Treatment of Foot Pain: How to Care for Our Feet
Did you knowour feet talk? It’s true. Our feet can tell us about our overall health. Take a minute toreview what our feet tell us.
If our foot pain is more than soreness from normal wear and tear created by their performance under pressure, it’s time to consider a treatment plan. Plans vary depending on what is causing our foot pain. It is not a one-shoe-fits-all approach. Foot pain can have avariety of causes,symptoms, and individualized treatments.
Treatments
What was required to treat my foot pain may very well be different than what you may need. Conservative treatment for my bone spurs and corns failed to resolve my foot pain, so I visited a podiatrist, a specialized physician and surgeon that specializes in foot care. My treatment included surgical removal. Other treatments might include:
Rest
Splints
Ice
Warm water soaks
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
A trip to the podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon
Wound care
Local injections
Myofascial treatment
Orthotics (inserts or special shoes that provide the necessary support)
Posture modifications
Addressing weak muscles from the tips of your toes to your buttocks
A change in activity or certain behaviors
Footwear adjustments, which might include special inserts or specially made shoes
Management of underlying health problems
Assessment of medications that might be a contributing factor
Medications to treat the underlying cause
Surgery to remove a lump, scarring, bone spur, or entrapped nerve
Exercises, including stretching and rebuilding muscle strength
You may not need to take that next step. But stay alert to your symptoms. See your doctor if they affect your quality of life or if your problems contribute to additional health risks.
