Nearly everyone will experience foot pain at some point in their life. It may only present itself in the form of minor tenderness or swelling, or it may cause excruciating pain that restricts your ability to run/walk. To make matters worse, it’s oftentimes difficult to pinpoint where exactly the pain is coming from. Since the foot contains hundreds of nerve endings, you will generally feel pain throughout your entire foot anytime those nerves are affected.
You might be surprised to learn that there are 24 different bones in the average person’s foot. If just one of these bones is fractured or becomes misaligned, it can cause a wide range of symptoms, including pain, swelling and tenderness.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the single most common cause of foot pain. This condition occurs when the tissue between the heel and toes become inflamed, leading to pain, swelling, tenderness and general discomfort. Plantar fasciitis is typically caused by walking or running on your feet for long periods of time, and/or not wearing the correct footwear. People who work on their feet all day are more likely to suffer from plantar fasciitis than workers who sit behind a desk.
If you experience foot pain after wearing a particular type of shoes, you should immediately stop wearing them. Even if a pair of shoes look comfortable, they may not be the best choice for your feet. The fact is that everyone’s feet are shaped differently, and while one pair of shoes may work best for one person, another pair may work better for you. When shopping for a new pair of shoes, take your time to try on several different pairs to see which ones conform to the shape of your feet.
Treating Swollen Feet
For swollen feet, the best approach is to use a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. These medicine are designed specifically to reduce swelling throughout your body and will help relieve the tender feeling in your feet. Just remember to carefully read the label and never use more than the maximum daily amount, as it can essentially increase your risk of developing a stroke.
Taking care of your feet is also essential to preventing future pain and problems from developing. Try to get into the habit of soaking your feet in Epsom salt water once every couple of days to help alleviate the pain. Doing so will naturally subside some of the swelling while leaving your feet smooth and soft. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy the relaxing and soothing sensation of a good foot soak?
Give me a call today to discuss some alternative methods for treating foot pain and discomfort.
