How to Get Rid of Foot Pain in 3 Simple Steps

Is foot pain getting in the way of your happiness? This kind of pain can distract you from your responsibilities and make it hard for you to relax. Naturally, you’ll want to get rid of it as soon as possible so that you can get back to enjoying your life.

In this short guide, you’ll learn some steps you can take to resolve foot pain. First, you’ll learn some methods you can use to find the source of your foot pain and change habits that may be contributing. Then, you’ll learn about some of the over-the-counter medications that may help you get relief now.

3 Steps to get rid of foot pain

• Determine the source of your foot pain
• Change habits that may be causing your pain
• Test out over-the-counter medications

Determine the source of your foot pain

Your first step should always be to discover the source of your pain so that you can decide whether or not you need to see a doctor. 

Temporary sources of foot pain

• Muscle inflammation: The systems that support the foot, including the ball, arch, and tendons, are prone to inflammation. Your foot may experience inflammation because of sudden impacts, long-term strain from poor support, or mild-to-severe medical conditions. Tendinitis is an example of one condition that can cause painful inflammation in your foot.
• Bruises: Stepping too hard on objects in your path can lead to deep bruises known as stone bruises. You can recognize these bruises because you will constantly feel like you are walking on a pebble. They often resolve on their own.
• Bunions: When you wear shoes that are too tight, bunions may develop. They appear as hard growths around the joints of your toes. They are tender and often cause pain when touched. They can heal on their own if you relieve the cause of the pressure on the joints.  

Medical sources of foot pain

Foot pain can be caused by some issues that are medically serious. You should consider all of the risk factors you may have for the types of conditions listed below. 

• Bone fractures: Many of the bones in your foot are small and thin. They’re flexible enough to provide balance but also prone to injury. Sharp, stinging pain may point to a fracture. You should contact a doctor to ensure that the fracture heals properly.
• Arthritis: The joints of the foot can easily develop arthritic conditions, including Gout. Arthritis may present itself as a chronic ache or a fiery pain that can make it difficult to walk. Prescription medications may be necessary to treat this condition effectively. 
• Ingrown Toenails: Toenails may grow incorrectly and begin to dig into the soft skin on either side of the toe. You may be able to cut the growth yourself, but in some cases, it may form too far underneath the skin. This condition can develop into an infection if you don’t treat it properly.
• Diabetes: Diabetes can cause and aggravate many foot problems. Neuropathy is one example of a diabetes complication that affects the foot. It will cause nerve damage and decay and may ultimately require amputation if not treated. 

The arthritic condition Gout provided by Cnick on Pixabay

You should not attempt to self-diagnose any of these issues. If your pain is not from an obvious source, you should speak to a doctor about scheduling a checkup.

If you have determined that your habits are the likely cause of your pain, your next step should be to think about how you can change them. 

Change habits that may be causing your pain

• Wear more comfortable shoes: Tight shoes can contribute to many pain conditions. They may make those conditions worse until you switch to shoes that put less pressure on your feet.
• Lose weight:  The muscles and bones in your feet are designed to provide support for your body at a healthy weight. Additional weight can cause constant stress to these systems resulting in mild or serious conditions. Constantly carrying heavy objects can cause the same problems. 
• Do daily foot exercises: Deliberate exercises (especially stretches) can help relieve stress on your foot throughout the day. Try toe raises, points and curls several times a day to keep the muscles loose. Exercises can strengthen these muscles, so they provide more support.
• Get enough sleep: Poor sleep habits can leave you tired throughout the day. You’ll have more trouble maintaining good posture, and your muscles will not be able to recover properly. 

Try over-the-counter medications

• Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen can be an effective painkiller if your issues are related to muscle strain. This medication is anti-inflammatory, so it can also reduce swelling that may be present. It is widely available online.
• Naproxen: Naproxen is an effective painkiller, and like ibuprofen, it is also anti-inflammatory. It is available in a variety of different strengths. 
• Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for pain. It is not anti-inflammatory, but it is considered to be effective for episodic pain. Like the other medications, it is easy to find online. 

Get relief from foot pain

Now you know some of the ways you can get relief from foot pain that’s interrupting your life. Remember that your own habits and posture cause most foot pain. By changing your habits, you may be able to resolve pain without medication.

If you do need help to manage your discomfort, there are a lot of options that can help. Consider over-the-counter pain relievers to keep your pain under control until your aches have stopped. You should also consider medical shoes or devices that can help you control pressure on your feet.

If your foot pain is serious (or you can’t determine the cause), you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early prevention is necessary to prevent more serious problems.