Your feet play an important role in bearing and balancing your weight while transporting you to wherever you want to go. The foot is a complex structure comprising 26 small bones and 33 tiny joints, including multiple muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It all works together to allow our feet to be in optimal alignment so we can move easily and smoothly.
Because there are so many moving parts in our foot – and because they must all support the constant pressures and impacts of walking and running – the foot is naturally susceptible to many stressors which can cause injury. This can result in foot pain and inflammation, leading to limited movement and reduced mobility.
We tend to take our feet for granted until we experience chronic pain in one or both of them. Injury, overuse, and underlying medical conditions can all contribute to inflammation that affects the bones, ligaments, and tendons of our feet, thereby causing foot pain. Although this is such a common condition, there is no reason to tolerate it – let’s talk about the ways in which you can find relief from the pain in your feet.
Treatment for Chronic Foot Pain
Effective treatment of foot pain begins with determining the root cause of the pain. Treatments that often work for patients include the following:
1. The R.I.C.E. Method
The first thing to try is the R.I.C.E. method, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. It is best that you rest your foot, use ice therapy to alleviate swelling (making sure that the skin doesn’t get too cold), use compression on the affected area, and elevate the foot to help facilitate proper blood flow in the injured area.
2. Pain-Relief Medication
You can also take over-the-counter pain medicine that can help with the inflammation and swelling. Acetaminophen can help in reducing the pain, while non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin can help lessen the chronic pain and reduce inflammation.
3. Proper Footwear
One of the most common reasons for foot pain is when people wear shoes that are too tight or too narrow for their foot shape. If you must stand or walk for long periods of time during your day, it is best to make sure that your shoes allow for proper blood flow and circulation. If your feet feel pain in any way, change your shoes or see what can be done for a better fit.
Expert Podiatrists in Cincinnati
Many different types of disease and injury can cause foot pain. It is best to consult with a foot specialist immediately if you are experiencing chronic pain in your feet.
The physicians at Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care are committed to providing the highest quality of podiatric care for patients of all ages. Our skilled podiatrists know how to help you find effective relief from your foot pain, even if home-based methods no longer work for you.
To schedule a consultation with an experienced podiatrist, contact us today by calling us at the location near you or by filling out our online appointment request form now. We look forward to helping you find a permanent solution so you can say goodbye to your foot pain!
