in topical pain relief medications include menthol, salicylates, turpentine and eucalyptus.
Conclusion
These five ways promise to relief your feet of pain and make you comfortable, moving around, doing the things you love. Besides these, other ways to relief feet pain include ice massage, changing shoes to more comfortable ones and using arch supports. However, if you have tried these methods and symptoms persist, see your doctor.