Understanding the Causes of Foot Pain and Ways to Achieve Foot Pain Relief

Many people can likely recall a scene from a television program or movie in which one of the characters is removing their shoes and socks while mumbling something about their aching feet. This actor will often overplay the scene in an attempt to elicit laughter from the audience while their fellow actors are displaying little to no sympathy for their plight.

Admittedly, some of these scenes can be rather humorous, based on clever dialogue and precise timing on the part of the actors. But the scenes are simply that, an act; anyone who has ever personally experienced foot pain or aching feet in general will undoubtedly say that this is no laughing matter.

There are many reasons why people may suffer from a sore foot or aching feet and legs, with some situations being more readily apparent or obvious (such as trauma or injury); other common foot pain causes can include but are not limited to:

• Foot Structure – flat feet, high arches, restriction of joints
• Obesity – added weight places stress on ligaments and joints
• Pregnancy – a result of increases in weight and hormone levels
• Improper Footwear – incorrect size, poor fit, insufficient support
• Inflammation – e.g.: plantar fasciitis, arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis
• Overuse – schedules that include lots of walking, running, standing

In some instances, tired and aching feet might be the result of a specific activity, such as foot pain that occurs after running or jogging, while the situation in other cases could be persistent in nature i.e., foot pain merely when walking or perhaps while just standing.

Depending on the circumstances that caused their aching feet, people might sometimes achieve sufficient foot pain relief by simply putting their feet up, so to speak, after a long day. Other actions that people can take to prevent or soothe sore and tired feet include:

• Soaking the feet in a bath of warm water and Epsom salts
• Light exercise – stretching the feet and toes; rotating ankles
• Massaging the feet, applying gentle pressure to the sore areas
• Massaging the soles of the feet (plantar fascia) using a foot roller
• Wear proper fitting shoes (size and support) specific to the activity
• Lifestyle – maintain a healthy weight and practice good foot hygiene

Healthy and pain-free feet can play a significant role in enjoying many aspects of life; it is therefore incumbent on an individual to understand and recognize any causes of their foot pain and take the appropriate steps to prevent or relieve cases of tired, aching feet.

Consult a Podiatrist if You Suffer from Constant, Chronic, or Severe Foot Pain

There can be situations in which people are experiencing constant foot pain regardless of the type or intensity of an activity or if they are even participating in any activities at all. Such cases are often defined as chronic foot pain, and basically no amount or type of at-home remedy brings about sufficient relief.

Under these circumstances, it would be advisable to seek professional treatment by one of the certified podiatrists from the Comfort Stride Foot Care Clinic. These specialists are trained and experienced in dealing with foot-related concerns ranging from acute injuries to chronic and severe foot pain; they can diagnose the most likely cause or causes of the foot pain and recommend an appropriate course of action to try and rectify the situation.

Some of these potential remedies could include:

• Custom orthotics
• Foot and/or ankle braces
• Orthopedic shoes or inserts
• Recommended lifestyle changes
• Recommended footwear modifications
• Physiotherapy, exercise, or hot/cold therapy

For further information on the treatment services offered by the specialists from Comfort Stride Foot Care Clinic relative to the causes and subsequent symptoms of foot pain, see our Foot Care Services page.

Mild to severe foot pain, whether acute or chronic, can be particularly inconvenient if not essentially debilitating. If you are suffering from a sore foot or have aching feet or some other form of foot pain that cannot be relieved through various home care practices, Call the certified podiatrists from Comfort Stride Foot Care Clinic today at 647-989-7794 or Contact us to schedule a consultation at your first opportunity.