Heel Pain

How To Treat Common Foot Problems At Home

For many of us, our feet take a pounding daily. So whether we’re standing for long periods, walking or running long distances, or simply wearing ill-fitting shoes, it’s no wonder that so many of us suffer from common foot problems.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to treat common foot problems at home. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common foot problems and how you can treat them effectively.

Is Heel Pain Holding You Back?

Heel pain often results from plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue running along the bottom of the foot. Treatment for plantar fasciitis often includes rest, ice, stretching exercises, and orthotic shoe inserts.

You might be surprised to learn that as much as 10 percent of the general population suffers from heel pain at some point. Heel pain most often occurs in adults between 40 and 60. Women are also more likely to experience heel pain than men for several reasons, including:

  • Wearing high heels or shoes that do not fit properly
  • Carrying extra weight
  • Working a job that requires a lot of standing or walking
  • Pregnancy
  • Flat feet or high arches

In some cases, however, heel pain may be caused by a more severe condition such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, or arthritis. Therefore, if you are experiencing heel pain that does not improve with home treatment, it is essential to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Bunions Are An Issue

Another common foot problem is bunions. Bunions are a considerable toe deformity, and they can be pretty painful. Bunions are often caused by wearing too-tight shoes or having a family history of bunions. Treatment for bunions includes wearing wider shoes, using pads or supports, and doing exercises to stretch the foot.

There are multiple practical actions you can take to treat bunions at home:

  • Soak your feet in warm water for twenty minutes each day. That reduces swelling and pain.
  • Apply ice to the impacted area for twenty minutes three times a day. That’ll help to reduce swelling.
  • Take over-the-counter medication to ease the pain.
  • Wear shoes that have a wide-toe box and avoid high heels. New shoes minimize pressure on the bunion, the fastest way to feel better

Foot pain can be extremely debilitating, making it difficult to walk, stand, or even wear shoes. And as a productive member of society, you don’t have time to be sidelined by foot pain.

The first step in addressing your foot pain is identifying the root cause. Common causes of foot pain include bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, and plantar fasciitis. Once you know what is causing your foot pain, you can treat it accordingly.

At-home care is always the best first line of defense when experiencing foot pain. However, these treatments may not cure your pain entirely but can help alleviate some pressure and discomfort.

If you’re still experiencing problems after trying these tips, please see a podiatrist for further treatment. Remember that early diagnosis and treatment are vital in preventing more severe complications.

Posted in Foot Care News.