The average person takes around 7,500 steps a day. Over a lifetime, that adds up to walking around the Earth five times! Healthy feet are a vital part of the mobility that makes this “feat” possible. If you’re experiencing discomfort, finding a way for effectively managing foot pain is crucial. 

Common Causes of Foot Pain

Feet serve as the foundation of the entire body and provide incredible support when treated with care. Foot pain is common and typically stems from injury or overuse. It can also be an indicator of an underlying health condition. 

Here are some possible causes of foot pain:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Heel Spurs
• Metatarsalgia
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Tendonitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Strains and sprains

If you have an underlying health issue contributing to your foot pain, reach out to your healthcare provider to identify an appropriate course of action. 

If you’re dealing with an acute injury or experiencing symptoms stemming from overuse, consider getting started with physical therapy right away. Getting treatment early on can help you get back to what you love faster while avoiding the expense of medical imaging, injections, or surgery. Physical therapy helps you restore mobility and reduce the discomfort associated with foot pain. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Managing Foot Pain 

Luna physical therapists are experts in treating patients experiencing foot pain. Using proven techniques and personalized treatments, our PTs have helped hundreds of patients recover from foot pain. Here are some of the most common questions we hear from patients managing foot pain. 

How do I get rid of pain in my foot?

The best way to get rid of foot pain depends on the underlying cause. Acute foot injuries typically cause sudden and severe pain. The pain associated with overuse injuries typically builds up over time. If rest and RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) do not alleviate your pain, support from a physical therapist or other medical professional may be necessary. Of course, if you’re experiencing severe pain or swelling or suspect infection, seek immediate medical attention. 

What is the best painkiller for foot pain?

There are a number of pharmaceutical treatments that can provide short-term relief from foot pain. Oral analgesics like acetaminophen (Tylenol) can ease discomfort without reducing inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen) may be prescribed by your doctor for a short period of time. Topical analgesics in the form of lotion, cream, or gel can relieve some forms of foot pain. Always consult your doctor before pursuing any pharmaceutical treatment. 

How do you stop/prevent chronic foot pain?

Pain medication can provide powerful short-term pain relief. But to truly heal, you’ll need to seek treatment that addresses the root causes of your pain, not just the symptoms. In other words, you can’t just put a Band-Aid over the problem and expect anything to change. Once you’ve ruled out any underlying health issues that may be contributing to your pain, find a physical therapist dedicated to helping you heal.

Ready to take the first step towards relief? The last thing you want to do when you are managing foot pain is walk or drive to a clinic. Luna brings safe and effective physical therapy right to your door with no added cost. We can’t wait to help you restore motion, reduce pain, and get back to what you love. Give us a call today to get started.