Foot pain is a very common issue that affects nearly 80% of the population. It is a symptom that is often caused by excessive physical exertion, a foot injury, or certain medical conditions. Most of the time it is mild and sporadic. However, many people experience it continuously or find the symptoms to be severe. The feet are the fulcrum of the entire body, so they have to support all of its weight. In addition, they facilitate the ability to move. Because of this, they are frequently the site of injuries and illnesses that trigger pain and other discomforts. Do you know how to combat this problem? The first step is to see a doctor to determine the causes of the pain. You can try at home some natural care and remedies to alleviate the pain. These remedies can be complementary to more intense treatments for serious foot pain or the sole treatment for mild pain. You have a lot of options, such as fasciitis home remedies. We will share a few simple tips you can try at home. Before you can choose the right remedy, you will need to know what the cause of the pain is.
Causes of Foot Pain
There are multiple factors that can lead to foot pain. The most frequent causes are related to poor lifestyle choices, such as wearing inappropriate shoes or practicing intense physical exercise. However, it can also be caused by medical conditions such as:
- Obesity (a study by the APMA found that 56% of foot pain is caused by weight problems)
- Foot ulcers (diabetic foot)
- Nerve damage to the feet
- Clogged or hardened arteries in the legs and feet
- Tendinitis and sprains
- Bunions or malformations
- Athlete’s foot
- Plantar fasciitis
- Uric acid accumulation
- Liquid retention
Keys to Relieving Foot Pain at Home
Before trying some remedies to relieve foot pain, it is essential to see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. You will then want to take the following steps:
- Wash them every day with a sterile soap and warm water (no more than 38°C).
- Wear comfortable, roomy, cushioned shoes.
- Avoid excessive use of high-heeled shoes.
- Cut your nails whenever necessary. If you cannot do it by yourself, see a chiropodist. Nails should be cut straight across and not too short.
- Do relaxation exercises for your feet, for example, rubbing them with a tennis ball.
- Adopt habits to maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, see a doctor to help control it.
- If you are diabetic, you will need to be extra careful and see a doctor every time you have an injury, spot, sore, or swelling.
- Sleep with your feet a little higher than your knees, so that you will activate the return circulation.
Home remedies to relieve foot pain
Resting and taking a pain medication can help decrease foot pain. However, you can also try a number of natural remedies that are proven to help relax the affected area and provide relief. These ideas are listed below. Foot bath Although, as we have said, you should not stop going to the doctor, water baths with alternating hot/cold water or the application of cold water to the feet can help to relieve the pain. Cryotherapy is a type of surface thermotherapy that relies on the application of cold as a therapeutic agent. You put warm water in a container and add sea salt. Immerse your feet, gently massage and then apply cold water; this will activate blood circulation. Dry the foot well, especially between the toes. Then apply a softening cream (never between the toes) or special powder or talc. Ginger bath Ginger is known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. If you feel pain in your feet after a long day of work, this remedy could help you. Grate a large amount of ginger and place it in 2 liters of boiling water. When the water cools down enough to be bearable, insert your feet and massage them; this will help activate the circulation. Horse Chestnut The benefits of consuming a horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) are numerous. Also, extracts from horse chestnut can help with venuous problems and the symptoms that accompany them. Therefore, horse chestnut seeds are regularly used to deal with inflammatory issues. It is useful for improving blood circulation and eliminating inflammation. Apply it in the form of compresses or creams. You can replace it with rosemary essential oil, which is also anti-inflammatory.
