By Brian Acton
Foot pain can make it difficult for you to get around or unwind at the end of a long day. In some cases (such as injury), the cause of pain is obvious, while other times there’s no clear culprit. Either way, there are many simple, inexpensive methods to provide relief. Here are seven simple ways to relieve your foot pain.
- Rest Your Feet
Giving your feet a short break can provide long-lasting relief. Whether you’re suffering from injury or just sore from standing and walking all day, resting gives your feet a chance to recover. Every day, you should find some time to sit down, elevate your feet, and let them rest (at least for a little while).
- Take a Footbath
Soaking your feet in a warm footbath can provide relief and relaxation at home. Footbaths are soothing and can soften or stretch sore muscles. Many footbaths on the market today even contain massagers, so you can get a foot rub as you soak your feet. And although there’s no scientific consensus on this method, adding Epsom salts is a traditional home remedy that is believed to heal foot and skin infections and reduce inflammation.
- Use Hot and Cold Packs
If your foot has fallen victim to strains, sprains, or other injuries, you can use hot and cold therapy to apply heat or cold temperatures to relieve the resulting pain. Cold therapy can be used on injuries to reduce swelling and inflammation. Heat can be used to limber up tight or sore muscles.
Hot and cold packs are affordable, easy to use, and can be popped in the freezer or microwave at home.
- Wear Heel Lifts
When you need daytime relief,
heel lifts can help. Slip these inserts into your shoe to relieve foot pain resulting from heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, or Achilles tendinitis. Heel lifts also absorb impact as you walk, reducing the stress on the body caused by walking.
- Get a Foot Massage
A professional foot massage can be extremely relaxing, but you have options if you that sounds like an unnecessary expense. You can use a foot roller to stretch and massage your sore feet. The
Swede-O Plantar F3 Foot Roller is especially helpful for plantar fasciitis, and can even be heated or frozen to provide hot or cold therapy.
- Stretch Your Feet
Stretching your toes and calves can help to keep your feet limber, and are the perfect start to your morning. Stretches promote flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support your feet.
- Use OTC Medication
Ibuprofen, naproxen, and other over the counter anti-inflammatory aids can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Conclusion These simple, inexpensive remedies can provide relief to fleeting or chronic foot pain. But if you’re experiencing serious, recurring pain, you should consult your doctor. Depending on the nature of your injury, your doctor may recommend some of these methods in combination with physical therapy, medication, or other treatments.
Sources: https://www.livestrong.com/article/101291-benefits-soaking-feet-epsom-salt/
