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    • Mar 6

Causes of Foot Pain and the Best Ways to Fix Them


digital image of a x-ray foot

Foot pain is a real pain. Whether you’re sore from standing on your foot all day or you are suffering from a more specific and chronic condition, the pain can leave you exhausted and not wanting to do anything other than rest your aching feet.

 

Looking for a remedy to your aches and pains? Read on and learn more about the common causes of foot pain and tips from your friendly neighbourhood podiatrist to address them.

 

Common Causes of Foot Pain


Improper Footwear – Improper footwear is a very common cause of foot pain. Many people don’t really think about their footwear as a specific cause of foot pain.

 

Injury – Whether you sprained your ankle playing sports or sustained damage from some other adventure, injuries are a common cause of foot pain.

 

Age – Time is undefeated and eventually everyone will feel the pain of aging. Aches and pains show up for seemingly no reason. It can be frustrating, but it is a fact of life. Arthritis, gout, and other problems can arise over time.

 

Weight – Being overweight can put extra stress on your joints and muscles. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the pain from this stress.

 

How to Deal with Your Foot Pain


Get Proper Footwear


As having improper footwear is one of the most common causes of foot pain, the obvious remedy is to get footwear that fits you better. First and foremost, don’t just get the cheapest shoes you can – quality does matter. Good shoes will fit better and provide adequate support, whether you’re on your feet all day, participating in sports, or hiking for hours.

 

Orthotics are another component of footwear that you can look into. For more information on orthotics, you should contact your nearest podiatrist.

 

Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE)


Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are great ways to help ease the pain of injuries. Rest, apply ice to ease any swelling, plus keep the injured foot elevated and wrapped in an elastic wrap and you’ll be well on your way to recovery.

 

Stretching and Exercising


One common cause of plantar fasciitis is a tight heel cord. Stretching and exercising these areas can be very beneficial. An exercise that can be very helpful is a wall lunge.

 

To do the lunge exercise:

  • Face a wall and raise your arms, so that the palms rest flat against the wall.

  • Place one foot back, keeping the knee straight. Then bend the knee of the opposite leg.

  • Keep both heels flat on the floor.

  • Push the hips forward, until the Achilles tendon and calf muscles can be felt stretching.

  • Hold for 30 seconds before switching sides. Repeat three times on each side.

 

Pain Relievers and Topical Creams


Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are common pain relievers that people will take to deal with foot pain. It is important to remember that acetaminophen does not relieve inflammation, however, whereas ibuprofen does. Reducing inflammation can help the underlying cause of foot pain.

 

Suffering from Foot Pain? We Can Help


If you’re suffering from continuous foot pain, the cause might be something more than just simply having been standing too long.

 

A podiatrist, like Dalhousie Station Foot Clinic, can analyze your feet, determine the cause of your pain, and then recommend treatment options. You don’t need to live with the pain – give us a call today.

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