Table of Contents
1. Applying Ice
A cold pack is an effective treatment to heal foot pain. The Orthotic Shop suggests a cold pack or homemade ice pack can be effective for people suffering from pain in the joints of the feet due to inflammation, infection, trauma, bursitis, arthritis, or gout. Don’t place the ice directly in the skin. Instead, use a wrapping bag to place the ice and hold the pack on the painful foot for about 15-20 minutes. Another way to do it is to place a frozen water bottle on the floor and roll the painful part of the foot over the bottle. This method is ideal for people suffering from plantar fasciitis.
2. Trying Anti-Inflammatory Or Non-Steroidal Drugs
Ibuprofen and aspirin are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. These drugs help relieve pain and inflammation and are useful for conditions such as bursitis, arthritis, and gout. They are also effective for tired and swollen feet. You can buy NSAIDs from any drug store over the counter. Avoid alcohol while using NSAIDs and take the drug with food or a glass of milk. Wearing comfortable shoes from the Orthotic Shop will help relieve pain.
3. Wearing Different Shoes
Uncomfortable or ill-fitting shoes are responsible for various kinds of foot pain. In fact, low-heeled and comfortable shoes can help reduce or prevent swollen feet and arch pain. This is more important during pregnancy.
Patients with plantar fasciitis should wear wide shoes with a thick & cushioned sole since the pain is always felt in the bottom of the heel. A cushioned insole from the Orthotic Shop will also help such people. On the other hand, comfortable shoes help prevent the condition of painful ingrown toenails. That’s why the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons suggests such patients see a doctor immediately. Cutting the ingrown nail at home can worsen the issue.
4. Using The RICE Method
RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. People who have fractured or sprained feet should follow this method as per the American Podiatric Medical Association. A sprain is a kind of soft tissue injury that occurs when the ligaments that connect bones are pulled or torn. Sports accidents, tripping, and falling are some of the most common causes of sprains. There are four steps to this method such as:
- Rest – The patient should stay off the injured foot. Sports events, running, and walking can make the injury worse.
- Ice – Apply an ice pack on the injured foot immediately. Repeat the process throughout the day for at least 15 minutes for the first two days.
- Compression – Wrap a bandage around the injured area. Although the bandage should be somewhat tight, be cautious as to not cut off blood circulation to the region.
- Elevation – Elevate the injured foot or feet so that they are above the heart. You can do it while lying down. This will help decrease the swelling.
5. Putting The Feet Up
Placing the injured foot on a chair or footstool is one of the most effective ways of easing the swelling or soreness of the foot. This will help decrease the swelling over time and heal the condition. On the other hand, excess fluid builds up in the feet during pregnancy and causes the feet to swell. The Orthotic Shop recommend elevating the feet as much as possible is the best way to reduce the swelling and pain associated with the condition.