What causes foot pain?

There are many factors that contribute to foot pain

• Wearing shoes that do not fit properly — causing calluses and bunions

• Obesity or being overweight increases chances of foot problems or injuries.

A great tip when buying shoes — buy them in the afternoon when feet are at their largest due to swelling. If you wear heels, no more than one inch is best.

Calluses are thickened layers of skin caused by repeated pressure or friction. These are usually seen on the top or side of a toe when shoes do not fit properly. A bunion is a condition where the big toe points toward the second toe. This causes a bump on the edge of the foot that may also appear on the joint of the big toe.

High-heeled, narrow shoes that push the big toe towards the second toe can cause bunions. The condition is seen mostly in women, and sometimes runs in families. Bunions can become painful when extra bone and accompanying fluid-filled sac start to develop at the base of the big toe.

Relieving foot pain

Water massage

There feet relieving pain procedures can be used for all kinds of foot pain. Baths of hot and cold water can be very helpful for reducing swelling and pain.

Here’s what you do:

1. Soak your foot for 5 minutes in cold water

2. Move the foot to a container of hot water of a tolerable temperature. The temperature of the water should not be cool or even lukewarm

3. Soak the foot in the hot water for 5 minutes

4. Return to the cold water

This simple process invigorates the feet and opens and closes blood vessels. When you’re finished, use a moisturizing lotion to help massage the feet.

Ointments

There are some ointments, especially those made from capsaicin (interestingly, an active ingredient in hot peppers) that are excellent in relieving foot pain. The capsaicin helps in relieving the blaze caused by burning feet especially for diabetic individuals. Applying the ointment may cause burning sensations in some people but should not be a cause of alarm as this effect lessens over time.

Especially for diabetics, the effects of capsaicin ointment are remarkable. Many diabetics report greater improvement and were waling more easily compared to those using other brands of creams. Another advantage comes from the fact that since these ointments are applied onto the skin, there is less risk of side effects.

Break in new shoes carefully

New shoes often create some foot problems, especially if you use them for running or strenuous walking or hiking. Individuals with new shoes shouldn’t over exert or they may end up experiencing excruciating break-in pains.

Of course modern footwear has come a long way in terms of shoe development technology.

Stretching

Stretching out the calf can help reduce or relieve foot pain. 
Try this:

1. Standing three feet away from a wall, place your hand on the wall.

2. Lean toward the wall, bringing one leg forward and bending at the elbows.

3. Keep your back leg straight with the heel on the floor and then gently stretch the calf muscle.

4. Repeat for the other foot

Stretches like this can help in relieving some of the tension in the feet.

Choose the appropriate shoe size and shapes

Choosing the right shoe size and shape is important when it comes to foot problems. You need to buy shoes that match the arch of your foot so you don’t put too much tension on your foot. Another tip? Shop for shoes in the afternoon, as feet tend to be larger at this time of day.

Before you try any of the remedies discussed here, consult your own doctor for the treatments that will be best for your unique situation.