Home Remedies for Foot Pain
Although we use our feet every day to carry us from place to place, we often fail to pay attention to them. It is only when they cause us pain that we really notice how important they are and what kind of damage can be caused from untreated foot pain. If left untreated, foot pain can cause other problems in your lower back, hips and even your knees. There are various causes of foot pain, which can extend from the balls of your feet to your arches to your heels. Fortunately, there are simple home remedies you can try before making a trip to the doctor and possibly spending a lot of money on medical treatments and minor surgeries.
Heel and Foot Muscle Stretches — There are different kinds of stretches you can do to relieve muscle pain in the foot. Typically, foot stretches soothe the effects of plantar fasciitis, a common pain in the heel resulting from a strained ligament that connects your heel to the ball of your foot.
To stretch this ligament, grab a frozen water bottle, cold can or foam roller and roll your foot back and forth over it for at least a minute before switching feet. Then, cross one leg over the other. Grab your big toe, and gently pull it toward you. Hold it there for at least 15 to 30 seconds and repeat three times before switching feet. For the last stretch, take a towel and fold it long ways. While seated, wrap the towel under the arches of your feet and grab each end with both hands. Gently pull the tops of your feet toward you with the towel and hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat three times.
Insoles—Insoles, like the supportive aids provided by ComfyWalk, are especially handy as they aid in providing relief for a number of different kinds of foot pain. Insoles can ease foot pain by providing additional support so that your foot is better-aligned while you walk and partake in other daily activities. Insoles are also helpful if you have shoes that are too big, which can cause foot pain because your foot is not getting the right support in the right places. Furthermore, for people who wear high heels, insoles can provide additional support on the ball of the foot to reduce the pressure on the metatarsal bones. ComfyWalk’s Insoles are unique in that you can use them with any pair of shoes, so you don’t have to worry about spending extra money to prepare all of your footwear.
Heat and Ice—Applying heat to your sore feet increases blood flow, and applying ice or soaking your feet in cold water reduces inflammation. You can either soak your feet in alternating tubs of hot and cold water, or you can use a heating pad and ice pack. While this remedy relieves pain, it will not address the cause of pain, so if you have consistent foot pain that is not due to a temporary injury or sprain, you may still want to invest in an insole and try stretching.