In today's times, it is not uncommon to hear about some pain or other that people feel in their feet. When it comes to the issues that contribute to foot pain, there are many.
While a foot injury draws attention quickly to the pain, discomfort in the arch of the foot may also lead to nerve pain in the heel. Each of the difficulties can be for different reasons and have different remedies depending on when you notice the problem.
Managing pain in the foot is very commonly known and practised by most of us. We are all aware that pain is reduced by giving the foot as much rest as possible, refraining from activities that make the pain worse, and applying ice to the affected region for up to 20 minutes several times a day. Taking painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol may also be beneficial.
If the self-treatment does not work, it is wise to seek medical intervention from the best orthopaedic doctors in Pune.
Seeking medical attention is important in the case of the following scenarios
Have a noticeable malformation or open wound.
Feel a lot of discomfort or swelling.
Unable to bear weight on your foot.
Have infection symptoms, such as fever or redness
Got a wound that won't heal
Make an appointment with an orthopaedic doctor if you have swelling that doesn't go down after two to five days, discomfort that persists or worsens, difficulty doing daily tasks or going to work, or tingling, burning, or numbness.
In this blog, I am going to talk about the various occasions when feet hurt and the underlying causes that lead to them, along with some handy remedial measures.
The problem is so widespread that a branch of medicine is dedicated to understanding and treating foot pain. Podiatry is the branch of medicine devoted to the study/ diagnosis/ medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower extremities. It's important to pay attention to the signals from the body and address them immediately.
Each one of us has a different capacity for tolerating pain. Some of us have tried remedies from Google or advice from someone before we make time to see a doctor. Very often, we just ignore the discomfort and continue with our regular routine. It's important to know the reason for the pain and when to seek medical help.
Pain in the foot due to injury
A foot injury could be a foot sprain or strain, wherein the ligaments connecting the foot's bones, tendons, and muscles can be torn or stretched in a foot sprain. Five common injuries to the foot and ankle are listed below:
Tear or Achilles tendonitis. (The Achilles connects the two main calf muscles to the heel bone and is the biggest tendon in the body.
Sprain of the ankle
Stress fractures of the foot
Fractures of the ankle
PF (Plantar fasciitis)
Foot injury treatment
For the first few days or weeks following your injury, adhere to these steps:
Rest. Stop any painful physical activity, and if you can, keep your foot motionless.
Apply 20 minutes of ice to your foot 2 to 3 times each day.
Keep your foot elevated to reduce swelling.
If you require pain medication, take it.
Pain in the foot when running
We experience foot pain while running as a result of abruptly increasing the pace or bad running footwear. Tendonitis discomfort in the side of the foot usually worsens in the morning and with exercise, and it lessens with rest. The pain typically develops progressively over a few weeks or months.
How to care for your feet after jogging
Moisturise - After a run, most people take a shower, which is the perfect opportunity to hydrate their feet.
Refresh them – After running, bathe your feet in cold water to relieve any swelling and pain.
Give your feet a massage.
If the pain crops up frequently, seek medical intervention
Pain in the feet while walking
You may suffer from problems like plantar fasciitis or bone spurs. Outgrowths like bone spurs and plantar fasciitis are both caused by the heel's ligaments being torn or damaged. Your foot discomfort may also be brought on by fallen arches.
What can you do about it?
When you can, take a break and raise your feet.
Every two to three hours, apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas in a towel) to the sore area for up to 20 minutes.
Put on shoes with a lot of space for your feet, a low heel, and a comfortable sole.
Put soft cushions or insoles in your shoes.
If you are overweight, strive to lose weight.
Pain in the foot while sleeping
When we feel pain in our feet while sleeping, it may be because of inflammation and stiffness. It can result in excruciating nighttime foot pain when the plantar fascia is damaged from overuse (or poor use). Plantar fasciitis is the medical term for this ailment. Your plantar fascia may shorten throughout the night while you sleep with your toes pointed up, which will make your morning first step uncomfortable.
Are there any natural solutions for nighttime foot pain?
Throughout the day, drinking water helps keep you hydrated and prevents cramping.
Stretches – The muscles and tendons in and around your feet may be stretched with easy exercises like toe and heel raises.
Exercise, ice, and massage
I generally advise my patients to take the following precautions to prevent foot and ankle injuries:
Before we start any exercise, it is essential to do warm-ups, as it gets the body in a state of motion from rest.
Warming up prevents injuries by reducing stiffness and making the workout very effective.
Muscles need regular nurturing and strength training to sustain their daily load while doing physical activities like running, leg workouts, etc.
Footwear is chosen more wisely after research; investing in good ones ensures fewer injuries.
Our feet landing on the ground while walking or running should be observed well and done finely.
Keeping an eye on the ground to ensure we are not landing on an uneven surface is essential.
Listen to your body constantly; never overdo
Regular health check-ups ensure no deficiencies related to the health of bones and muscles.
It's also important to maintain the feet on a daily basis so that no problem arises in the first place. Here is a routine that can be easily followed.
Routine for foot care
A beneficial and easy one if we care about our feet that are;
Washing feet every time we get them out of footwear
Occasionally pamper them by soaking them in lukewarm saltwater
Scrubbing with pumice stone if there is dirt or otherwise, too, to remove the dead skin and
Drying them well with a towel
Massaging or applying moisturiser before bed
Wearing fresh socks to bed
Slippers when roaming around at home
The foot is the foundation of our entire frame. The foundation of a building determines how strong and tall a building will stand, the same way the fitness and health of our feet decide how efficiently we can manoeuvre our lives! Anything that goes wrong with the feet has a repercussion on the whole body.
Wear and tear are bound to happen to everyone sooner or later. One can have a smooth and easy life, especially in old age, so respond to the signals and take care! Follow Polaris healthcare - Best Multispeciality hospital In Pune for more such amazing blogs.
About The Author: Dr. Surendra Patil
Dr. Surendra Patil, MBBS, Diploma in Orthopaedics, DNB - Orthopedics Surgery, is a dynamic surgeon with skilled hands well versed in various surgical procedures in orthopedics and exceptionally well-read in his chosen expertise. He is proficient in Arthroscopic Surgeries, Adult Joint Reconstruction Surgery, Accidents & Emergencies, Joint Replacement, Healthcare Management, and Healthcare in general. He is an experienced Medical Professional with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & healthcare industry.