The Different Ways You Can Find Foot Pain Relief

Foot pain affects millions of people in America each year, and there is plenty of evidence from foot specialists that foot pain has increased by as much as 20-30% since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because people stayed home, traumatic sports injuries to the feet were less common and replaced by heel pain, inflammation, Achilles Tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and bunions.  Until you can see an experienced podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis, some at-home remedies are by and large safe and may provide foot pain relief. 

Foot Pain Relief: Safe Treatments at Home

If you need immediate relief from pain in your heels, toes, or along the arch of your foot, the following treatments are safe for most people. Without an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your pain, there is no guarantee the following will work, but they aren’t likely to cause further harm or damage.

• Ice

Icing the foot will help bring down inflammation. Conditions that cause inflammation in the feet include arthritis, osteoarthritis, ligament strains or sprains, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis. While your relief may not be long-lasting, you can continually apply ice packs, without risking permanent damage to the feet.

• Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

As long as you don’t take medication that can interact with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, and you don’t have underlying conditions that prevent you from using OTC medications, Tylenol or aspirin may bring you some foot pain relief.

• Over-the-Counter Anti-Inflammatory Medication

Assuming you do not have a medical condition such as kidney failure, or others that prevent you from using ibuprofen, or naproxen, both anti-inflammatory medications may help alleviate foot pain temporarily. You may also try rubbing an OTC topical arthritis or pain-relieving medication on the feet. 

• Soaking Your Feet

Soaking your feet in the bathtub or a large bowl filled with warm water may provide a reprieve from aching feet. This can be particularly soothing if you have painful bunions. 

• Resting Your Feet

When you’re dealing with inflammation, one of the best ways to prevent it from getting worse is to rest your feet. Consider temporarily reducing activities that put a lot of strain on your feet to let the inflammation calm down. 

• Changing Your Shoes

If your feet hurt, one of the best ways to prevent further injury is to stop wearing any shoes that are tight, binding, or alternately, lack any support. Athletic shoes with a wide toe box can prevent further pressure on bunions and reduce strain on ligaments and tendons.

An Accurate Diagnosis for Lasting Relief from Foot Pain

Although most people are initially concerned with immediate foot pain relief, it is wise to get an accurate diagnosis of the source of the pain as soon as possible. That way, you can prevent further damage and allow the foot to begin healing. The most common causes of foot pain are:

• Achilles Tendonitis or Tendon Degeneration
• Arthritis
• Bone Spurs (Heel Spur)
• Bunions
• Fractures
• Gout
• Plantar Fasciitis

Non-surgical treatments can treat most problems in the feet. Treatments that your foot specialist may recommend in addition to, or in place of at-home treatments include:

• Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medications
• Custom orthotics (custom shoe inserts)
• Steroid injections
• Physical therapy
• Brace or boot
• Dietary changes to reduce uric acid buildup causing gout
• Platelet rich plasma injections
• Shockwave therapy
• Amniotic tissue injections

Foot and ankle fractures, bone spurs, and bunions may require surgery.

Book an Appointment with a Eugene Foot Specialist Today

If you’re struggling with foot pain, book an appointment at Eugene Foot & Ankle today. As a top-reviewed podiatric health care and surgery center, our Board-Certified podiatrists and podiatric surgeons will ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis, and foot pain relief as quickly as possible. Call 541-683-3351 or send us a message to request an appointment.