Page 99 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

COMMON CONDITIONS: HEAD, BACK, AND LIMB PROBLEMS 97

Foot pain

Your feet undergo a great deal of wear and pressure. After prolonged standing or walking, they may
be aching and swollen, and overactivity can cause pain in the sole or heel, or muscle or tendon strains.
Shoes that chafe or squeeze, or sports shoes that do not support the feet, add to the problem. Morton’s
neuroma (swelling of a nerve between the toe bones) can cause pain in the ball of the foot. Some
conditions affecting the whole body, such as gout, diabetes, and arthritis, can also cause foot pain.

See also Corns and calluses, p.42; Warts and plantar warts, p.43; Ingrown toenail, p.55;
Bunions, p.98; Painful heel, p.99; Blisters, p.155.

See your doctor first
PRACTICAL TIPS
Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
Choosing sports shoes Your sports
● You have diabetes or poor circulation
shoes should fit comfortably from the start. If you
● Foot pain is due to an injury
practice a sport regularly, choose shoes designed for
that activity; for example, if you run on hard surfaces,
you need shoes that support your instep and cushion
What you can do yourself your heel. When buying new shoes, take the following
steps to ensure that they fit correctly.
There are several simple measures that you can ● Try on the shoes with appropriate sports socks.
take to minimize or relieve foot pain. ● Check that the shoes grip your heels and leave you
● Wear well-fitting shoes in which you can wiggle room to wiggle your toes. Relace them yourself so
your toes easily. Avoid shoes with pointed toes or that they apply even pressure to the top of your feet.
● Walk or run a few steps to decide whether or not
with heels higher than 2 in (5 cm). Alternate pairs
of shoes from day to day to give your feet a break. the shoes are comfortable.
● Buy new shoes at the end of the day when your
feet are likely to be at their largest. Don’t buy shoes
that are too tight and expect them to stretch. DRUG REMEDIES
● For sports and similar activities, choose shoes
Analgesics, such as ibuprofen (see p.185) or
that fit comfortably and are appropriate for your acetaminophen (see p.177), will help relieve muscle
chosen activity (see PRACTICAL TIPS, right). or joint aches. If the pain does not ease after a few
● Wear sneakers to and from work if you have days, stop taking them and arrange to see your doctor.
to wear formal shoes at the office. Moisturizers (see p.187) will keep your feet
soft and help prevent dry areas from developing.
● For extra support and cushioning, an insole may
Apply moisturizing cream or lotion just after a bath
help. Specialized insoles for sports footwear are or shower, while your skin is still moist.
available from sports shops.
● If your feet hurt, take an analgesic (see DRUG
REMEDIES, right).
● Soak aching feet in the bath, but not for too long Seek further medical advice
otherwise the skin will become dry. Afterward, Arrange to see your doctor if:
apply a moisturizer (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
● You still have foot pain after 2–3 weeks
● If the pain is related to a sporting activity,
of using the measures suggested here
reduce it or stop until the pain has gone.