Tips to Treat Feet and Prevent Foot Pain

By Raymond Lee - 2007-10-28 - Viewed 1086 times. Find more articles like this in our Pain and Pain Management category.

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When you really think about it, it is amazing that our feet can last as long as they do.

An average day of walking puts several hundred tons of pressure on your feet, which is partly why your feet are easier to get injured than any other part of your body. And when your feet have a problem, they will let you know it.

Firstly, they send you signals like corns, calluses, black nails, and bunions or even ingrown toenails. If you only deal with the signs and symptoms but not the underlying problems, your feet will eventually send you another signal that is impossible to overlook - pain. Usually, the problem in question is that your shoes don't fit right or that you were born with certain foot problems. Other factors have also come into play, for instance putting on extra weight as you age can add a tremendous amount of pressure to your feet. Regardless of why your feet is hurt, here are some ways that you can adopt to prevent foot pain.

1. Measure Your Feet

Shoes that are too tight can make your feet hurt even more. Since your feet grows as you age, the shoe that fit when you are 30 may be too small now. Have a friend to measure your feet for you when you are standing. It would be great if you do this every time you want to buy a new pair of shoes. Some other ways that you get the right fit are for instance, try on the shoes when your feet are at their largest - swelling, fit shoes to your largest foot if you have one foot bigger than the other, and make sure that there is at least a half-inch between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.

2. Make Your Exercise Interesting

If your feet hurts because you give them a regular pounding every time you take a brisk walk. recommend to change your routine. For instance, alternate between weight-bearing activities such as running and non-weight-bearing activities such as cycling. If you prefer to run, alternate between hard tar roads and softer surfaces like trails.

3. Use Hot Peppers

Creams made from capsaicin, the active ingredient in hot peppers, can relieve arthritis and other foot pain. At first, this lotion may cause a burning sensation and it will go away the more you use this stuff. Rub lightly to cover the affected area on your feet whenever you feel pain. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly each time you use and bear in mind to keep this cream away from your eyes. It can really burn.

4. Soak Your Feet In Water

Soak your feet in Epsom salts and warm water. The soak can drain swollen tissues and help to relieve pressure. Remember to follow the directions on the package, which usually recommend one tablespoon of Epsom salts dissolved in each quart of water.

5. Modify Your Stretch Times

The Achilles tendon stretches can help alleviate heel pain when it strikes, but you should also do them routinely. Be sure to stretch before and after exercising. Also, stretch before going to sleep and before getting out of bed in the morning. Though you might think your legs and feet are relaxed at night, most people sleep with their feet pointed keeping the Achilles tight all night long. Therefore, just by stretching before you rise, you can get your feet off to a good start.

6. Try Painkillers

Ibuprofen is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This type of drug can relieve the pain and swelling of most types of foot pain. Just need to follow the directions from the package. However, bear in mind that it is only a temporary fix. You do not want to stay over-the-counter painkillers for more than a few weeks. Try out some other strategies too to relieve your foot problem.

7. Switch To Running Or Walking Shoes

If your foot's natural padding has eroded over time, wear sneakers. They have extra cushioning in the heel, which will make up for your reduced, natural fat pads. Lace-up shoes will also put less stress on the front of your foot if you have pain there.

Raymond Lee is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is the Founder of Bodyfixes Group specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit bodyfixes.com for more information.

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