Nobody wants to deal with foot pain. Unfortunately, it can happen to just about anyone. It is a very common problem among people, causing them to seek medical help to find relief from symptoms.
If you are experiencing foot pain, there are some things you can do at home for relief if your symptoms are mild and not the result of a serious accident or injury. If symptoms persist, consult an orthopedic doctor. An orthopedistis a highly trained expert who can determine the cause of foot pain and prescribe the right treatment for it.
Elevate Your Feet
Keeping your feet elevated above heart level lowers the pressure in the legs and feet, reduces swelling, and assists with the return of blood to the heart. Being on your feet for long periods of time increases pressure in the leg veins, which can cause pain. Elevating your feet at night can help reduce pressure and pain in the feet.
Take a Warm Bath or Foot Soak
A warm bath or foot soak is one of the most effective ways to achieve relief from foot pain. When you immerse your feet in warm water, it increases circulation, promotes muscle relaxation, alleviates tension, and is just overall soothing and relaxing. After a long day on your feet, this can be a great relaxation technique that also helps reduce pain.
Stretch Your Feet
Perform gentle stretching exercises daily to improve flexibility and relieve tension in the muscles and ligaments of your feet. Some of the stretches you can do include calf stretches, toe stretches, and plantar fascia stretches. Consult a physical therapist or search for specific foot stretching exercises online for guidance.
Use a Foot Massage Ball
Foot massage balls or rollers work by applying pressure to the foot by rolling the ball under it. Foot massage balls and rollers usually have a textured surface with small bumps or spikes that mimic the effects of acupressure therapy, providing relief by increasing circulation and relieving soreness and tension.
Get a Foot Massage
Massage techniques, such as kneading, rubbing, and applying pressure, all help with increasing circulation and reducing muscle stiffness, which promotes healing and alleviates pain. You can either get a foot massage or use an electric foot massager.
Change Your Footwear
If your feet hurt regularly, you may be wearing the wrong type of shoes. You need to wear shoes that evenly distribute weight throughout your foot, have shock-absorbing qualities, and have cushioning and arch support. If you have high arches or flat feet, you need to consult a doctor for custom orthotics, which are shoe inserts made specifically for you, that help prevent foot pain.
Take Pain Relievers or Use a Topical Cream
Pain relievers can help relieve pain temporarily. If you have foot pain after a long day of outdoor activities, such as an amusement park, hiking, or a concert, this can be a great way to get relief. Topical creams or ointments containing ingredients like menthol, camphor, or capsaicin can also provide temporary relief from foot pain. Use them as directed.
If foot pain persists or worsens despite these self-care measures, consult a doctor who can provide you with a lot more options and education on how to manage foot pain. If your foot pain is caused by a specific incident, such as an accident or trauma, it is best to see a doctor, as at-home remedies may not give you relief.
Foot Pain Treatment in Dover, NJ
At Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey, we regularly treat patients suffering from foot pain, whether it’s due to overuse, arthritis, or injury. Our doctors are highly capable and offer advanced treatments for injured athletes and workers and often recommend the least invasive treatments as much as possible.
Whatever the cause of your foot pain, you can expect to receive a personalized treatment plan and guided support from our team. To schedule an appointment with us, call our office today at (973) 989-0888 or use our convenient online form.
