Foot pain can be agony and finding the right foot pain treatment can be a tough job. Pain in the feet can occur for many different reasons, therefore it’s important to properly diagnose the source of the pain to effectively establish the correct treatment. Here are a number of causes of foot pain:

Sprains And Strains

These are very common injuries and are caused by putting the muscles or ligaments under pressure that they are not accustom to. Bruising, swelling or tenderness can be linked with strains and sprains along with difficulty walking when putting weight on the injury.

Sprain Treatment

The best treatment for this type of injury is to take painkillers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. It is also recommended that PRICE therapy is undertaken, this stands for (protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation). A combination of both painkillers and PRICE therapy is the most beneficial way to heal the injury quickly.

Bunions

Bunions are easy to spot as the foot will look as if a boney lump is protruding at the side, just under the big toe. The big toe will also point towards the other toes in an unnatural manner. This is a common problem, particularly for women, the exact cause of bunions is unknown but is often linked with forms of arthritis.

Bunion Treatment

This type of injury should be treated as soon as possible as it can get worse if left untreated. Treatment is usually non-surgical at first and may include things such as bunion pads or orthopedically adjusted footwear. However, sometimes surgery is required and therefore it’s recommended to visit a GP to discuss treatments. Foot posture will have a significant effect on the development of a bunion. Foot Orthotics are an important requirement to improve foot posture and protect the bunion. In addition, The Foot and Leg Clinic can provide a specific foot mobilisation treatment technique to reverse some of the changes found on x-ray.

Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)

Plantar Fasciitis can result in severe pain in the heels and is caused by damage to the fascia, a soft tissue that runs on the underside of the foot. It is most common in people who are overweight or spend a lot of time on their feet. It is also common in those aged 40 to 60, the pain often worsens over time and is particularly noticeable when waking up in the morning or after a day of spending long periods of time putting the feet under pressure.

Heel Pain Treatment

The best treatment for this type of injury is to rest, along with using ice packs to ease the pain. It is recommended that pain killers are taken and is often a good idea to invest in specially designed footwear or insoles that provide additional support to the feet. It is very rare that surgery is required to treat this issue but occasionally injections into the foot may be required if other treatment methods have been unsuccessful. If home treatments have had little effect, it is advised to visit a GP who may arrange for physiotherapy sessions as a solution.

Morton’s Neuroma

This condition affects the nerves between the toes and can often lead to pain in the ball of the foot and base of the toes. It occurs when fibrous tissues develop around the nerves, usually around the third and fourth toes causing the nerves to become compressed and irritated. Sharp pain is often felt around the ball of the foot and base of the toes, particularly when applying weight to the foot.

Morton’s Neuroma Treatment

Surgery is rarely needed if more conventional methods of treatment are applied. It is a good idea to invest in the correct footwear that provides adequate room for the toes and take painkillers, such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to assist with pain relief. If there is no improvement a GP may conclude that steroid injections are needed and consider a surgical procedure.

Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is generally associated with pain in the front of the foot, it often affects one or more toes near the ball of the foot. Sometimes the entire foot can be affected by this condition and is often felt when pressure is put on the foot. It is common in people who regularly play sports, those who are overweight and elderly people.

Foot Pain Treatment

PRICE (protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation) therapy is generally recognised as the best treatment for this type of injury. As with strains and sprains, this will assist with the healing process and pain relief. It is also recommended to invest in shock absorbing insoles which prevent any further damage. Surgery is not usually required but may be needed if the damage is severe.

Orthotics are sometimes the best foot pain treatment. Unlike shoe inserts, orthotics are molded to fit each individual foot, so you can be sure that your orthotics fit and do what they are supposed to do. Prescription orthotics are also made of top-notch materials and last many years when cared for properly.

Book an appointment with your nearest Foot and Leg Clinic today for the best foot pain treatment.