The source of foot pain is often improper foot function resulting from poor-fitting shoes or the wrong choice of footwear. Proper foot function refers to the biomechanical alignment and movement of the foot that allows for optimal support, stability, and efficient movement. It involves the coordinated interaction of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons within the foot and ankle complex. If there is an imbalance, it can lead to a straining of the tissues in the foot, pain, and injury.
Dealing with foot pain can be challenging, but there are things you can do at home for relief. If the steps we mention below do not alleviate pain and discomfort, it’s best to see a foot and ankle specialist for expert treatment of your condition.
Rest and Apply Cold Therapy
Foot pain can be quickly alleviated by rest and applying an ice pack. Rest will prevent straining the foot, and ice has a numbing effect and reduces swelling.
Get Pain Relief Medication
Oral analgesic medication, such as acetaminophen, and anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, can be purchased over the counter. These are highly effective in providing relief from foot pain symptoms.
Examine Your Footwear
Your shoes could be the cause of your foot pain, and continuing to wear them can prevent the resolution of symptoms. Seek the advice of a professional on footwear, and check for the following features: support, proper fitting, flexibility, and shock absorption. If you have high arches or flat feet, consider using orthotic shoe inserts or custom orthotics.
Stretch Out Your Foot
Perform gentle stretching exercises for your feet and calves to improve flexibility of the muscles, and reduce pain and spasms. Consult a physical therapist or podiatrist for specific exercises tailored to your condition, but simple bottom-of-the-foot stretches, top-of-the-foot stretches, and calf stretches may provide immediate relief from foot pain.
Get a Foot Massage
Massages that focus on the areas like the arches, heels, and toes, can alleviate foot pain. A massage can ease muscle tension and promote relaxation. It also improves circulation. There are devices such as electric foot massagers that can help you experience relief from your symptoms, too.
See a Podiatrist
In some cases, especially if symptoms recur or if you’ve developed mobility limitations, you will need to see a medical professional who can assess your problem and provide expert treatment. A foot and ankle doctor, also called a podiatrist, is a highly trained medical professional focusing on treatments of the foot and ankle. Once foot pain improves, a podiatrist can make individualized recommendations on how to avoid future issues.
Foot Pain Treatment in San Antonio, Boerne, Hondo, Floresville, Kenedy, Uvalde, and Live Oak, TX
The team of highly trained foot and ankle specialists at the Podiatry Group of South Texas can determine the underlying cause of your foot pain and prescribe treatment that will relieve your symptoms. We are committed to providing the highest quality podiatry services in South Texas. We have 14 locations spread out over 100 miles, and you are sure to find a clinic most convenient for you. To schedule an appointment with us, call our podiatry clinic nearest you or use our online form to send a request.